Helen Ma is the founder of Helen Ma Creative, a one-person brand design studio focused on helping purpose-driven creatives build clear, impactful identities through thoughtful strategy and visuals. With over 20 years in design—including 10 years as Art Director at FIDM, where she led digital campaigns, event promotions, and content for fashion and education audiences—she brings expertise in website creation, social media, paid ads, and branding. Proficient in tools like Figma, Photoshop, and Illustrator, Helen excels at distilling complex ideas into genuine, high-trust narratives that foster growth and connections.…

Helen Ma

PRO

Helen Ma is the founder of Helen Ma Creative, a one-person brand design studio focused on helping purpose-driven creatives build clear, impactful identities through thoughtful strategy and visuals. With over 20 years in design—including 10 years as Art Director at FIDM, where she led digital campaigns, event promotions, and content for fashion and education audiences—she brings expertise in website creation, social media, paid ads, and branding. Proficient in tools like Figma, Photoshop, and Illustrator, Helen excels at distilling complex ideas into genuine, high-trust narratives that foster growth and connections.…

Available to hire

Helen Ma is the founder of Helen Ma Creative, a one-person brand design studio focused on helping purpose-driven creatives build clear, impactful identities through thoughtful strategy and visuals. With over 20 years in design—including 10 years as Art Director at FIDM, where she led digital campaigns, event promotions, and content for fashion and education audiences—she brings expertise in website creation, social media, paid ads, and branding. Proficient in tools like Figma, Photoshop, and Illustrator, Helen excels at distilling complex ideas into genuine, high-trust narratives that foster growth and connections.

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Language

English
Fluent
Chinese
Fluent

Work Experience

Creative Founder & Brand Designer at Helen Ma Creative
June 1, 2023 - Present
Lead on on-brand design studio focused on helping purpose-driven creatives build clear, impactful identities through thoughtful strategy and visuals. Develop cohesive branding for clients, including logos, color palettes, websites, social media assets, and event materials. Guide clients in nurturing their brands with emphasis on clarity, creativity, and quality, resulting in authentic growth and connections.
Art Director at Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM)
June 1, 2013 - May 1, 2023
Creative lead for cross-platform projects and campaigns. Executed strategic and creative content for FIDM’s digital presence. Presented creative campaigns to the executive team and clients. Directed photo and video shoots.
Sr. Web Designer at Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM)
June 1, 2008 - June 1, 2013
Collaborated in redesigning FIDM's main website and creating individual sites for various departments. Integrated e-commerce functionality with third-party services. Conducted usability testing.
Sr. Web Designer at American International Industries
May 1, 2006 - June 1, 2008
Conceptualized designs with Brand Managers for over 30 beauty brands. Developed design plans and established guidelines, standards, and best practices. Managed website functionalities and content standards. Conducted usability testing.
Founder & Brand Designer at Helen Ma Creative
June 1, 2023 - Present
Lead on on-brand design studio focused on helping purpose-driven creatives build clear, impactful identities through thoughtful strategy and visuals. Develop cohesive branding for clients, including logos, color palettes, websites, social assets, and event materials. Guide clients in nurturing their brands with clarity, creativity, and quality, resulting in authentic growth and meaningful connections.
Art Director at FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising)
June 1, 2013 - May 1, 2023
Creative lead for cross-platform projects and campaigns. Execute strategic and creative content for FIDM's digital presence. Present campaigns to the executive team and clients. Direct photo and video shoots.
Senior Web Designer at FIDM
June 1, 2008 - June 1, 2013
Collaborated in redesigning FIDM's main website and creating individual sites for various departments. Integrated e-commerce functionality with third-party services. Conducted usability testing.
Senior Web Designer at American International Industries
May 1, 2006 - June 1, 2008
Conceptualized designs with Brand Managers for over 30 beauty brands. Developed design plans and established guidelines, standards, and best practices. Managed website functionalities and content standards.
Sr. Web Designer at American International Industries (AII)
May 1, 2006 - June 1, 2008
Conceptualized designs with Brand Managers for over 30 beauty brands. Developed design plans and established guidelines, standards, and best practices. Managed website functionality and content standards.
Sr. Web Designer at FIDM
June 1, 2008 - June 1, 2013
Collaborated in redesigning FIDM's main website and creating individual sites for various departments; integrated e-commerce functionality with third-party services; conducted usability testing.
Sr. Web Designer at FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising)
June 1, 2008 - June 1, 2013
Collaborated in redesigning FIDM's main website and creating individual sites for various departments; integrated e-commerce functionality with third-party services; conducted usability testing.
Sr. Web Designer at AII (American International Industries)
May 1, 2006 - June 1, 2008
Conceptualized designs with Brand Managers for over 30 beauty brands; developed design plans and established guidelines, standards, and best practices; managed website functionalities and content standards.

