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Mariana Cole

PORTFOLIO STARTER

Resources

Articles, newsletter capture, and useful downloads.

designer resources

Templates and notes from my practice

A practical hub for portfolio planning, design decisions, and client-ready workflows.

01

Portfolio checklist

A clear review list for choosing case studies, writing context, and avoiding common portfolio traps.

02

Client kickoff template

Questions I use to uncover goals, constraints, audience, and project risks before design starts.

03

Design system starter

A lightweight way to document colors, type, spacing, and reusable UI decisions.

Newsletter

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Design tips, case studies, and behind-the-scenes of my process. Delivered once a month, never spammy.

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FAQ

Common Questions

Answers to things clients usually ask before we start working together.

What's your design process like?
I follow a lean, collaborative process. It starts with discovery -- understanding your users, goals, and constraints. Then I move through wireframes, visual design, and prototyping, with check-ins at every stage. I iterate based on feedback until we land on something that feels right.
How long does a typical project take?
It depends on the scope. A brand identity usually takes 3-4 weeks. A full product design runs 6-10 weeks. I'll give you a detailed timeline after our initial call so there are no surprises.
Do you work with international clients?
Absolutely. I'm based in Lisbon but work with clients worldwide. I'm flexible with time zones and comfortable with async communication. Most of my clients are in the US, UK, and Europe.
What tools do you use?
Figma is my primary design tool for UI and prototyping. I also use Framer for interactive prototypes, Notion for project management, and Slack or Loom for communication. I'm happy to adapt to your team's stack.
Do you offer revisions?
Yes. My project packages include rounds of revisions at each stage. I believe great design comes from iteration, so I build that into the process. Additional revisions beyond the agreed scope are billed hourly.
Can you help with development?
While I primarily focus on design, I have strong front-end knowledge and create developer-friendly handoffs. I can also recommend trusted development partners if you need help building what I design.

Let's work together

I'm always open to discussing new projects, creative ideas, or opportunities to bring your vision to life.