Maria and belle sitting on a park
Maria and belle sitting on a park

Maria

Varela

BRAND
DESIGNER

Hi, I’m Maria.
Founder and brand designer behind Maria’s Creative Haus.

I work with founders and growing teams to design clear, cohesive brand systems for brands in motion—work that supports the next phase of growth with intention, consistency, and impact. My background spans visual identity, art direction, web, and brand collateral, allowing me to design across touchpoints while keeping the bigger picture in focus.

Originally from Chile, I moved to the U.S. over a decade ago driven by curiosity, creativity, and a belief that thoughtful design can shape how businesses grow and connect. That perspective continues to inform how I work today: design isn’t just about how something looks, but how it feels, functions, and holds together as a system.

Through Maria’s Creative Haus, I partner closely with clients as an extension of their team—bringing clarity to complex ideas, structure to growing brands, and creative direction that scales. Whether I’m building a brand from the ground up or refining an existing one, my goal is always the same: to create work that feels confident, considered, and built to last.

Outside of client work, I’m usually recharging with my Goldendoodle, Belle! equal parts studio companion and morale booster, who firmly believes she’s the real creative director.

Biography

Design isn’t just what I do — it’s how I think, communicate, and solve problems. It blends storytelling with intention, creating work that people don’t just see, but connect with.

Over the years, that mindset has shaped my work across a range of clients—from commercial real estate teams and lifestyle brands to local businesses with big visions. No matter the project, the goal is always the same: to design with intention, lead with clarity, and bring ideas to life in a way that’s both visually compelling and genuinely useful.

Skills and Expertise

Brand Design & Visual Systems

Art Direction & Creative Direction

Web & Digital Design

Marketing, Collateral & Presentation Design

Work experience

Senior Manager, Creative | JBG Smith

2023—2025

Graphic Designer | Various Clients

2021—2023

Graphic Designer | Rappaport

2020—2021

Consultant | non-profit LEDC

On-going

Ready to start?

let's work together

Limited spots available each month

Ready to start?

let's work together

Limited spots available each month

Ready to start?

let's work together

Limited spots available each month