Hi! I'm Mariana, a designer, business owner and content creator. I film, edit, and publish social media content raging from Instagram, TickTock, and Youtube. I'm super interested in the latest trends, and love to support business in their content creation journey. I also love experimenting with all the new AI tools and seeing where it will evolve in the future.

Mariana Pinheiro

Hi! I'm Mariana, a designer, business owner and content creator. I film, edit, and publish social media content raging from Instagram, TickTock, and Youtube. I'm super interested in the latest trends, and love to support business in their content creation journey. I also love experimenting with all the new AI tools and seeing where it will evolve in the future.

Available to hire

Hi! I’m Mariana, a designer, business owner and content creator. I film, edit, and publish social media content raging from Instagram, TickTock, and Youtube. I’m super interested in the latest trends, and love to support business in their content creation journey. I also love experimenting with all the new AI tools and seeing where it will evolve in the future.

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Language

Portuguese
Fluent
English
Fluent
Dutch
Intermediate

Work Experience

Project Manager at Studio 930
January 1, 2025 - Present
Led multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative healthcare and accessibility products, overseeing concept, prototyping, and delivery for real-world clients.
Founder at Fidget Factory Workshops
January 1, 2025 - Present
Design and lead hands-on workshops focused on silicone casting and 3D design; develop and produce one-of-a-kind sensor-enabled products; integrate NFC technology for interactive use; oversee product design, branding, and outreach including custom commissions and educational kits.
Visiting Professor at Rochester Institute of Technology
January 1, 2025 - September 26, 2025
Teach graduate and undergraduate courses, both studio-based and computer lab settings; teaching philosophy anchored in Innovation, Accessibility, and Sustainability.
Digital Transformation Designer & Coach at Digital Society School - Hogeschool van Amsterdam
January 1, 2022 - September 26, 2025
Lead R&D on digital transformation topics; coaching multi-disciplinary teams; clients include Philips, Streaming Buzz, and ALO Amsterdam; focus on inclusive design and health innovation.
Freelance Designer at Studio Sophie
January 1, 2022 - September 26, 2025
Developed innovative IoT space solutions; collaborated with LEGO and Niantic; ideation, interaction design, and prototyping.
Participant / Incubator at District 3 Startup Incubator
December 31, 2018 - September 26, 2025
Montreal District 3 startup incubator program focused on consumer discovery and product development.
Startup Founder at Breath e Buddies
December 31, 2017 - September 26, 2025
Hands-on product development for a handheld device guiding breathing exercises; mindfulness and accessibility orientation.
Startup Founder at Moon Pads
January 1, 2017 - September 26, 2025
Led development of a series of sensory pads for children with autism; prototyping and user testing within a multidisciplinary team; IoT/therapy focus.
Studio Manager at Rochester Institute of Technology
August 31, 2016 - September 26, 2025
Summer 2016: Project Manager of Studio 930; managed studio and labs; led cross-disciplinary R&D projects with emphasis on accessibility and health innovation.
Industrial Design Professor at Rochester Institute of Technology
August 31, 2017 - September 26, 2025
Taught graduate and undergraduate design classes; led studio-based and lab-based inquiries; focus on Innovation, Accessibility, Sustainability.
Furniture & Interior Designer at Porto Alegre, Brazil (Freelance)
January 1, 2012 - September 26, 2025
Developed hundreds of interior and furniture design projects for clients.
Interior Designer at Matia Ne Moveis
January 1, 2011 - September 26, 2025
Interior design and custom furniture design for clients.
Founder at Fidget Factory Workshops
January 1, 2025 - Present
Design and lead hands-on workshops focused on silicone casting and 3D design; develop and produce one-of-a-kind sensory products; integrate NFC technology for interactive use; oversee product design, branding, and outreach, including custom commissions and educational kits.
Visiting Professor at Rochester Institute of Technology
January 1, 2022 - Present
Teach graduate and undergraduate courses, encompassing studio-based and computer-lab settings; teaching philosophy anchored in Innovation, Accessibility, and Sustainability, guiding students to think critically and creatively while addressing real-world challenges.
Digital Transformation Designer & Coach at Digital Society School - Hogeschool van Amsterdam
December 31, 2022 - September 26, 2025
Led R&D on the topic of Digital Twins while coaching multidisciplinary teams; collaborated with local clients focusing on digital transformation and the Sustainable Development Goals; delivered Design Thinking workshops and online training.
Digital Transformation Designer at Digital Society School - Hogeschool van Amsterdam
December 31, 2019 - September 26, 2025
Client: Vodafone Ziggo; researched the physical-to-digital track while working with a multidisciplinary and multicultural team on IoT space; developed innovative solutions for IoT-enabled healthcare and urban farming contexts.
Industrial Design Professor at Rochester Institute of Technology
December 31, 2017 - September 26, 2025
Taught graduate and undergraduate studio and lab-based courses in Industrial Design; contributed to curriculum and studio-based pedagogy.
Project Manager of Studio 930 at Rochester Institute of Technology
August 31, 2016 - September 26, 2025
Managed a multi-disciplinary team of 20 students in the development and execution of 12 R&D projects, with a focus on health care innovation and accessibility.
Studio Manager at Rochester Institute of Technology
December 31, 2017 - September 26, 2025
Managed the student incubator program, mentoring teams on startup development and business planning; supported project execution and collaboration across disciplines.
Interior Designer at Portiere
December 31, 2011 - September 26, 2025
Interior design and furniture design for hundreds of client projects; operated a custom-made furniture store and participated in local events.
Interior Designer at Mathiâne Moveis
December 31, 2011 - September 26, 2025
Interior design and custom furniture design for clients; operated a custom furniture design store.
Co-Founder / Designer at Caixinha de Fosforo
December 31, 2013 - September 26, 2025
Startup focused on developing custom fabric patterns for clothing and accessories; built an online community and sold across the country.
Project Lead at Precious Plastic Santa Maria
December 31, 2022 - September 26, 2025
