HimalayasHimalayas logo
Mariana SolanoMS
Open to opportunities

Mariana Solano

@marianasolano

Graphic designer specializing in UX/UI design. Experienced with leading national brands, delivering creative and user-centered design solutions.

Costa Rica
Message

What I'm looking for

Busco un equipo que valore la creatividad aplicada: diseño de branding y contenido para redes, ilustración y edición de video, con espacio para proyectos donde combine estética con experiencia de usuario (UX/UI).

Professional Profile

I am a creative and versatile graphic designer with a strong foundation in UX/UI design, currently based in Costa Rica. I graduated from the Universidad de Costa Rica, one of the most prestigious universities in Latin America and globally recognized for academic excellence. My educational background has equipped me with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that I apply to every design challenge.

Professional Expertise

My design expertise spans multiple disciplines, including graphic design, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, as well as emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. I am proficient in industry-standard tools including the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Figma, Canva, and other specialized design software. This diverse toolkit allows me to approach projects from both strategic and creative perspectives, delivering solutions that are not only visually compelling but also highly functional and user-centered.

Throughout my professional career, I have had the privilege of collaborating with prestigious national companies and large-scale institutions, contributing to impactful projects that required both creative vision and technical precision. My work has been recognized with important industry awards, reinforcing my commitment to design excellence and innovation.

Technical Skills & Language Proficiency

I am fluent in English at the C1 level (Advanced), enabling me to communicate effectively in international environments and collaborate seamlessly with global teams. My bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English, combined with my technical design capabilities, makes me an ideal candidate for remote positions within international companies.

Beyond Design

Outside of my professional work, I am passionate about continuous creative exploration. I enjoy painting as a form of artistic expression, reading to expand my knowledge across various disciplines, and spending quality time with my beloved dogs. These personal interests fuel my creativity and help me maintain a balanced, well-rounded perspective on both life and design.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

DC
Current

Art Director & Graphic Designer

Doble Check

Jan 2025 - Present (1 year 4 months)

Led a comprehensive redesign of a visual identity system, creating a new graphic language aligned with editorial positioning within a 2-month timeframe. Developed and formalized an illustration system for merchandising and digital environments and supervised multichannel campaign production across OOH, animation, digital, and web touchpoints.

UR
Current

Graphic Designer (UCR)

University of Costa Rica

Jan 2024 - Present (2 years 4 months)

Developed institutional graphic materials for academic and cultural events in print and digital formats, managing social media content and paid digital campaigns. Created branding for four university media outlets and supported rapid election coverage with up to 22 posts in a single day, delivering under 24 hours.

AA
Current

Arts Professor

Academia Artea

Dec 2023 - Present (2 years 5 months)

Managed instructional materials and coordinated classes for 20+ students while delivering clear oral and written instruction. Established project timelines and estimated work duration for student deliverables. Instructed 8+ traditional visual arts techniques. Facilitated free art instruction at national festivals and community events.

MR
Current

Graphic Designer & Illustrator

Museum of Contemporary Art and Design of Costa Rica

Jan 2021 - Present (5 years 4 months)

Provided editorial design and production supervision for an institutional publication, coordinating covers, photo editing, and final artwork within a 2-week deadline. Independently developed 8 complete visual identity systems and created character designs and original illustrations for branding and merchandising, including vehicle wrapping and screen-printed apparel.

CG

Graphic Designer

Colegio de San Luis Gonzaga

Jan 2021 - Jan 2024 (3 years)

Directed an institutional visual identity system and established official brand guidelines for consistent implementation across multiple formats. Designed and produced nationally distributed commemorative materials for the 180th anniversary in partnership with Correos de Costa Rica and the Junta de Protección Social, coordinating printers and vendors to deliver over 5 merchandising pieces within t

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Costa Rica logoUR

University of Costa Rica

Licentiate Degree, Visual Arts

Licentiate degree program at the University of Costa Rica (in progress, expected 2026).

CF

Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC) — FUNDATEC

Technical Degree in Web Design, Web Design

Technical degree program in web design at Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC) via FUNDATEC (in progress).

University of Costa Rica logoUR

University of Costa Rica

Bachelor of Visual Arts, Visual Arts (Pictorial Design)

Activities and societies: First place (2024) Two-Dimensional Visual Arts Competition. Work exhibited at the University Council Gallery and featured in Semanario Universitario (Sep 2024).

Bachelor's degree in Visual Arts with emphasis in Pictorial Design from the University of Costa Rica (completed in 2025).

Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC) — FUNDATEC logoCF

Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC) — FUNDATEC

Technical Degree in Graphic Design, Graphic Design

Technical degree in graphic design from Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC) via FUNDATEC (completed in 2023).

Find your dream job

Sign up now and join over 100,000 remote workers who receive personalized job alerts, curated job matches, and more for free!

Sign up
Himalayas profile for an example user named Frankie Sullivan