I'm Margarida Pires, a Portugal-based illustrator and designer who blends storytelling with playful visuals. I'm naturally introverted, but I shine when collaborating on projects I care about. I bring a curious mix of talents to every brief, and when I get excited about something, I switch on my hyperfocus and the work just flows. I'm a proud mom of two wonderful boys, with a loving husband and a cozy crew of pets — two dogs, three cats, and a rabbit. We're a big, lively family, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. This balance fuels my creativity and keeps me grounded.

Margarida Pires

PRO

I'm Margarida Pires, a Portugal-based illustrator and designer who blends storytelling with playful visuals. I'm naturally introverted, but I shine when collaborating on projects I care about. I bring a curious mix of talents to every brief, and when I get excited about something, I switch on my hyperfocus and the work just flows. I'm a proud mom of two wonderful boys, with a loving husband and a cozy crew of pets — two dogs, three cats, and a rabbit. We're a big, lively family, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. This balance fuels my creativity and keeps me grounded.

Available to hire

I’m Margarida Pires, a Portugal-based illustrator and designer who blends storytelling with playful visuals. I’m naturally introverted, but I shine when collaborating on projects I care about. I bring a curious mix of talents to every brief, and when I get excited about something, I switch on my hyperfocus and the work just flows.

I’m a proud mom of two wonderful boys, with a loving husband and a cozy crew of pets — two dogs, three cats, and a rabbit. We’re a big, lively family, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. This balance fuels my creativity and keeps me grounded.

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Language

Portuguese
Fluent
English
Fluent

Work Experience

Illustrator at Flamingo Publishing / Atlantic Group
January 1, 2016 - Present
Freelance Illustrator for editorial and commercial projects. Illustrated the book 'An Adventure in Search of Dragons' for Flamingo Publishing/Atlantic Group; 2022 illustrated the children's book 'Callum Goes POP!'; created illustrations for stationery and clothing items (self-published projects).
Customer Care Representative / Sales Helper at BES/Novo Banco
November 1, 2023 - September 13, 2025
Take care of and keep an eye on a client portfolio, looking at its various commercial aspects based on set goals. Offers support services in commercial, financial, or administrative areas.
Illustrator - Editorial; Commercial at Freelance (Self-employed)
January 1, 2016 - Present
Illustrator and editorial/commercial designer. Freelance projects include book illustrations for titles such as 'A Adventure in Search of Dragons' (Flamingo Publishing - Atlantic Group, 2022) and 'Callum goes POP!' (special private commission, self-published, 2020). Also created illustrations for stationery and clothing items; ongoing freelance illustration and design since 2016.
Illustrator / Editorial Designer at BES / Novo Banco
November 1, 2023 - September 13, 2025
Freelance illustration and design work for internal and external projects; book and editorial work including 'An Adventure in Search of Dragons' for Flamingo Publishing; illustration for stationery and clothing items; ongoing client projects with BES/Novo Banco and other clients.
Freelance Illustrator at Flamingo Publishing / Atlantic Group
January 1, 2022 - Present
Illustration and design for children's books; 'Callum Goes POP!' and other editorial projects; special commissions and self-published work.
Illustrator at Private commissions
January 1, 2020 - Present
Special private commissions; illustrations used on stationery and clothing items.
Illustrator / Designer at BES/Novo Banco
November 1, 2023 - September 13, 2025
Responsible for illustration and design tasks for internal communications and branding; contributed to marketing materials and publishing-related design projects; collaborated with cross-functional teams in the bank's creative services. Also pursued freelance illustration work alongside corporate duties.
Freelance Illustrator / Designer at Self-employed
January 1, 2018 - Present
Ongoing freelance illustration and design work since 2018, including publishing projects for Flamingo Publishing (Atlântico Group) in 2022—'An Adventure in Search of Dragons'—and a private commission, 'Callum Goes POP!' (self-published) in 2020.

Education

Visual Arts Teaching Degree at Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal
September 16, 2004 - July 31, 2008
Certificate of Teaching Skills at DGERT / Do It Better Academy
January 1, 2020 - September 13, 2025
Bachelor's Degree in First Cycle Teaching - Visual and Technological Education Option at Escola Superior de Educação / IPS Setúbal
January 1, 2008 - September 13, 2025
Certificate of Teaching Skills at DGERT - Do It Better Academy
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2020
BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN FIRST CYCLE TEACHING - VISUAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL EDUCATION at Escola Superior de Educação/ IPS Setúbal
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2008
Certificate of Teaching Skills (DGERT - Do It Better Academy) at DGERT / Do It Better Academy
January 1, 2020 - September 13, 2025
Bachelor's Degree in First Cycle Teaching - Visual and Technological Education at Escola Superior de Educação/ IPS Setúbal
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2008
Certificate of Teaching Skills at Do It Better Academy (certificate approved by DGERT)
January 1, 2020 - September 13, 2025

Qualifications

Marketing of Mortgage Loans
January 1, 2018 - September 13, 2025
Certificate of Teaching Skills
January 1, 2020 - September 13, 2025
Bachelor's Degree in First Cycle Teaching - Visual and Technological Education Option
January 1, 2008 - September 13, 2025
Marketing of Mortgage Loans
January 1, 2018 - September 13, 2025
Bachelor's Degree in First Cycle Teaching - Visual and Technological Education Option
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2008
Certificate of Teaching Skills
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2020
Bachelor's Degree in First Cycle Teaching - Visual and Technological Education Option
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2008
Certificate of Specialization in Pedagogical Skills: E-Trainer
January 1, 2024 - September 13, 2025
Insurance Mediation
January 1, 2016 - September 13, 2025
Certificate of Teaching Skills
January 1, 2020 - September 13, 2025
Bachelor's Degree in First Cycle Teaching - Visual and Technological Education
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2008

Industry Experience

Life Sciences, Education, Financial Services, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Other