EMAIL info(at)mariamontes.net
PHONE +61 (0) 421 244 612
EMAIL info(at)mariamontes.net
PHONE +61 (0) 421 244 612

About Maria Montes

Short 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. My artworks are based on ideas, where the process becomes vital as it explains the design rationale behind each piece. 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, textile design and calligraphic personal development. 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 in New York City. Her journey ultimately ended in Australia, where she’s been living, working and loving over the last 11 years.

In 2014, the universe had plans for a career shake-up for Maria. ‘The contract I had designing textiles for major international fashion houses ended abruptly’. Maria made good use of her new-found freedom, and began practising calligraphy as a daily exercise. Soon realising others shared her passion for calligraphy, she developed a series of workshops, held at her Fitzroy studio.

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, honesty, respect and trust.

I am an advocate for change, human rights, gender equality, cultural diversity and inclusion, green sustainability, ethical banking and LGBT+ supporter. I am a proud member of the TDC, Alphabettes, Typism, AGDA and YesEqual.

“To create something exceptional, your mindset must be relentlessly focused on the smallest details” Giorgio Armani.

Do and Dont’s

I specialise in graphic communication, custom logotypes, typography, lettering, calligraphy, textile design and illustration.

I don’t do wedding calligraphy or wedding stationery.

Selected Clients

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.

Audio & Video

Digital/Print Publications

Exhibitions

  • 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

Upcoming Workshops

Corporate/Educational Workshops

Education

  • 2018. Copperplate Calligraphy Workshop with Amanda Adams. Saint Antoine l’Abbaye, France
  • 2017. Roman Capitals Calligraphy Workshop with Keith Adams. Saint Antoine l’Abbaye, France
  • 2016. TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training & Assessment, Melbourne
  • 2015. Celtic Calligraphy Workshop with Amanda Adams. Saint Antoine l’Abbaye, France
  • 2015. Italic Calligraphy Workshop with Keith Adams. Saint Antoine l’Abbaye, France
  • 2014. Fraktur Calligraphy Workshop with Amanda and Keith Adams. Saint Antoine l’Abbaye, France
  • 2012. Typeface Design Condensed Program at Type@Cooper. The Cooper Union, New York City
  • 2011. Postgraduate Course of Advanced Typography. Eina, School of Art & Design, Barcelona
  • 2011. Copperplate Calligraphy Workshop with Oriol Miró & Amanda Adams. Convent dels Àngels, Girona
  • 2003 – 2004. MA in User Interface Design (UID). Elisava, Barcelona School of Design and Engineering
  • 1996 – 2000. BA (Hons) Graphic Design. Eina, School of Art & Design, Barcelona

Work History

  • 2011 – Current: Freelance Designer, Letterer and Illustrator
  • 2014 – Current: Freelance Calligraphy Teacher
  • 2016 – 2016. Part-time Advanced Typography Teacher at Tractor Design School. Melbourne, Australia
  • 2015 – 2015. Part-time Advanced CAD Teacher at Melbourne Fashion Institute, Australia
  • 2007 – 2010. Full-time Senior Graphic Designer at ADS. Brisbane, Australia
  • 2005 – 2006. Full-time Senior Graphic Designer at Tangram. Blanes, Spain
  • 2004 – 2005. Full-time Senior Graphic Designer at Pixel BCN. Barcelona, Spain
  • 2000 – 2003. Full-time Junior Graphic Designer at Josep Bagà i Associats. Barcelona, Spain

 

Rotson Studios (Fitzroy), Melbourne 2015. Photograph by Peter Tarasiuk