Call me Elisa :)
Profile
Maria Elisa is a Brazilian creative director and strategist based in Spain. With a background in design and over a decade of experience in advertising, editorial and branding, she helps brands communicate with clarity and purpose. Her work bridges strategy and aesthetics to create meaningful narratives — from product launches to digital platforms and social impact projects. She believes design is not just visual, but a strategic tool for transformation and connection.
Education
2010 - 2013: Graduated as Graphic Designer | ESPM | SP
2012: The Design Entrepreneur course with Steven Heller, Lita Talarico and Milton Glaser | SVA | NY
2015: Innovation and Design Thinking course with Luis Alt | ESPM | SP
2016 - 2017: Master's Degree in Marketing | Insper | SP
2020: Agile: Scrum, Kanban and other methodologies | Saint Paul | SP
2020: Mesa Method | MESA.SCHOOL | SP
2021: Professional Scrum Master I | Scrum.org | Worldwide certification
Experience
2011 - 2012: Design Intern | Ogilvy Brasil
2012 - 2013: Design Intern | Editora Abril - GLOSS magazine
2013: Design Intern | Editora Abril - Capricho magazine
2014: Graphic Designer | Editora Globo - Época magazine
2015: Graphic Designer | Editora Abril - Capricho magazine
2016 - 2018: Freelance Art Director and Graphic Designer for independent clients and companies such as AlmapBBDO, VIP magazine, Claudia magazine, Capricho, Bamboo&Co, XGuides Licensing, Inesplorato and Dailus cosmetics.
2018 - 2023: Digital Experience and Patient Journey Partner | Pfizer Brasil
2023 - now: Freelance Designer, Creative Director and Strategist for independent clients and companies such as Natura, MIBR, Accor and W3Haus.
Skills
Creative Strategy | Graphic Design | Art Direction | Branding | Marketing |
Design Thinking | Design Sprint | Workshop Facilitation | Scrum Master
Tools
★★★★★ Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, XD and Express
★★★★ Figma, Office and iWork
★★★ Adobe After Effects and Premiere
Awards
2011: Design Week ESPM | Best Magazine Project (Gatsby magazine)
2012: Design Week ESPM | Best Game (Dominando: game for people with ASD)
2013: Emilie Chamie Prize ESPM | Best Printed Portfolio
2015: Creative Diary: Design for a Better World Contest | IED Barcelona | 2nd place on App Design (NossoMundo App)
2019: Brazil Design Award | Nascentes do Mucuri | Bronze on Positive Impact Design
2023: Pfizer Recognition - Cross-Pollination Award | Innovation in UI/UX processes
Contact
Don't be shy, come say hi!
m.elisazaia@gmail.com
Based in Madrid, Spain and online worldwide