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Born In Colombia

 

I’m a visual communicator working across design and advertising. I believe stories and ideas can change the world, and I bring that belief to life through thoughtful, playful design rooted in research and strategy.

 
 

ABOUT ME

My creative journey began in Toronto as an advertising art director, working on national and global campaigns for brands like Lululemon, the Directors Guild of Canada, and the Canadian Cancer Society. A few years later, I moved to London, where I joined the design team at 4Creative, followed by a senior role at Interbrand, building brands across physical and digital spaces. Currently, I’m at Hard Work Club, where I wear many hats across campaigns and brand identity projects.

For the past 6 years, I’ve also run an independent practice, developing a wide range of projects for clients including the Toronto Flower Market, IDEO.org, Radford Beauty, and The Feathertale Review. I’m passionate about using design and creativity to shape our lives and build the future we want to see.

EXPERIENCE

— Associate Creative Director at Hard Work Club
— Senior Designer at Q30
— Senior Designer at Interbrand
— Freelance Designer at 4Creative
— Art Director at Juliet Creative
— Art Director at Zulu Alpha Kilo
— Designer at Whitman Emorson

EDUCATION

OCAD University — Toronto
BDes Advertising
Minor in Media Studies


Penninghen — Paris
Art Direction

RECOGNITION

— 2025, Applied Arts Illustration and Photography Awards Jury
2024, D&AD Shortlist / Type Design & Lettering, AtkinsRéalis
2024, Creative Review Honourable Mention, AtkinsRéalis
— 2024, LADAWARDS, Bronze, Typography
2023, Communication Arts Winner, Typography Competition
— 2022, Communication Arts Finalist, Design Competition
2022, Clio Music, Silver, SickKids: “Lily’s Raincoat“
— 2019, ADCC, Bronze, EGM: Dear 2030
— 2019, Communication Arts Webpicks, Pardon Website
— 2017, Applied Arts Student Awards, Entire Ad Campaign
— 2017, Zulu Alpha Kilo Employeeship Winner

©2025 (Studio) Maria José Arias