Duration: I launched my own design studio three years ago.

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Education: BFA in graphic design from Escola Superior de Artes e Design, Senhora da Hora, Portugal; MFA in graphic design from Escuela Universitaria de Diseño e Ingeniería de Barcelona (ELISAVA), Barcelona, Spain. 

Career path: I began studying fine arts in Portugal, but quickly changed my major to graphic design. After I moved to Barcelona and graduated from ELISAVA, I started working straight away at a multidisciplinary studio called No-Domain. It was amazing. After that, I worked part time at the Barcelona-based Ana Mirats Studio and then moved to Amsterdam, where I worked at a brand communications studio called Matte. I was there for a year before deciding to go freelance. It took time to build my network and a body of work, but I’m having fun! 

Artistic influences: I have quite a few beloved heroes in art, including John Baldessari, Mike Kelley, Anna Lomax, Henri Matisse, TOILETPAPER magazine, Lawrence Weiner and Yokoland. My girlie side likes the work of photographer Arvida Byström! I’m also unconsciously influenced by my travels and, having lived in many cities, I’ve picked up a bit of each city to make a tutti frutti.  

Work environment: Amsterdam is an amazing city to live in. My studio is located in the city’s north side; to get to the other side, you have to cross over the water on a ferry. I work in an old shipyard that was converted into an “art city.” Huge containers, big boxes and homemade studios are occupied by all kinds of creatives. Working here, I am surrounded by craftsmen, designers, artists and photographers from many backgrounds and nationalities. 

Approach: To bring more character and personality to projects, I work very intuitively. I have my own way of seeing that’s been shaped by years of design experience. Techniques are something that I learn along the way—according to necessity—and my interests range across a wide spectrum. 

Philosophy: Get inspired by people and your surroundings. Be hardworking, curious, critical and dreamy.