Maud Passini
Q What do you do?
“I’m a graphic designer and illustrator who runs a branding studio alongside my partner.”
We create full brand identities and websites for startups we really believe in, or take on smaller scale projects for big brands, like content creation for social (that can mean a series of illustrations, or interesting product photography), packaging design, presentation design to impress potential investors, and so much more.
Basically, we create visuals that make brands come alive.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I got a master's degree in Graphic Design in Paris before moving to New York to get a closer look at the fascinating design scene in NYC, which seemed so fun, lively and creative. It didn't disappoint, and after a 6 months internship at a branding studio, I did everything I could not to get kicked out of the country and managed to stay. After a few years, I left my job and started my own studio to work directly with my own clients.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I have a fine arts approach to branding, meaning that I use visual language in a variety of mediums to imbue brands with distinct and memorable personalities. Clients come to us for brand work that feels like artwork ; we design identities that stand out on busy grocery store shelves and in competitive Instagram feeds, balancing commercial objectives with craftsmanship and care.
Q What are you working on right now?
I'm currently rebranding a very exciting lifestyle website, and creating a variety of environmental design and marketing collateral for my regular clients. I also paint and draw regularly to foster my creativity and inspire my designs.
Q What’s your style?
I love working with conscious brands who have sustainability at the top of their mind. Who try to make a difference in the world. I loved working with female-founded skincare brand Atolla who questions themselves at every step of the process to create a truly thoughtful product. Here is the branding we created: manurevastudio.com
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I love getting nerdy about printed branding collateral, like packaging or beautiful printed material for clients.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
That's gonna sound cheesy, but taking the time to create reel connections. Wether that's with peers, potential clients or a virtual community. Networking & marketing ourselves is really tough, especially when we don't feel like we're addressing our ideal client or community quite yet.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Telling me how to market myself, and who to.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
When I was a student, I wish I'd known that I did have what it takes. I wish I'd trusted myself more to find my voice earlier.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
It's very specific, but right now I'd love to learn how to present our work to client, how to act and look more legitimate. Our work is mature and our pricing reflects that, but I sense a lack of trust in some clients, and I feel like we're not aligned exactly in that way.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I'm looking for branding or illustration projects. I'm also learning more about product photography and would love to offer that service in a more casual way.
More generally, I want to meet people who value design, risk taking, and creativity. I want to find that community, connect we female founders, and hopefully find potential clients who value good design.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I want to work with more female founders in the wellness/health space, who have invested in their company and are taking it seriously. People who have a vision and know how to express it, while following the designer's lead. An actual collaboration where everyone's voice is important.
Q What is your rate?
My hourly rate is 150/200 hour. Branding starts at 8/10k for startups and small companies. Webdesign starts at 8k.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Drop us a line at manureva.com/contact
We love hearing about people's project and the story behind it. We'd like to know their timeline, fears and expectations.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Elyse Edwards at @fountacreative and @fountawell is an incredible art director, creative director who amazes me every day with her creativity!
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I walk or sew clothes. It turns my mind off to reset!
This member profile was originally published in November 2022.