Hi, I’m Mafalda de Paiva Mota, a designer, illustrator and author driven by curiosity and a love for storytelling. I create vibrant, cohesive visual systems for books, brands, and editorial projects, always aiming for clarity, whimsy, and impact. I lead teams and collaborate with partners across publishing, education and culture. When I’m not sketching or laying out pages, you’ll find me developing new projects for children and families, mentoring others, or turning imaginative ideas into polished, print-ready realities.

Mafalda de Paiva Mota

Hi, I’m Mafalda de Paiva Mota, a designer, illustrator and author driven by curiosity and a love for storytelling. I create vibrant, cohesive visual systems for books, brands, and editorial projects, always aiming for clarity, whimsy, and impact. I lead teams and collaborate with partners across publishing, education and culture. When I’m not sketching or laying out pages, you’ll find me developing new projects for children and families, mentoring others, or turning imaginative ideas into polished, print-ready realities.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Mafalda de Paiva Mota, a designer, illustrator and author driven by curiosity and a love for storytelling. I create vibrant, cohesive visual systems for books, brands, and editorial projects, always aiming for clarity, whimsy, and impact.

I lead teams and collaborate with partners across publishing, education and culture. When I’m not sketching or laying out pages, you’ll find me developing new projects for children and families, mentoring others, or turning imaginative ideas into polished, print-ready realities.

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Language

Portuguese
Fluent
English
Advanced
Spanish; Castilian
Advanced
Catalan; Valencian
Beginner

Work Experience

Editorial Designer, Illustrator & Communications Manager at Zero a Oito
September 1, 2020 - Present
Responsible for editorial design, illustration, and brand communications; developed original book covers, page templates, and printing-ready files; supervised digital assets; collaborated with authors and partners; ensured quality control and visual consistency; managed outsourcing partners and deadlines; contributed to strategic directions of editorial collections.
Founder & Manager at Heróis sem Capa
October 1, 2018 - Present
Founded and manage publishing and educational project 'Heróis sem Capa' focusing on illustrated children's books; oversaw creative direction, fundraising, partnerships, and project management; curated collections and organized events; led design and writing teams.
Graphic Designer at Market Inn
October 1, 2020 - Present
Created visual design assets for Market Inn; collaborated on branding, marketing materials, and product packaging.
Editorial & Graphic Designer at Grupo Planeta España
May 1, 2018 - September 30, 2018
Supported editorial and graphic design for Grupo Planeta España during May–Sept 2018; contributed to layout, cover design, and promotional materials under brand guidelines.
Freelancer at Self-Employed
January 1, 2018 - Present
Freelance project management, editorial design and picture book illustration; worked with multiple clients; managed scope, timelines, and deliverables.
Editorial Designer, Illustrator & Communication Manager at Zero a Oito
September 1, 2020 - Present
Editorial design, illustration and communications management for publishing projects; responsible for original book covers, page templates, printing prep, quality control, and creative direction of editorial projects.

Education

Licenciature Degree in Communication Design at Faculdade de Belas-Artes, Universidade de Lisboa
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2017
Masters in Publishing & Editing at Barcelona School of Management, Universitat Pompeu Fabra
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2018
Editorial Projects Management at The Book Company
July 1, 2020 - January 2, 2026
Art Direction FLAG at FLAG
July 1, 2024 - January 2, 2026
Art Direction at FLAG
July 1, 2024 - January 2, 2026
Editorial Projects Management at The Book Company
July 1, 2020 - January 2, 2026
Masters in Publishing & Editing at Barcelona School of Management, Universitat Pompeu Fabra
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2018
Licenciates Degree in Communication Design at Faculdade de Belas-Artes, Universidade de Lisboa
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2017
Certificate in Advanced English at Cambridge English Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International, Council of Europe
March 1, 2014 - March 1, 2014
Certificat de Llengües at Universitat Pompeu Fabra, CIFALC Exam
April 1, 2018 - January 2, 2026

Qualifications

Certificate in Advanced English (Cambridge English Level 2 ESOL International, Level C1)
March 1, 2014 - January 2, 2026
Art Direction
July 1, 2024 - January 2, 2026
Editorial Projects Management
July 1, 2020 - January 2, 2026
Masters in Publishing & Editing
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2018
Licenciates Degree in Communication Design
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2017
Certificate in Advanced English
March 1, 2014 - March 1, 2014
Certificat de Llengües
April 1, 2018 - January 2, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Software & Internet, Professional Services, Other