About Maria Montes

About

I am a Melbourne based multilingual, multicultural type nerd with endless dedication and determination. I am passionate about concept-driven and purpose-driven projects.

I specialise in custom logotypes, graphic design with a strong typographic approach, calligraphy, lettering and illustration. 

I am an advocate for social change, women’s rights, gender equality, cultural diversity and inclusion, green sustainability, ethical banking and a LGBTIQ+ supporter.

Biography

My name is Maria Montes and I am a designer and artist passionate about illustration and letterforms. Originally from Catalonia, I moved to Australia in 2006, where I currently reside.

My practice is set by the principals of constant learning, sharing and educating about the creative process. Above all, I have a story to tell.

Nowadays, I split my time between Melbourne and Barcelona working on graphic design, custom lettering projects, illustration commissions and textile design. I currently teach calligraphy workshops in Australia.

“The Melbourne-based designer and artist creates intricate, nostalgic and downright FUN lettering and illustrations out of her studio in Fitzroy, where she also runs workshops teaching others the art of writing.

Trained as a graphic designer, Maria Montes studied in Barcelona in 1996, where learning calligraphy was compulsory. After spending over a decade working in the field, she decided to re-explore letterforms, resulting in a postgraduate course in Advanced Typography, followed by a year-long stint and further study at Type@Cooper in New York City. Her journey ultimately ended in Australia, where she’s been living, working and loving over the last 13 years.

Working out of one of Melbourne’s most vibrant, creative areas, Maria finds inspiration in the community around her, and strength in the reciprocal support of other women. ‘I am surrounded by students and creatives who respect and support my practice,’ she says,  ‘Listening to more female voices in the industry means a lot to me; they encourage my work and help me to build confidence.’” – words by Sally Tabart from The Design Files.

Values

First Things First manifesto. “What I have to offer is me. What you have to offer is you” by Charlie Kaufman.

My personal and professional values are high quality work, communication, collaboration, transparency, respect and trust. 

My strengths are honesty, accountability and attention to detail.

I am a proud member of the TDC, Alphabettes, Typism, and YesEqual.

Do and Dont’s

I specialise in custom logotypes, graphic design with a strong typographic approach, calligraphy, lettering, textile design and illustration.

I teach calligraphy and lettering at my studio in Melbourne. I host corporate/in-house workshops and private 1:1 classes.

I give public speaking talks at design conferences and universities.

I write a bi-monthly email newsletter announcing my workshops, community events, type related matter and other topics which often include creative mental health and fostering women in the industry.

I don’t do wedding calligraphy or wedding stationery.

Selected Clients

Art Centre Tinglado 2, Art Centre La Panera, Hardie Grant, Shillington College, The Cleverness, McCANN Melbourne, University of Melbourne, Inaria Luxury Brand Design, National Trust of Australia (Victoria), Esprit, Megan Park, Country Road, Target Australia, Cotton On, Retro Print Revival, Chorus, Hew, Australian Red Cross, Makedo, Queensland Health, Zara, Mango, Massimo Dutti and Uterqüe among others.

Featured Talks

• 2019. Love for Letterforms. Type@Paris TpTalks, France
• 2019. Live Streaming Interview at Adobe France
• 2018. The Use of Language as Cultural Identity. Keynote speaker TDCBNE Conference, Australia
• 2018. What a Shitshow Catalan Exhibition Interview at the Art Centre La Panera, Spain
• 2017. Scared Shitless. Keynote speaker Typism Conference, Australia
• 2017. Drunk on Lettering Podcast, USA

Exhibitions

• 2019. Typo EINA 15 Anys Group Exhibition. Eina Espai Barra de Ferro, Barcelona, Spain
• 2019. What a Shitshow Solo Exhibition. Centre d’Art Tinglado 2, Tarragona, Spain
• 2019. La Tipografía en la Cultura Contemporánea Group Exhibition. Centro Roberto Garza Sada, Mexico
• 2018. What a Shitshow Solo Exhibition. Centre d’Art La Panera, Lleida, Spain
• 2017. High Risk Dressing/Critical Fashion Group Exhibition. RMIT Design Hub, Melbourne
• 2016. Yelp After Work Drink Party Group Exhibition. Work-shop Melbourne
• 2015. Breaking The Ice Solo Exhibition. Nieuw Amsterdam, Melbourne
• 2015. People Can Change Group Exhibition. Melbourne Arts Club Gallery
• 2015. Pick Me Up London Group Exhibition represented by Supergraph Australia
• 2015. Supergraph Group Exhibition. Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne
• 2014. Tone of Voice Group Exhibition. CATC College, Melbourne
• 2013. Homage to Josep Maria Pujol Group Exhibition, Barcelona

Corporate and In-house Workshops

• 2019. Corporate Calligraphy Workshop at St Columba’s College Essendon, Melbourne
• 2019. Lettering and Typography Semester at RMIT University, Melbourne
• 2019. Corporate Calligraphy Workshop at Mind Australia, Melbourne
• 2018. Copperplate Calligraphy Workshop at Griffith University, Brisbane
• 2018. Corporate Calligraphy Workshop at Carnegie Library, Melbourne
• 2018. Corporate Calligraphy Workshop at Moose Toys, Melbourne
• 2017. Carolingian Calligraphy Workshop at Emmanuel College, Melbourne
• 2017. Copperplate Calligraphy Workshop at Griffith University, Gold Coast
• 2017. Copperplate Calligraphy Workshop at Shillington College, Melbourne
• 2017. Art Deco and Modernist calligraphy workshop at Rippon Lea House, Melbourne
• 2017. Brush Calligraphy Workshop at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre
• 2017. Italic Calligraphy Workshop at Moose Toys, Melbourne
• 2017. Gothic Calligraphy Workshop at Work-shop Melbourne
• 2017. Copperplate Calligraphy Workshop at Como House, Melbourne
• 2016. Copperplate Calligraphy Workshop at Tractor Design School, Melbourne
• 2016. Brush Calligraphy Workshop at Reed Gift Fairs, Melbourne
• 2016. Copperplate Calligraphy Workshop at Work-shop Sydney
• 2016. Carolingian Calligraphy Workshop at SAE Quantum Institute, Melbourne
• 2016. Italic Calligraphy Workshop at Work-shop Brisbane
• 2016. Copperplate Calligraphy Workshop at Como House & Garden, Melbourne
• 2016. Copperplate Calligraphy Workshop at Labassa House, Melbourne
• 2016. Fraktur Calligraphy Workshop at Work-Shop Melbourne
• 2015. Copperplate Calligraphy Workshop at Work-Shop Brisbane
• 2015. Copperplate Calligraphy Workshop at CATC Design School, Melbourne
• 2015. Copperplate, Italic and Fraktur Calligraphy Workshops at Work-Shop Melbourne
• 2014. Introduction to Neuland Script. Imagination Industry, Melbourne