I’m an award-winning graphic designer with 15 years of experience and a dual background in Graphic Design and Baking & Pastry. My journey has taken me through various roles in agencies, print media, and internal marketing teams, where I honed my design skills. As a pastry chef, I had the privilege of working at some of Toronto's most renowned restaurants and bakeries, gaining valuable insights into the food industry.

May Fernandes

I’m an award-winning graphic designer with 15 years of experience and a dual background in Graphic Design and Baking & Pastry. My journey has taken me through various roles in agencies, print media, and internal marketing teams, where I honed my design skills. As a pastry chef, I had the privilege of working at some of Toronto's most renowned restaurants and bakeries, gaining valuable insights into the food industry.

Available to hire

I’m an award-winning graphic designer with 15 years of experience and a dual background in Graphic Design and Baking & Pastry. My journey has taken me through various roles in agencies, print media, and internal marketing teams, where I honed my design skills. As a pastry chef, I had the privilege of working at some of Toronto’s most renowned restaurants and bakeries, gaining valuable insights into the food industry.

See more

Language

English
Fluent
French
Beginner
Portuguese
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Intermediate

Work Experience

Freelance Branding & Packaging Creative at Grids & Goods
January 1, 2024 - Present
Founder of Grids & Goods, a design studio supporting food entrepreneurs and consumer brands. Led identity, packaging, and collateral design for CPG brands in food and beverage. Delivered full creative direction—from naming and visual identity to packaging systems and marketing assets. Created bilingual labels, art-directed photoshoots, and developed social media templates. Focused on small teams and mission-driven businesses.
Head of Creative at Beanfield Metroconnect
November 1, 2023 - September 23, 2025
Rebranded company’s visual identity across print, web, and digital platforms. Directed integrated marketing campaigns (B2B + B2C ) and managed external vendors. Led a small in-house team of designers and oversaw all creative output.
Art Director at UCLA Health
September 1, 2021 - September 23, 2025
Built new brand guidelines for reports, magazines, and community outreach. Oversaw art direction, typography, and content hierarchy across print and digital. Mentored junior designers and maintained brand consistency in a high-volume environment.
Visual Designer at Freeletics app
May 1, 2020 - September 23, 2025
Produced interactive ebooks, video redesigns, and UI assets for health app ecosystem.
Senior Designer at Abril publisher
January 1, 2018 - September 23, 2025
Designed covers, layouts, and award-winning infographics for Superinteressante and Mundo Estranho magazines. Led art direction for special issues, photo and video shoots, and prop styling. Created editorial content across print and digital platforms. Managed deadlines, budgets, and mentored junior designers in a fast-paced newsroom. Recognized with multiple national and international design awards for editorial excellence.
Graphic Designer at PROS agency
January 1, 2012 - September 23, 2025
Delivered branded content for clients including Unilever, Santander, and Pepsico. Designed for print and digital campaigns.

Education

Baking and Pastry Arts at George Brown College
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2020
Diploma at George Brown College
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2020
Master of Editorial Arts at Istituto Europeo di Design
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2012
Bachelor in Graphic Design at Universidade de Brasília
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2010

Qualifications

ÑH Infographic winner (Bronze)
January 1, 2017 - September 23, 2025
SPD 52 Merit Winner
January 1, 2017 - September 23, 2025
Abril Publisher Jornalism Award
January 1, 2016 - September 23, 2025
ADG Brazil | Art Direction
January 1, 2016 - September 23, 2025
SND | Award of Excellence
January 1, 2015 - September 23, 2025
ÑH Infographic winner - Bronze
January 1, 2017 - September 23, 2025
SPD 52 - Merit Winner
January 1, 2017 - September 23, 2025
Abril Publisher Journalism Award
January 1, 2016 - September 23, 2025
SND - Award of Excellence
January 1, 2015 - September 23, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Consumer Goods, Professional Services, Education, Software & Internet, Retail
    uniE621 Guela Tapas Bar
    Guela, Tapas Bar is a concept brand inspired by the vibrant culture of La Garganta, Cáceres, Spain. Owners, Lola and Rosalía, desired a fun and edgy brand that also pays homage to Spanish culture. A place for people to have fun, toast their friends, bring a date and experience the flavours from the Mediterranean. Dive into the visual identity we crafted for Guela and see how we blend tradition with innovation. From menus to signage, we explore the colours, patterns and illustrations we developed for the Guela universe. Creating multiple applications for your visual identity is the best way to make sure your brand is cohesive.