"From a certain point onward there is no longer any turning back. That is the point that must be reached."
An Art-Tech Voyage Across the Ocean
The driving force behind Pixelshark is Šárka [sha:rka] Kalusová – a highly skilled and experienced marketing and creative professional. With a career spanning Europe and North America, she has worked with renowned media organizations, top international ad agencies, and successfully established a highly successful business of her own.
Starting her career in Prague, Czech Republic (then Czechoslovakia), Sarka gained valuable expertise while working for an art publication and a TV station. After the “Velvet Revolution” in 1989 and the subsequent transition to a democratic political system, Sarka’s unwavering passion for technology and design propelled her towards Apple Computer. Joining as the Marketing Manager for the first-ever Apple Computer presence in the Eastern bloc, she played an instrumental role in pioneering cutting-edge projects and immersing herself in the forefront of innovation. It was during this transformative experience that she drew inspiration from Apple’s unified international presence and their exceptional creative and strategic approach, which has since become the guiding force shaping her future work.
Seeking new challenges, Sarka transitioned to the advertising industry, collaborating with renowned international ad agencies, including BBDO (Account Manager), McCann-Erikson (Creative Director), Dorland (Creative Director), Mimetic (Creative Director). She developed comprehensive strategies for global brands such as Nestlé, BMW, Bacardi, Gillette, Bata and others, leveraging her creative talents and market insights to deliver exceptional results.
With a desire to expand her horizons, Sarka relocated to the United States and joined an international marketing firm in Boston. There, she specialized in adapting advertising campaigns for large clients (BankBoston, John Hancock, Hitachi) to foreign-speaking audiences, effectively bridging the gap between cultures and enabling brands to connect with diverse markets. Subsequently, she applied her expertise in a software company, focusing on developing groundbreaking imaging solutions.
Finding her calling in Canada in the early 2000’s, Sarka collaborated with several agencies on a range of marketing projects, including a successful email marketing campaign for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Bid, projects for L’Oreal, Visa, IMAX, Bank of Montreal, Polaroid, Novotel, Tetley, Vodafone, Lancôme, E*Trade, Guiness, Kia, DaimlerChrysler, Danone, Evian, SC Johnson and others, and eventually established Digital Fin, her own marketing communications business – and currently the sister company to Pixelshark.
Known for her ability to craft compelling campaigns, she has quickly acquired attractive projects and opportunities, including work for industry leaders in the bustling Canadian film industry (Avi Federgreen, Mercury Films, Su Rynard, Liz Mars Productions, Unobstructed View, Indiecan Entertainment, HeroicTV), musicians (Hélène Grimaud, Morgan Doctor, The Bona Fide Truth), visual artists (Mat Hennek, Madeleine Gross, Brock Irwin), authors (Ann-Marie MacDonald, Anne Fleming), theater companies and artists (Mirvish Productions, Alisa Palmer), non-profits (Wolf Conservation Center, Inside Out), government agencies (City of Toronto “Live With Culture”, Arts in the Hood), and emerging startups.
In 2019 Sarka re-established her presence in the United States where she currently operates Pixelshark LLC, serving her long-term US-based clients and developing new partnerships.
The company’s portfolio includes a wide range of projects, from traditional marketing and advertising, video production (including directing, editing and producing), to web-based strategies and campaigns, branding and beyond.
Sarka’s web design and development skills are highly regarded, and she consistently delivers visually stunning and user-friendly websites that enhance her clients’ online presence. With a keen understanding of marketing and branding, she ensures that each website aligns seamlessly with her clients’ overall strategy, delivering engaging and impactful digital experiences.
With a proven track record of success and a passion for innovation, Sarka Kalusova is the go-to professional for web design, development, and marketing solutions. Whether you are a global brand seeking to expand your digital reach or a local business looking to make an impact online, Sarka’s expertise and creative prowess will help you achieve your goals and elevate your brand’s presence.
