Call me Elisa :)
Profile
Maria Elisa is a Brazilian creative director and strategist.
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
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