I am a Brand & Concept Designer who specialise in transforming stories, values, and vision into meaningful visual identities, communication and expression. My work lives at the intersection of strategy, emotion, and aesthetics. If I focus on creating brands that feel human, intentional, and culturally aware, I am driven by concept-led design, brand ecosystem, and visual storytelling that builds trust and connection. I do not approach design as decoration, but as a language that shapes perception, behavior, and belonging.

Mario Da Costa

I am a Brand & Concept Designer who specialise in transforming stories, values, and vision into meaningful visual identities, communication and expression. My work lives at the intersection of strategy, emotion, and aesthetics. If I focus on creating brands that feel human, intentional, and culturally aware, I am driven by concept-led design, brand ecosystem, and visual storytelling that builds trust and connection. I do not approach design as decoration, but as a language that shapes perception, behavior, and belonging.

Available to hire

I am a Brand & Concept Designer who specialise in transforming stories, values, and vision into meaningful visual identities, communication and expression. My work lives at the intersection of strategy, emotion, and aesthetics.

If I focus on creating brands that feel human, intentional, and culturally aware, I am driven by concept-led design, brand ecosystem, and visual storytelling that builds trust and connection. I do not approach design as decoration, but as a language that shapes perception, behavior, and belonging.

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Language

English
Fluent
Arabic
Intermediate

Work Experience

Lead Graphic Designer at Qurtuba Online Academy
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2022
Brand development and management; Creative direction; Conceptual design; UX/UI for website and student portal; Social media campaigns; Digital and print design; Logo and brand development; Internal branded items; PowerPoint templates; Events coordination.
Lead Graphic Designer at Qurtuba Hospitality
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2022
Brand development and management; Creative direction; Conceptual design; Social media campaigns; Digital and print design; Logo and brand development.
Lead Graphic Designer at Qurtuba Limoni Restaurant
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2022
Brand development and management; Creative direction; Conceptual design; Print and digital design; Logo and brand development.
Lead Graphic Designer at Qurtuba Rumaan Spa
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2022
Brand development and management; Creative direction; Conceptual design; Radio scripting, voice acting and recording; Social media campaigns; Digital and print design; UX/UI for website and student portal; Events coordination; PPT templates; Internal branded items; Logo and brand development.
Creative Director Internship at KFC Ogilvy Cape Town
November 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019
Internship focusing on creative direction and campaign support.
Assistant Manager & Waitress at LE KREAMERY Restaurant
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2018
Customer service, operations support; team coordination.
Graphic Designer at Nonzero Africa
July 1, 2024 - October 31, 2024
Graphic design work for a non-profit; branding and marketing materials.
Graphic Designer at Publicis Groupe
February 1, 2024 - June 30, 2024
Graphic design for agency campaigns; collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Multimedia Designer at Gold Leaf Tobacco
September 1, 2023 - January 31, 2024
Brand visuals and campaigns for tobacco manufacturing.
Freelance Graphic Designer at Freelancing
November 1, 2022 - September 30, 2023
Writing, documenting, designing and conceptualizing Baytul Arqam book; brand visual identities; social media management; book cover designs.
Graphic Designer at Spiritual Chords NPO
May 1, 2025 - November 30, 2025
Non-profit branding and graphic design work.
Graphic Designer at AQRT NPO
January 1, 2025 - Present
Non-profit continuous creative design support.
Creative Director Intern at Ogilvy
November 1, 2019 - December 1, 2019
Internal role focusing on brand direction and campaign support; seating and audience management at large music festivals.
Moderator at Leadership Forum
January 1, 2025 - Present
Moderator for Unity-focused sessions at leadership events.
Delegate at Youth Leadership Convention
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Delegate role contributing to youth leadership discussions and activities.

Education

Matric Pass at Lenasia Muslim School
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2014
BA Degree Multimedia Design at Greenside Design Center
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2019
Holistic Healing at Asrian Sariholist Healing
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2025

Qualifications

TEFL and TESOL Course
January 11, 2030 - February 2, 2026
Arabic Language Course
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017
Future Leaders Programme
March 11, 2024 - March 11, 2024
Accredited Play & Art Therapy (Udemy)
January 11, 2030 - February 2, 2026
Rowdatul ilm Arabic language course
January 11, 2030 - February 2, 2026
Bachelor's Degree in Multimedia Design
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2019
Accredited Play & Art Therapy
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025
TEFL/TESOL Course
January 11, 2030 - February 4, 2026
Bachelor's Degree in Multimedia Design
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2019
Accredited Play & Art Therapy
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025
TEFL/TESOL Course
January 11, 2030 - February 4, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Travel & Hospitality, Software & Internet