Maria Salgado
Brand Creative Manager
New York City, NY / Porto, PT
Q What do you do?
“I’m a brand creative manager specializing in creative direction and campaign strategy, turning brands into experiences through creatives, storytelling, and strategy. ”
I lead campaigns from concept to execution, making sure everything, from visuals to messaging feels cohesive and impactful. Whether I’m directing photoshoots, collaborating with designers, or shaping a brand’s narrative, I focus on creating work that connects with people on a deeper level. It’s all about blending creativity with purpose.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
My journey started with a love for design and photography, inspired by growing up in a creative family. This foundation gave me an eye for aesthetics and storytelling. I started with internships alongside talented photographers in Portugal, where I honed my visual skills. Over time, I transitioned into communication design, and eventually realized my passion wasn’t just about creating visuals, it was about creating stories.
Living and working in cities like Barcelona, Amsterdam, Munich, Vienna, and NYC has shaped my creative approach. That realization led me to focus on brand strategy and creative direction, where I could combine my artistic side with big-picture thinking.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Since I started my career as a communication designer and studied photography in high school, I’ve always been a receptive mind absorbing everything around me, learning from others, and openly taking in feedback. This approach has helped me grow across different fields, from strategy to creative production. I’ve brought creativity and the “wow” momentum to the strategy of every project, leading high-profile collaborations like photoshoots with Charles Leclerc and Taylor Fritz while staying true to a brand’s vision.
I’m always exploring and reading about trends in fashion, tech, and sports, constantly gathering fresh ideas to keep my work innovative and impactful.
Q What are you working on right now?
Currently creating some 🔥 campaigns for Eight Sleep, positioning high-performance sleep tech as the future of wellness. With bold visuals and innovative storytelling, these projects redefine how people see recovery and performance.
Q What’s your style?
My style is a blend of bold visuals, thoughtful storytelling, and a focus on creating work that resonates emotionally. I’m inspired by multidisciplinary creators like Virgil Abloh, who challenge norms, and Daniel Arsham, whose work redefines time and perception. I also admire the cinematic energy of Gibson Hazard and the innovative approaches of studios like Porto Rocha, Mouthwash Studio, Something Special, Some Days.
A project that represents my perspective is the "Champions Sleep on Eight Sleep" campaign featuring Charles Leclerc. This campaign combined a powerful narrative with striking visuals to position Eight Sleep as a leader in high-performance sleep fitness. Another example is the award-winning "Champions of Winter" campaign, where we flipped the challenges of winter into a story of resilience. These projects reflect my passion for blending creativity with strategy to deliver impactful campaigns that connect with audiences.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I’d love to focus more on creating IRL experiences, projects like pop-up stores and events that bring people together and make creativity tangible. Meeting people, networking, and building connections are areas I want to leverage further to amplify the impact of my work. Combining this with strategic thinking, spotting trends, aligning them with a brand’s vision, would allow me to create memorable projects.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Balancing creative vision with practical constraints, like tight deadlines or limited resources, can be frustrating and sometimes feels like there’s not enough time to fully explore ideas.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I’d hire someone with a similar taste and creative/design skills, someone who really understands my vision and thinking in the design world. That connection in terms of design and putting ideas into action is so important. Since I started my career as a designer, I often find it easier to take an idea, put hands on it, and finalize it myself. But having someone to collaborate with on designs and creative production would be a game-changer. They’d help bring ideas to life while freeing me up to focus on the creative concept and narrative.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would tell my younger self during my early design internships to not be afraid to speak up and share ideas, even if they feel “bad ideas”. Surprising others with your perspective can lead to unexpected opportunities. I’d encourage myself to ask questions and seek out new skills, even in areas outside my comfort zone. You’d be amazed at how much joy and growth can come from trying things outside of your “job description.” Wearing different hats and exploring new paths is the best way to discover what truly excites you and where your career can thrive.
This advice would have helped me transition into marketing and creative direction sooner, allowing me to explore the broader vision of campaigns sooner in my journey.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I’d love to connect with a brand or creative director who could guide me on career growth and skill development. I’m particularly interested in understanding how to evolve my expertise in strategy, storytelling, and campaign execution to stay ahead in the ever-changing creative industry.
Also, diving deeper into sports, fashion, and tech, exploring how these worlds are colliding and reshaping global marketing perspectives. The rise of sports within the fashion industry and the integration of tech into these spaces fascinates me.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’m looking for opportunities to lead bold, high-energy campaigns. I love working on projects where I can be involved in every stage, from shaping the strategy and story to the creative vision for photoshoots and campaign launches. Collaborations with innovative brands or creatives that push boundaries and tell fresh, compelling stories are my favorite kind of projects.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My ideal collaboration would involve directing a campaign that bridges fashion, sports, and tech, something bold and innovative, like a partnership with Ferrari Style. I thrive in projects where creativity meets strategy, and when teams are open to push boundaries while staying aligned with the brand’s vision.
An ideal collaboration also involves mutual trust and creative freedom, like my work with Eight Sleep on the "Champions Sleep on Eight Sleep" campaign featuring Charles Leclerc. That project was a seamless blend of strategic planning and artistic execution, proving how powerful collaboration can be when everyone’s on the same page and open to new ideas.
Q: What is your rate?
For full-scale brand campaigns, my rates depend on the scope and deliverables, such as photoshoots, ad design, or campaign strategy. For consulting or strategy sessions it’s $100/hour for shorter-term projects or specific needs.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Reach out via LinkedIn DM or email me at hello@maria-salgado.com.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Rita Salgado, Venturv, and Sabina Blankenberg
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Exploring, creating, learning. Curiosity fuels me.
This member profile was originally published in April 2025.