Education

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Computer and Information Sciences at California State University - Los Angeles
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2001
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Digital Arts at Washburn University - Topeka, Kansas
January 1, 1993 - January 1, 1997
Master of Arts (MA) in Computer and Information Sciences at California State University, Los Angeles
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2001
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Digital Arts at Washburn University
January 1, 1993 - January 1, 1997
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Computer and Information Sciences at California State University - Los Angeles
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2001
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Digital Arts Focus at Washburn University - Topeka, Kansas
January 1, 1993 - January 1, 1997
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Computer and Information Sciences at California State University, Los Angeles
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2001
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Digital Arts at Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas
January 1, 1993 - January 1, 1997
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Computer and Information Sciences at California State University - Los Angeles
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2001
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) Focus in Digital Arts at Washburn University - Topeka, Kansas
January 1, 1993 - January 1, 1997

Qualifications

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Computer and Information Sciences
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2001
Master of Arts (MA) in Computer and Information Sciences
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2001
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Digital Arts
January 1, 1993 - January 1, 1997
Graduate Cum Laude
January 11, 2030 - February 16, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Consumer Goods, Professional Services, Education, Retail, Software & Internet
    paper FIDM

    As Art Director, I led digital campaigns and event promotions, blending bold visuals with strategic messaging to boost engagement for fashion education programs.

    https://www.twine.net/signin

    paper Mount Green

    For Mount Green, a talented painter building his YouTube channel to share art techniques and inspiration, I crafted a brand identity that captures his vibrant, nature-inspired style. Drawing on earthy tones, custom brushstroke motifs, and clean typography, the design creates a welcoming visual system for his videos, thumbnails, and social assets. The result is a cohesive brand that helps him connect authentically with viewers, fostering growth and community around his creative journey.

    https://www.twine.net/signin

    paper Helen Ma Creative

    Helen Ma Creative is my one-person brand design studio, born from over 20 years of design experience to help purpose-driven creatives build clear, impactful identities. I focused on a garden-inspired theme to symbolize growth and nurturing, blending soft greens and lavenders with organic illustrations for a calm, intentional feel. The result is a cohesive brand that reflects my values of clarity, creativity, and quality—guiding clients through thoughtful strategy and visuals that let their stories bloom authentically.

    https://www.twine.net/signin

    paper Kokonut

    For KOKONUT, a playful dairy-free coconut pudding brand, I crafted an identity blending innocence and magic to appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking simple, quality treats. Using a vibrant orange palette with neutral tones, whimsical astronaut illustrations, and bold typography, the design highlights optimism, purity, and fun—positioning it as a “guiltless, out-of-this-world” indulgence. Assets include logos, packaging for flavors like original and mango, and merch like bags and tags, all aimed at building authentic connections with an aspirational, wellness-focused audience.

    https://www.twine.net/signin

    paper California Cactus Center Brand Makeover

    For California Cactus Center, a family-owned nursery with a rich history in succulents, I led a brand makeover to craft a compelling narrative across website, social media, mailers, and merchandising. Drawing on warm, earthy tones like greens, browns, and sunny yellows with bold Rockwell typography, the design echoes their legacy of unique global plant offerings while emphasizing community bonds, knowledge-sharing, and the joy of nurturing—transforming the visual identity into something inviting and supportive that resonates with plant lovers. The result helps CCC tell its story of dedication and vibrant connections, making succulents feel approachable and beautiful for everyone.

    https://www.twine.net/signin