Paulo Mariano | Senior Art Director & Creative Lead

Paulo Mariano - Senior Art Director & Creative Lead

Creative Direction and Visual Storytelling Portfolio

Paulo Mariano is an award-winning Senior Art Director and Creative Lead based in Lisbon, Portugal. With a portfolio defined by visual storytelling and high-impact ideation, Paulo specializes in integrated campaigns that bridge the gap between traditional design and innovative technology. He is currently targeting international creative opportunities, with a particular focus on collaborating with brands and agencies in Brazil, Germany and Spain.

Recognized as one of the 200 Best Digital Artists Worldwide by Lürzer's Archive, his expertise includes brand design, photography, and art direction. Paulo leverages generative AI tools like Midjourney, Gemini and Sora to push the boundaries of modern advertising and visual concepts.

Throughout his career, Paulo has led major projects for global brands such as Netflix, Emirates, and LIDL. This portfolio showcases a selection of works that highlight his ability to translate complex brand messages into compelling visual narratives. Whether leading a creative team or working as an independent lead, Paulo delivers world-class results for the advertising and entertainment industries.

︎
Paulo Mariano | Senior Art Director & Creative Lead

Paulo Mariano - Senior Art Director & Creative Lead

Visual Storytelling, AI Art, and Integrated Campaigns Portfolio

Paulo Mariano is an award-winning Senior Art Director based in Lisbon, Portugal, working for major European markets including Germany and Spain. Specializing in visual storytelling and generative AI, he has led integrated campaigns for global brands such as Netflix, Emirates, and LIDL. Recognized as one of the 200 Best Digital Artists Worldwide by Lürzer's Archive in 2025, his expertise encompasses high-impact visual concepts, photography-driven design, and independent creative lead roles.

 Paulo Mariano

 
Direção de Arte e Storytelling Visual — Projeto Octant, Local Heroes, ideation, design, photography, Creative Director, Art director


Local Heroes

Design + Print






In diversity, you find humanity.
Welcome to singularity.


In each one of Octant hotels, you can find true luxury in simplicity.
And there´s some bravery there. Believing in the luxury of small things.
Working to make them noticed, lived, valued.
Each Octant is a bespoke homage to each location.

This campaign revolves around a distinct kind of luxury: THE LOCAL KIND OF LUXURY. Aiming to regenerate hotels to their essence, to their singularity and original truth, we decided to recognise and value genuine local suppliers as the face of the press campaign.


―
MY ROLE / Concept, Art Direction, Image Retouching
WHERE / Solid Dogma
CLIENT / Octant Hotels - A new latitude of freedom








 Luís Silva - Fresh cheese with pepper dough - O Lavrador Cheese Factory - Azores  |  Dona Glória - Leavened cake - Glória Moniz Bakery - São Jorge Island   |   Joana Gouveia - Organic strawberries - Quinta Verde Água - Douro   |   Vitor Seco - Barca Tareco - Mondego River

 



Direção de Arte e Storytelling Visual — Projeto Octant, Local Heroes, ideation, design, photography, Creative Director, Art director




Finding purpose in where they are, how they are, what story they tell and why.
That´s why no hotel is like the other. 
To capture the relation between nature, culture and people and make that the real experience.








Cozido das Caldeiras - Furnas   |  Thijs Valkenburg - Chameleon - Algarve  




Direção de Arte e Storytelling Visual — Projeto Octant, Local Heroes, ideation, design, photography, Creative Director, Art director


Direção de Arte e Storytelling Visual — Projeto Octant, Local Heroes, ideation, design, photography, Creative Director, Art director





This chain of 5-star hotels doesn't have palatial luxury.
It doesn't have exotic luxury.
It doesn't have cosmopolitan luxury.
It has local luxury. The luxury of small things. The luxury of rarity. Of humanity.






Direção de Arte e Storytelling Visual — Projeto Octant, Local Heroes, ideation, design, photography, Creative Director, Art director




Direção de Arte e Storytelling Visual — Projeto Octant, Local Heroes, ideation, design, photography, Creative Director, Art director

© 2025 Paulo Mariano, All rights reserved.