Design starts with a question for me: what does this need to say, and who does it need to reach? From there it becomes a process of research, instinct, and collaboration, because the strongest work usually comes from multiple perspectives meeting in the same room. ​ I'm a multidisciplinary designer with a BFA in Graphic Design, working across brand identity, illustration, textile and surface design, photography, and content. My experience spans full-service apparel companies, independent retailers, restaurants, and e-commerce. I've built visual systems from scratch, designed print collections from concept to production, led campaigns across multiple channels, and created work that lives on everything from a website banner to a garment worn by people you've never met. ​ I believe good design doesn't just look right, it feels right to the person it's made for. Whether that's a hand-drawn brand identity that makes a blog feel like something worth reading, or a textile print that makes someone reach for a piece off the rack, the goal is always the same: make something that connects. ​ Based in Milan, available worldwide.

Mary Lauren Willis

PRO

Design starts with a question for me: what does this need to say, and who does it need to reach? From there it becomes a process of research, instinct, and collaboration, because the strongest work usually comes from multiple perspectives meeting in the same room. ​ I'm a multidisciplinary designer with a BFA in Graphic Design, working across brand identity, illustration, textile and surface design, photography, and content. My experience spans full-service apparel companies, independent retailers, restaurants, and e-commerce. I've built visual systems from scratch, designed print collections from concept to production, led campaigns across multiple channels, and created work that lives on everything from a website banner to a garment worn by people you've never met. ​ I believe good design doesn't just look right, it feels right to the person it's made for. Whether that's a hand-drawn brand identity that makes a blog feel like something worth reading, or a textile print that makes someone reach for a piece off the rack, the goal is always the same: make something that connects. ​ Based in Milan, available worldwide.

Available to hire

Design starts with a question for me: what does this need to say, and who does it need to reach? From there it becomes a process of research, instinct, and collaboration, because the strongest work usually comes from multiple perspectives meeting in the same room.

I’m a multidisciplinary designer with a BFA in Graphic Design, working across brand identity, illustration, textile and surface design, photography, and content. My experience spans full-service apparel companies, independent retailers, restaurants, and e-commerce. I’ve built visual systems from scratch, designed print collections from concept to production, led campaigns across multiple channels, and created work that lives on everything from a website banner to a garment worn by people you’ve never met.

I believe good design doesn’t just look right, it feels right to the person it’s made for. Whether that’s a hand-drawn brand identity that makes a blog feel like something worth reading, or a textile print that makes someone reach for a piece off the rack, the goal is always the same: make something that connects.

Based in Milan, available worldwide.

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Language

English
Fluent
Italian
Advanced

Work Experience

Design, Photography, and Illustration at Freelance
August 1, 2019 - Present
• Create digital content for a Milan farm-to-table restaurant, educating audiences on the garden-to-table process and building visibility for new offerings, including Farm Boxes and a weekly market. • Contributed to product and model photography for an international e-commerce photo studio in Milan, supporting consistent visual output for global clients. • Launched the collection “RareBird” for fashion platform SheinX. • Designed weekly website banners and custom illustrations for a USA-based online fitness brand. • Logo and podcast cover design
Print and Graphic Designer at Style Clan LLC
June 1, 2021 - August 30, 2023
• Designed seasonal collections and original graphics aligned with trend forecasts and consumer demand. • Identified a client’s preference for hand-drawn graphics and organic letterforms across seasonal lookbooks, then tailored the following collections in this direction, resulting in increased purchase orders. • Prepared tech packs and verified samples for quality standards and production accuracy.
Marketing and Creative Lead at Lords of Harlech
October 7, 2025 - Present
• Created graphics, textile patterns, and marketing assets for biannual collections, maintaining cohesive visual identity across product, e-commerce, and campaigns. • Led website redesign, implementing UX best practices that improved user navigation and engagement. • Produced e-commerce and campaign photography, elevating brand image and marketing impact. • Developed multi-channel digital campaigns across email, Instagram, and LinkedIn, growing website traffic and stronger social engagement. • Scouted influencers and identified models for brand shoots, including securing a local singer-songwriter to wear the brand at live performances and award shows, boosting visibility and engagement through influencer marketing. • Presented Fall/Winter 22 collection at Pitti Uomo in Florence, Italy, expanding brand exposure in the international menswear market.
Content Creator and Illustration at BIVIO Milano
February 1, 2025 - Present
• Produce social media content, illustrations, and photography for BIVIO, an independent second-hand retailer with four locations in Milan, supporting in-store promotions and online growth. • Create email and website graphics. • Established branding for BIVIO’s blog, developing a logo system and visual identity that created a cohesive, recognizable hand-drawn aesthetic across digital channels.
Graphic Designer at Freelance – Mary Lauren Willis (Milan, Italy)
January 1, 2023 - Present
Produced social media content, illustrations, and photography for BIVIO; established a cohesive hand-drawn visual identity for BIVIO's blog; created digital content for a Milan farm-to-table restaurant; contributed to product and model photography for an international e‑commerce photo studio in Milan; launched the RareBird collection for SheinX; designed original prints and graphics from concept to collection; prepared tech packs and approved final garments during launches; designed weekly website banners and custom illustrations for a USA-based online fitness brand.
Graphic Designer at Freelance – Mary Lauren Willis (USA)
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2023
Produced social media content, illustrations, and photography for clients; contributed to branding, print and digital design; supported in-store promotions and online growth for freelance projects.
Designer at Style Clan LLC
June 1, 2021 - August 1, 2023
Designed seasonal collections and original graphics aligned with trend forecasts; identified client preference for hand-drawn graphics and organic letterforms across lookbooks, then tailored collections in this direction, resulting in increased purchase orders; prepared tech packs and verified samples for production quality.
Marketing and Creative Lead at Style Clan LLC – Lords of Harlech
June 1, 2021 - August 1, 2023
Created graphics, textile patterns, and marketing assets for biannual collections; led website redesign with UX best practices; produced e‑commerce and campaign photography; developed multi-channel digital campaigns across email, Instagram, and LinkedIn; scouted influencers and models for brand shoots; presented Fall/Winter 22 collection at Pitti Uomo in Florence, expanding international exposure.

Education

Graphic Design at Appalachian State University
August 8, 2016 - May 15, 2020
Bachelor of Arts, Graphic Design at Appalachian State University
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2020
Semester Abroad at Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici - School of Design
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2019
Centro di Lingua e Cultura Italiana at Centro di Lingua e Cultura Italiana
August 1, 2023 - January 1, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Consumer Goods, Retail, Other, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education
    uniE621 Pepe's Adventures Through Florence, Italy
    I created a purely image-based book that allows your child to narrate their own exciting story that can change every time they read it. As the main character, Pepe, takes them through the streets of Florence where they will experience everything from gelato and carousels to moped rides and sunset views. View full project: https://www.twine.net/signin graphicdesigner illustrator designer childrensbook
    uniE621 BIVIO Blog Branding
    I developed BIVIO Blog's visual identity is built around one central idea: the joy of blogging before it became a performance. Each design decision leans into that: the hand-drawn graphics, the warm earthy palette, the imperfect edges made by a person, not a machine. The aesthetic is nostalgic and approachable, reflecting a brand that takes its clothes seriously but never itself. view the full project: https://www.twine.net/signin graphicdesigner branding illustrator designer
    uniE621 BIVIO Moth Repellent Spray Packaging
    Using my established hand-drawn aesthetic for BIVIO, I designed the label and packaging of their new moth repellent spray, along with print advertisements for the new product. View the full project: https://www.twine.net/signin graphicdesigner packagedesign illustrator