Marisa Isabel Avelar is the distinguished graphic designer and mixed-media artist who owns and operates Marisa Avelar Artwork and Design. Her storied career spans two decades and is marked by a singular devotion to her craft. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in painting and graphic design from Georgia Southern University, Ms. Avelar has cultivated her unique blend of artistic and technical skills, making her highly sought after in the graphic design and fine arts industries.
Ms. Avelar’s adventure began at Georgia Southern University, where she earned the prestigious Betty Foy Sanders Scholarship in 2004, reflecting her early talent and dedication. Upon graduating with her BFA in 2005, she immediately entered the professional world, taking on roles that would solidify her reputation as a resourceful and innovative designer. Ms. Avelar’s career started with an internship at Lockwood Costa Design in 2006, refining her skills in production and design. This stint was followed by a production artist and designer role at Stanford Financial Group, further strengthening her foundation in the field.
In 2007, Ms. Avelar became an art director at Adplex, led creative projects, and developed her leadership abilities. Her work caught the attention of industry leaders, launching her position as a designer at Live Nation Worldwide Inc. in 2009. Here, she combined her love for music and art, creating compelling visual content for one of the world’s largest live entertainment companies. Yet, at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Ms. Avelar’s career truly blossomed. From 2010 to 2016, she was a senior graphic designer and had the rare opportunity to design exhibition titles and work alongside priceless artworks. She recalls the surreal experience of creating designs with a Rembrandt painting nearby, a moment that symbolized her full-circle journey from a student to a professional in the same establishment where she once took classes as a child.
Ms. Avelar’s gifts next took her to the Smithsonian Institution working as an exhibition designer from 2017 to 2022. Her work at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in Manhattan is a proud career highlight. Designing a banner for the Day of the Dead celebration was particularly meaningful for Ms. Avelar, as it allowed her to honor her cultural heritage while contributing to the visual landscape of a historic institution. The banner, displayed annually on the exterior of the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, remains a significant part of her legacy at the Smithsonian. Moreover, Ms. Avelar has been a senior graphic designer at the New York City Campaign Finance Board since 2022. Her work continues to be driven by a desire to “mix things up” and bring a fresh perspective to each project. Her sense of color, unique point of view, and ability to draw inspiration from contemporary trends and historical art have distinguished her in a competitive field. Her creative and strategic work requires her to solve complex design challenges daily. In addition to her professional achievements, Ms. Avelar is actively involved in the artistic community. She volunteers with the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and the New York Foundation for the Arts, demonstrating her commitment to giving back to the field that has given her so much. She has been a member of AIGA since 2007, contributing her expertise and experience to support the next generation of designers.
Ms. Avelar’s passion for the arts extends beyond her work. She has displayed her diverse artistic talents in various exhibitions. In 2010, she contributed to “Drawing from Nature: Landscapes by Liebermann, Corinth, Slevogt” at the Museum of Fine Arts, further establishing her as a versatile artist capable of bridging the worlds of fine art and graphic design. Ms. Avelar’s success is rooted in her hard work, persistence, and the guidance of good mentors. She attributes her achievements to her ability to stay true to herself, embrace her cultural background, and maintain a fresh outlook on each project. Her work resonates with audiences and clients alike.
Despite the challenges of working in a mostly male industry, Ms. Avelar has made a name for herself, standing out for her creativity and ambition. Looking ahead, she hopes to continue growing and challenging herself as a designer and artist. In the next five years, she envisions a life in which she is creatively free, still enjoying a fulfilling career, and finding balance with a comfortable lifestyle. She also aims to focus more on gallery shows, hoping to receive more opportunities that align with her artistic vision.
Ms. Avelar’s work has made an impact in the realm of design in addition to touching the lives of those who experience it. Her mastery of blending creativity with strategic thinking sets her apart in the industry, and her dedication to her craft ensures that her work will continue to inspire and influence for years to come. Whether designing for a monumental cultural institution or crafting handmade art for her Etsy shop, Ms. Avelar remains committed to pushing the boundaries of her creativity and leaving a lasting mark on the world of art and design.