Led a community-driven initiative promoting plastic recycling; designed and produced sustainable products from recycled plastic; organized engaging workshops (online and in-person) reaching 2,000+ participants.
Founder at Fidget Factory Workshops
January 1, 2025 - Present
Studio-based workshops focused on silicone casting and 3D design; developing and producing one-of-a-kind sensory products; integrating NFC technology for interactive use; overseeing product design, branding, and outreach, including custom commissions and educational kits.
Visiting Professor at Rochester Institute of Technology
January 1, 2025 - September 26, 2025
Teaching graduate and undergraduate courses; pedagogy anchored in Innovation, Accessibility, and Sustainability; guiding students to think critically and creatively while addressing real-world challenges.
Digital Transformation Designer & Coach at Digital Society School - Hogeschool van Amsterdam
January 1, 2022 - September 26, 2025
Led R&D on the topic of Digital Twins; coached multidisciplinary cohorts; collaborated with local and international clients (e.g., Philips, Streaming Buzz, ALO Amsterdam) to support digital transformation and accessibility goals.
Freelance Designer at Studio Sophie (Clients: LEGO & Niantic)
January 1, 2020 - Present
Worked on IoT-oriented concepts and solutions; contributed to the development of innovative IoT spaces and products for LEGO and Niantic; engaged in early-stage concept development and client collaboration.
Thesis Mentor & Academic Advisor at Hogeschool van Amsterdam (CM D)
January 1, 2022 - September 26, 2025
Advised and mentored students on final theses; guided research methodologies, content development, and project execution; helped refine ideas and produce high-quality, innovative work.
Industrial Design Professor at Rochester Institute of Technology
January 1, 2017 - September 26, 2025
Taught graduate and undergraduate studio and lab-based classes; topics included Internet of Things, Graphic Tactics, and Design Thinking.
Studio Manager at Rochester Institute of Technology
January 1, 2017 - September 26, 2025
Managed a multidisciplinary studio, led R&D projects focused on health-care innovation and accessibility, and supported student teams through project development.
Founder at Fidget Factory Workshops
January 1, 2025 - Present
Founder and lead designer overseeing silicone casting, 3D design, and development of one-of-a-kind sensory and NFC-enabled tools. Leads hands-on workshops and educational kit development, manages client commissions and outreach.
Visiting Professor at Rochester Institute of Technology
January 1, 2022 - Present
Teaching graduate and undergraduate industrial design courses; core principles include Innovation, Accessibility, and Sustainability; facilitates studio and lab-based learning.
Freelance Designer at Studio Sophia (Client: LEGO & Niantic)
January 1, 2022 - Present
Developed innovative IoT-focused solutions; contributed to IoT space in collaboration with LEGO and Niantic, including concept illustrations and prototyping; participated in workshops and brainstorming sessions.
Digital Transformation Designer at Digital Society School - Hogeschool van Amsterdam
January 1, 2020 - October 11, 2025
R&D on Digital Twins; coached multidisciplinary trainees; collaborated with local clients (e.g., Philips, Stre am ing Buzz, ALO) and delivered training on Design Thinking and Sustainable Development Goals.
Industrial Design Professor at Rochester Institute of Technology
January 1, 2017 - October 11, 2025
Taught studio and lab-based courses; topics included Internet of Things, Graphic Tactics, and Design Thinking; mentored student projects and guided thesis work.
Project Manager of Studio 930 at Rochester Institute of Technology
January 1, 2017 - October 11, 2025
Managed a multidisciplinary team of students in R&D projects with a focus on health care innovation and accessibility; oversaw project planning, prototyping, and execution.
Project Manager at Studio 930
January 1, 2025 - Present
Led multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative healthcare and accessibility products, overseeing concept, prototyping, and delivery for real-world clients.
Project Manager at Studio 930, Rochester Institute of Technology
June 1, 2024 - August 31, 2024
Managed a multidisciplinary team of 20 students in the development and execution of 12 R&D projects with a focus on health care innovation and accessibility.
Freelance Designer at Studio Sophia
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2024
Developed innovative IoT solutions for LEGO and Niantic; participated in brainstorming workshops and produced high-quality concept illustrations to support IoT space design.
Digital Transformation Designer & Coach at Digital Society School - Hogeschool van Amsterdam
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2022
Led R&D on the topic of digital twins; coached multidisciplinary trainee teams in digital transformation projects; worked with local and international clients.
Thesis Mentor & Academic Advisor at CMD - Hogeschool van Amsterdam
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020
Advised and mentored students on their final thesis projects; provided guidance on research methodology, content development, and project execution to refine ideas into high-quality innovative work.
Industrial Design Professor at Rochester Institute of Technology
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2017
Taught graduate and undergraduate studio and lab-based classes; topics included Internet of Things, Graphics Tactics, and Design Thinking.
Furniture & Interior Designer at Porto Alegre, Brazil
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2012
Worked on development of hundreds of interior and furniture design projects for clients; operated a custom-made furniture design studio.
Furniture & Interior Designer at Porto Alegre, Brazil
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2011
Same role focusing on interior and customized furniture design for clients.
Furniture & Interior Designer at Mata (Matiiane Moveis) Santa Maria, Brazil
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2011
Interior design and custom furniture design for clients; worked on a range of residential projects.
Founder / Project Lead at Precious Plastic Santa Maria
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2022
Led a community-driven initiative focused on promoting plastic recycling; organized engaging workshops both in-person and online to educate and mobilize participants; engaged over 2,000 individuals in environmental action.
Startup Founder at Caixinhas de Fósforo Santa Maria
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2013
Startup focused on developing custom-made patterns for fabrics used in clothing and accessories; participated in many local events and grew a community online, selling across the country.

Education

MFA in Industrial Design at Rochester Institute of Technology
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2016
Bachelor of Product Design at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2016
MFA Industrial Design at Rochester Institute of Technology
January 11, 2030 - September 26, 2025
Bachelor Product Design at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
January 11, 2030 - September 26, 2025
Bachelor Product Design at Universidade Fransciscana Santa Maria
January 11, 2030 - September 26, 2025
MFA in Industrial Design at Rochester Institute of Technology
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2016
Specialization in Surface Design at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2013
Bachelor's in Product Design at Universidade Franciscana Santa Maria
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2010
MFA in Industrial Design at Rochester Institute of Technology
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2016
Specialization in Surface Design at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2013
Bachelor of Product Design at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2010
MFA at Rochester Institute of Technology
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2016
Specialization in Surface Design at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2013
Bachelor in Product Design at Universidade Franciscana Santa Maria
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2010
MFA in Industrial Design at Rochester Institute of Technology
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2016
Specialization in Surface Design at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2013
Bachelor of Product Design at Universidade Franciscana Santa Maria
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2010
MFA in Industrial Design at Rochester Institute of Technology
January 11, 2030 - October 11, 2025
Bachelor of Product Design at Universidade Fransciscana Santa Maria
January 11, 2030 - October 11, 2025
MFA in Industrial Design at Rochester Institute of Technology
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2016
Specialization in Surface Design at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2013
Bachelor of Product Design at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2010

