Communication Designer
mdfgarcia28@gmail.com
+351 917844294
Working in a smaller company allowed me to take on diverse roles across various areas, from briefing creation and product development to communication through printed and digital materials, always with a strong focus on brand positioning. I was also involved in in-store product presentation, as well as the design and conception of window displays and pop-up stores in shopping centers around the world. One of the most remarkable challenges was the opening of the Carmo store, located on the iconic Rua do Carmo in Lisbon, where Claus Porto revived the space that once housed the prestigious Lisbon bookstore Aillaud & Lellos, restoring its essence.
More recently, I joined the Valverde project, a boutique hotel chain currently comprising three properties: Valverde Lisboa Hotel & Garden, Valverde Santar Hotel & Spa, and Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais. These spaces redefine the art of hospitality, seamlessly blending heritage, exceptional locations, and an unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction. I was particularly involved in the latter two hotels, closely following their opening and the development of the brand’s identity. My experience in the luxury hospitality sector has enabled me to refine my skills and adapt them to a fast-paced, constantly evolving environment, working closely with diverse teams. The creation of communication materials has proven essential in all areas of the hotel, from the reception to restaurant kitchens, as well as social media and websites, ensuring that all projects align with the brand’s needs and the company’s objectives.
EXPERIENCE
VALVERDE LIVING
Boutique hotel group specializing in luxury hospitality
Communication & Marketing Design 2023 - 2025
• Responsible for all visual communication, campaigns, and events for luxury properties, including Valverde Lisboa Hotel & Garden, Condes de Azevedo Palace, and the opening of new hotels and restaurants
• Rebranding and launch of Valverde Santar Hotel & Spa and the iconic Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais, including visual identity and managing communication for the opening events
• Creative coordination and planning of photoshoots, ensuring complete alignment with the brand's identity
CLAUS PORTO
Iconic fragrance and personal care brand
Communication Design 2017-2022
• Creation of impactful visual concepts and development of communication materials to strengthen the brand’s identity
• Development of briefs and strategic guidelines for social media, collaborating with teams on creating engaging images and copy
• Design and implementation of captivating digital campaigns, including newsletters and ads
• Activation of marketing plans, monitoring performance against growth objectives
• Coordination with PR agencies and management of the promotional plan
• Art direction and planning of photoshoots, ensuring full strategic alignment with the brand and its quality standards
• Product development, from conception to execution
• Creation of innovative packaging and labels, with aligned strategy and design
• Strategic use of materials, finishes, and visual narratives to strengthen the brand identity, enhance the consumer experience, and differentiate products in the market
Visual Merchandising and Brand Management 2019-2022
• Development of branding strategy and management of the product portfolio
• Establishment of strategic partnerships with stakeholders and business partners
• Creation of point-of-sale (POS) materials and commercial tools for retailers
• Design of 2D/3D displays, reinforcing the brand experience at the point of sale
• International support for owned stores in Porto, Lisbon, New York, and Japan
OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Marketing & Communication
AMYRIS Biotech Company 2023
• Graphic support for campaigns, presentation design, and development of the 2023 Marketing Plan, in collaboration with the Marketing Director for Europe
OCARINA MUSIC Production Company 2015
• Planning and execution of events and brand activations, with graphic support for campaigns
Visual Identity & Branding
GRUPO SOFIA MAGINA Dermatology Clinic 2024
VITTA LTD Architecture and Decoration 2022
DOM LAR Real Estate 2021
DECK MAR Restaurant 2017
Web Design and UI/UX
VILA JUDITE Local Accommodation 2022
Motion Design
BRAND WORKERS 360º Advertising Agency 2014
EDUCATION
SPECIALIZATION IN BUSINESS FUNDAMENTALS 2023
Introduction to Marketing • Wharton, University of Pennsylvania
ART DIRECTION AND PHOTOGRAPHY 2015
Cinema Course, Caminhos do Cinema Português
DESIGN & MULTIMEDIA 2014
Bachelor’s Degree • Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Coimbra & Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul