PROFILE
Hi! I'm Maria, and I'm an experienced graphic designer and marketing professional.
My career began in marketing in the education industry, but in recent years I have been fortunate enough to work in marketing for clients in all kinds of sectors. Employers, colleagues, and clients appreciate my creativity, passion, hard-working ethos, and proactive approach to new challenges. Personal interests include art, travel and culture, psychology.
When I'm not at work, I also fancy myself a bit of an 👩🎨 Artist (if interested, check out my Instagram @ninamaria_art), 🌍 World Adventurer (skyscanner.com is a regular in my search history) and 🍷 Wine Enthusiast (I’m planning to undertake the WSET Awards, wish me luck!)
I'm now looking for my next exciting challenge within the world of design, brand and marketing.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
MARKETING MANAGER
The WeComm Group | Mar 2022 - Present
• Developing overall marketing strategies for WeComm Group brands including WeComm, WeTech, WeInspire Podcast, and Retail on the Thames (exclusive industry network event).
• Brand management, social media management, sales tools and decks production, website management, podcast launch and production, email marketing (CampaignMonitor), Retail on the Thames (Eventbrite) and research surveys (Typeform).
• Overhauled the WeComm brand, and branded the WeTech, WeInspire and Retail on the Thames brands.
• Delivered a highly engaging suite of sales tools including presentation decks and client and candidate onboarding experiences.
• Grew the company’s LinkedIn page following from 300 to 10,500+ in 12 months.
FREELANCE DESIGNER & BRAND CONSULTANT
2017 - Present (part time)
Delivering graphic design and brand consultation services to businesses of all sizes across various sectors.
• Marketing services to non-profits such as Battle Festival of Arts and Music, Hastings Beer and Music Festival, and St Michael’s Hospice.
• Offer full consultation to build brands from the ground up, including logo design, visual assets, typography, website design, social media templates, and full brand guidelines.
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER & MARKETING EXECUTIVE
MJS Media & Growth by Design | Apr 2018 - Jul 2021
• Provided graphic design and marketing services to SMEs, including branding design, brochures, flyers, packaging, exhibition materials, signage, and advertising.
• Led successful rebrands and branding projects for start-up businesses across various sectors.
• Designed and implemented new branding package services for the company leading to higher and more profitable sales.
• Defined and implemented marketing strategies for clients based on their business objectives, including website development and SEO, PPC campaigns, and social media management.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER & MARKETING ASSISTANT
Rye Academy Trust | Sep 2014 - Aug 2017
• Provided graphic design and marketing services across a trust of three schools, including website and social media management, press relations, event promotion and marketing materials design.
RECOMMENDATIONS
"Maria is one of those graphic designers who just gets it. She can take a clients brief and turn it to something better than they ever imagined. Her ability to problem solve when presented with the task of presenting information is outstanding and her attention to detail is second to none. She is one of the best designers I have worked with" - Matt Southam, MJS Media
“The design and promotional marketing support from Maria this year has been fantastic from start to finish. She has been a real asset to the 2021 summer festival and we can’t wait to work together again on next year’s events.” - David Furness, Battle Festival of Arts & Music“On the whole though I’m genuinely blown away by the whole thing! It’s like you read my mind as it’s exactly as I wanted it!” - Jason Hutton, Trade Tech Solutions
“Can I just say how helpful Maria has been with this process. She really has been excellent and flexible in meeting our requirements!" - Vanessa Green, Airtemp AC Ltd
“The graphic design this year from Maria has been exceptional and I have enjoyed working with her on producing some fantastic and engaging pieces of artwork!” - James Beeching, Hastings Beer and Music Festival
“This is amazing!! Wow ....Thank you so much and well done!!” - Chris Hawkes, Born Ready Fitness
EDUCATION
BA (HONS) VISUAL COMMUNICATION: GRAPHIC DESIGN
University of Brighton | First Class Honours
A LEVELS
Sussex Coast College Hastings | Graphic Design / Photography / Contemporary Art & Design / Psychology