I am a senior graphic designer with 15+ years of experience delivering impactful visual communication for cultural, heritage, and public service institutions. I lead in art direction, branding, and cross-disciplinary project management, with a strong focus on UX, accessibility, and data visualization.\n\nI co-founded MUXXE, a design agency that enhances museum experiences through audience research. I have led major projects for Louvre Museum, MNAC Barcelona, BnF Richelieu, and Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center, and collaborated with international organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank.…

Macarena Balcells

I am a senior graphic designer with 15+ years of experience delivering impactful visual communication for cultural, heritage, and public service institutions. I lead in art direction, branding, and cross-disciplinary project management, with a strong focus on UX, accessibility, and data visualization.\n\nI co-founded MUXXE, a design agency that enhances museum experiences through audience research. I have led major projects for Louvre Museum, MNAC Barcelona, BnF Richelieu, and Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center, and collaborated with international organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank.…

Available to hire

I am a senior graphic designer with 15+ years of experience delivering impactful visual communication for cultural, heritage, and public service institutions. I lead in art direction, branding, and cross-disciplinary project management, with a strong focus on UX, accessibility, and data visualization.\n\nI co-founded MUXXE, a design agency that enhances museum experiences through audience research. I have led major projects for Louvre Museum, MNAC Barcelona, BnF Richelieu, and Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center, and collaborated with international organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank.

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Language

Spanish; Castilian
Fluent
English
Fluent
French
Fluent

Work Experience

Designer graphique senior at MUXXE (Indépendante)
January 1, 2022 - Present
Conception et pilotage de projets graphiques à dimension éditoriale, institutionnelle ou muséale, avec une forte attention portée à l’expérience utilisateur, à l’accessibilité, à l’évaluation des publics et à la visualisation de données. Collaboration avec des partenaires publics (ministères, musées, institutions internationales) et coordination de projets pluridisciplinaires.
Designer graphique at Tactile Studio
January 1, 2022 - September 26, 2025
Pilotage de projets de design muséal, sensoriel et inclusif pour des institutions culturelles.
Directrice artistique & co-fondatrice at Diseño VRD (agence de design stratégique)
January 1, 2019 - September 26, 2025
Agence spécialisée dans le design éditorial, la communication visuelle institutionnelle et l’identité de marque. Accompagnement des acteurs publics dans la valorisation de leurs projets culturels et territoriaux. Missions clés : direction artistique de PAT, revue du patrimoine chilien; conception éditoriale et identités visuelles.
Enseignante en design graphique & communication visuelle at Universidad del Desarrollo
January 1, 2018 - September 26, 2025
Conception graphique & chaîne de production.
Enseignante en design graphique & communication visuelle at Universidad San Sebastián
January 1, 2018 - September 26, 2025
Communication visuelle & stratégie.
Independent Senior Graphic Designer at Innovation by Design
January 1, 2022 - Present
Designed and managed editorial, institutional, and museum projects with emphasis on UX, accessibility, and data-driven design. Created professional presentations for researchers, designers and artists. Delivered projects for Louvre Museum, Musée Dobrée, Inter-American Development Bank, and French Ministry of Culture. Created data visualization systems and brand identities for cultural and private-sector clients.
Graphic Designer at Tactile Studio (Inclusive Design Agency)
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2022
Directed inclusive and sensory design projects for international museums and institutions. Notable projects include MNAC Barcelona sensory trail, BnF Richelieu accessible signage, Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center full exhibition graphics, and Louvre Museum audience study.
Art Director & Co-founder at Diseño VRD
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2019
Directed strategic design projects in editorial communication, branding, and visual identity. Oversaw design for National Library of Chile (PAT magazine) and Bicentenario Park (Vitacura) signage. Developed brand identities for NGOs, public institutions, and cultural projects.
Lecturer, Graphic Design & Visual Communication at Étude du Pavillon de l27Horloge
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2018
Lecturer teaching graphic design production processes and visual communication strategy at Chilean universities.

Education

Master Experte en Stratégie d’Innovation par le Design at ENSCI – Les Ateliers
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2020
Designer de l’Économie Circulaire at La Villette Makerz
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2024
Designer graphique at École supérieure d’architecture et de design (Universidad Católica de Valparaíso), Chili
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1995
Circular Economy Design at La Villette Makerz, France
January 1, 2024 - December 2, 2025
Master7s in Innovation Strategy by Design at ENSCI 00 Les Ateliers, Paris
January 1, 2020 - December 2, 2025
Professional Degree in Graphic Design at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile
January 1, 1995 - December 2, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Government, Non-Profit Organization, Education, Professional Services
    uniE621 Book Macarena Balcells
    Macarena Balcells est une graphiste diplômée de l’École d’Architecture et de Design de l’Université catholique de Valparaíso, au Chili, et titulaire d’un Mastère Spécialisé en Innovation par le Design à l’ENSCI Les Ateliers. Elle a été co-fondatrice, associée et directrice artistique chez VRD Design au Chili, où elle a réalisé différents projets de design éditorial, de branding, de conception web et de signalétique, principalement dans les domaines de la culture, du patrimoine, de l’innovation et de l’enseignement. Parallèlement, elle a nourri sa passion pour le design en enseignant dans deux universités à Santiago, au Chili, pendant une décennie. En 2018, elle s’installe à Paris, en France, pour suivre le Mastère Expert en Innovation par le Design à l’ENSCI Les Ateliers, et elle obtient son diplôme en février 2020. En 2020, Macarena Balcells co-fonde MUXXE (Museum & Exhibition User Experience), une agence de conseil en design d’expérience dédiée aux lieux culturels, spécialisée dans l’observation des publics. Cette initiative se concrétise en partenariat avec Tactile Studio.…