Mara Roldan

Available to hire

I am a passionate Designer and Illustrator based in Chicago, proficient in Photoshop, Illustrator and Procreate and experienced in graphic design, illustration, vinyl and exhibit installation, and the fine arts.

About

I am a passionate Designer and Illustrator based in Chicago, proficient in Photoshop, Illustrator and Procreate and experienced in graphic design, illustration, vinyl and exhibit installation, and the fine arts. Detail-oriented and ambitious, I am always eager to learn new skills and challenge myself!

Over the past 4 years I have created digital and traditional illustrations, designs, paintings and murals for over 70+ clients as a freelance illustrator and designer, producing high quality designs on a tight schedule, boosting engagement and social media presence. I have had the amazing opportunity to intern at the Design Museum of Chicago, where I learned about vinyl cutting, exhibit installation, and mural work. Enthusiastic about all artforms, I specialize in stylized portraiture, collage and figure painting. I enjoy letting my mind wander, creating fluid, abstract and fun compositions with an emphasis on the spontaneity of the human mind.

  • Joined September 2025

Languages

  • EnglishFluent

Industry experience

  • Media & Entertainment
  • Professional Services
  • Software & Internet
  • Other
  • Retail

More experts in Chicago, United States

Projects · 6

A collection of my best, most recent traditional paintings done over the past 5 years highlighting years of experience in color theory, composition, creative design and detail oriented illustration techniques using mixed media including acrylic, water color, colored pencil, marker, and collage. I am inspired by Francis Bacon, Alphonse Mucha, and Shintaro Kago, aspiring to blend fantasy and horror through peculiar detail and intense contrast. Specializing in stylized portraiture and figure painting, I enjoy letting my mind wander, creating fluid, abstract compositions. Highlighted piece titled: “Drowning”.

Link to Portfolio page with photos:
https://www.twine.net/signin

Traditional Paintings - 5+ Years Experience
  • Artist
  • Freelance Digital Illustrator
  • Illustrator

This project explored designing a book, showcasing articles about seven influential graphic designers. This project features a front, back, and inner cover(s); title page; table of contents; seven articles and coresponding bibliography. Character and paragraph styles, threaded text frames, unique text wrap configurations, and customized page layouts decorate this 52 page book. Below is the book in spread format.

Link to portfolio page with photos:
https://www.twine.net/signin

Graphic Design Book/Magazine
  • Designer
  • Graphic Designer
  • Image Editor

Exploring more complex package design, this project was to invent and design boxes for two tea varieties under the Starbucks brand. The goal was for packaging to appear brand related while still distinguishing individual flavors. I created matching fruit patterns and box colors, with uniting elements including a unique icon set, large tea-pot illustrations and particular text placement. Project includes: Full boxes (6 panels each), Virtual and Physical box mockups, and POP displays for both flavors. Mockups and Dielines done in Illustrator and Adobe Dimensions.

Link to portfolio page with photos:
https://www.twine.net/signin

Tea Box Set and POP Display Design
  • Graphic Designer
  • Illustrator
  • Packaging Designer
  • +2

Proposed, designed, and painted a 4x6 ft mural for Roosevelt University in the Graphic Design department’s Design Lab. Inspired by art movements such as Art Deco and Art Nouveau, the mural is a collage of design movements, Chicago, and Roosevelt University branding.

Also served as the mural lead of the full-wall International Student Lounge mural at Roosevelt University, designed by Alejandro Mena and painted alongside Raj Davis. Text, map and train lines painted by hand using acrylics and wall paint.

link to portfolio page with photos:
https://www.twine.net/signin

Roosevelt University Mural Work
  • Artist
  • Designer
  • Illustrator

Designed a Chicago architecture and design themed icon set and scavenger hunt to boost interest in local art and encourage exhibit engagement for the Chicago Public Schools All-City Visual Arts Exhibition 2025 at the Design Museum of Chicago. Questions are written to peak the interest of children and adults alike, featuring fun facts and key information on each iconic piece. Aided as well in cutting and installing vinyl versions of the icons around the museum, alongside simple shapes for the walls and text outside on the windows. The same icons and theme make an appearance in my Tote Bag Design for the museum’s Intern Series.

link to portfolio page with photos:
https://www.twine.net/signin

CPS All-City Exhibit Scavenger Hunt Logo Set - DMoC
  • Graphic Designer
  • Logo Designer
  • Vector Illustrator

Designed “Scam Guide” Brochure for Roosevelt University’s Office of International Programs using Adobe InDesign. Character styles and paragraph styles are by Christian Caillouet, original illustrations and formatting by Me. The Brochure is intended to clearly display provided body copy with corresponding minimal - yet descriptive - illustration utilizing Roosevelt University branding colors and fonts. QR codes replace specific links for easier access when printed and function as buttons for online-only viewing.

Link to portfolio with photos:
https://www.twine.net/signin

Roosevelt University International Program Brochure
  • Book Illustrator
  • Graphic Designer
  • Infographic Designer
  • +1

Work experience

Gallery Volunteer · Heaven GalleryJul 2025 – Present · 1 yr 5 mos

Welcomed, helped and checked out customers; increased customer satisfaction and interest in current exhibits, the gallery’s mission, and vintage store. Opened/closed, efficiently installed/took down exhibits, and aided in administrative tasks for smooth gallery operation.

Graphic Design Intern · Design Museum of ChicagoFeb 2025 – Jun 2025 · 5 mos

Created and installed exhibit layouts and vinyl, encouraging exhibit attendance and interaction. Designed merchandise and infographics, following brand guidelines and boosting sales using Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop and Procreate. Projects included Chicago Public Schools All-City Visual Arts Exhibition 2025 — floor plan layout for over 400 attendees (Illustrator); themed icon set and exhibit scavenger hunt increasing engagement (Procreate & Illustrator).

Freelance Illustrator · Various clientsAug 2021 – Present · 5 yrs 4 mos

Created illustrations, assets, and animations for over 70 clients, boosting social media presence. Clearly communicated, prioritizing customer satisfaction, high-quality results, and meeting tight deadlines. Independently managed and advertised, created clear terms of service and invoices to attract more clients. Projects included Roosevelt University Design Lab mural (5ft x 5ft), Roosevelt University International Student Lounge mural, and lead roles in full-wall packaging, stationary sets, sticker sets, card deck, and calendar planner for a startup brand.

Education

Bachelor of Arts · Roosevelt University2023 – 2025

Graphic Design Major Fine Arts Minor Award of Excellence in Art (2025) Graphic Designer of the Year Award (2025)

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