Qualifications

Science Without Borders Scholarship (Full Scholarship for MFA)
January 11, 2030 - September 26, 2025
Waldron Rise R&D Grant
January 11, 2030 - September 26, 2025
Rochester Digital Award
January 11, 2030 - September 26, 2025
Access Technology Competition - 1st Place
January 11, 2030 - September 26, 2025
Estampa Brasil Award (Pattern Brazil)
January 11, 2030 - September 26, 2025
Best Prototype Award - Montreal Service Jam (District 3)
January 11, 2030 - September 26, 2025
Science Without Borders Scholarship
January 11, 2030 - September 26, 2025
Waldron Rise R&D Grant
January 11, 2030 - September 26, 2025
MoonPads Project
January 11, 2030 - September 26, 2025
Breathe Buddies Project
January 11, 2030 - September 26, 2025
Rochester Digital Award Otto
January 11, 2030 - September 26, 2025
Access Technology Competition – 1st Place
January 11, 2030 - September 26, 2025
Spynalign – 2nd Place
January 11, 2030 - September 26, 2025
Estampa Brasil Award (Pattern Brazil)
January 11, 2030 - September 26, 2025
Best Prototype Award - Montreal Service Jam (District 3)
January 1, 2018 - September 26, 2025
Science Without Borders Full Scholarship for MFA Brazil-USA
January 1, 2016 - September 26, 2025
Waldron Rise R&D Grant - Moon Pads
January 1, 2016 - September 26, 2025
Waldron Rise R&D Grant - Breath e Buddies
January 1, 2016 - September 26, 2025
1st Place - Access Technology Competition
January 1, 2015 - September 26, 2025
Rochester Digital Award - Otto IoT Fidget Toy for Therapy
January 1, 2015 - September 26, 2025
Best Prototype Award, Montreal Service Jam (District 3)
January 1, 2018 - September 26, 2025
Waldron Rise R&D Grant
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016
Breath Buddies - Handheld device with guided breathing exercises
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016
Rochester Digital Award - Otto IoT Fidget Toy for Therapy
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016
Access Technology Competition - 1st Place
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015
RIT Tiger Tank - 2nd Place IoT Device for Therapy
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015
Estampa Brasil Award (Pattern Brazil)
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2013
RIT Alumni – Digital Rochester Great Awards
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016
Best Prototype Award
January 1, 2018 - September 26, 2025
Science Without Borders Scholarship (Full Scholarship for MFA)
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2016
Waldron Rise R&D Grant
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2016
Science Without Borders Scholarship (Full Scholarship for MFA)
January 1, 2016 - October 11, 2025
Best Prototype Award - District 3 Service Jam
January 1, 2018 - October 11, 2025
Rochester Digital Award - Otto IoT Fidget Toy for Therapy
January 1, 2015 - October 11, 2025
1st Place - Access Technology Competition
January 1, 2015 - October 11, 2025
Moon Pads - Series of sensory pads for children with Autism
January 1, 2016 - October 11, 2025
Waldron Rise R&D Grant
January 1, 2016 - October 11, 2025
Science Without Borders Scholarship
January 11, 2030 - October 11, 2025
Waldron Rise R&D Grant
January 11, 2030 - October 11, 2025
Rochester Digital Award Otto
January 11, 2030 - October 11, 2025
Best Prototype Award
January 1, 2016 - February 3, 2026
Estampa Award (Pattern Brazil)
January 1, 2016 - February 3, 2026
Science Without Borders Scholarship
January 11, 2030 - February 3, 2026

Industry Experience

Software & Internet, Education, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Other