About Paulo Mariano — Senior Art Director and Creative Lead based in Lisbon, International Advertising Jury Member
Hi! I´m Paulo Mariano.
Senior Art Director and Creative Lead with more than 23 years of experience developing strategic and award-winning creative work for global brands.
My focus is on visual communication and storytelling — particularly in crafting integrated campaigns, activations, and product development that capture attention, deliver measurable outcomes, and present compelling brand narratives.
Over my career, I've developed work across Brazilian and European markets, with international recognition across advertising, design and effectiveness categories. In recent years, I have incorporated Generative AI (Midjourney, Sora, Gemini, Adobe Firefly) into my creative process to support the development of visual concepts, moodboards, and storyboards.
Alongside my professional practice, I also contribute to international jury panels and pre-selection committees, supporting the evaluation of creative work across diverse markets. In August 2026 I served on the final jury at MAD STARS in Busan and spoke at the festival on the five human behaviours that push a creative towards the average.
Outside advertising, I maintain a strong interest in music, literature, philosophy, running, scuba diving — and being a father.
If something looks interesting, I'm probably open to it — collaborations, jury panels, or just a good conversation. (EU/Remote).
Senior Art Director and Creative Lead with more than 23 years of experience developing strategic and award-winning creative work for global brands.
My focus is on visual communication and storytelling — particularly in crafting integrated campaigns, activations, and product development that capture attention, deliver measurable outcomes, and present compelling brand narratives.
Over my career, I've developed work across Brazilian and European markets, with international recognition across advertising, design and effectiveness categories. In recent years, I have incorporated Generative AI (Midjourney, Sora, Gemini, Adobe Firefly) into my creative process to support the development of visual concepts, moodboards, and storyboards.
Alongside my professional practice, I also contribute to international jury panels and pre-selection committees, supporting the evaluation of creative work across diverse markets. In August 2026 I served on the final jury at MAD STARS in Busan and spoke at the festival on the five human behaviours that push a creative towards the average.
Outside advertising, I maintain a strong interest in music, literature, philosophy, running, scuba diving — and being a father.
If something looks interesting, I'm probably open to it — collaborations, jury panels, or just a good conversation. (EU/Remote).
"To know and work with Paulo has been a gift. A bright, cultured mind, structured upon a beautiful human being. Talent follows. His flawless technique, refined aesthetics and artistic eye. His drive to discover and innovate. His resilience and determination in face of adversity. His cleverness in ideating. All qualities that he uses to tackle small and complex projects with the same passion.
Though he is a brilliant art director, his passion for advertising took him to learn creative writing among many other things, in a continuous improvement process he designs for himself. Someone who is listened to and organized, he bears those qualities that make a great team mate and a leader.
In the end, the work speaks for itself. Go and check it out."
Pedro Pires
CEO/CCO_ Solid Dogma
December 19, 2023 - on Linkedin recommendations
Paulo Mariano is a highly committed professional, passioned for his work. Focused, connected and also collaborative. Paulo is always trying to develop himself and put his work in higher level. Just to complete, he is a very cool guy, with a vibe that collaborates a lot for a good work atmosphere.
Claudio Leite
Creative Director_ Nova SB
April 21, 2017 - on Linkedin recommendations
Though he is a brilliant art director, his passion for advertising took him to learn creative writing among many other things, in a continuous improvement process he designs for himself. Someone who is listened to and organized, he bears those qualities that make a great team mate and a leader.
In the end, the work speaks for itself. Go and check it out."
Pedro Pires
CEO/CCO_ Solid Dogma
December 19, 2023 - on Linkedin recommendations
Paulo Mariano is a highly committed professional, passioned for his work. Focused, connected and also collaborative. Paulo is always trying to develop himself and put his work in higher level. Just to complete, he is a very cool guy, with a vibe that collaborates a lot for a good work atmosphere.
Claudio Leite
Creative Director_ Nova SB
April 21, 2017 - on Linkedin recommendations
:: Experience ::
O Escritório / Portugal - Mar 2024 _ Currently
Solid Dogma / Portugal - Jun 2019 _ Mar 2024
Torke CC / Portugal - Apr 2018 _ Mar 2019
ComOn / Portugal - Feb 2018 _ Apr 2018
Lew'Lara/TBWA / Brazil - Sep 2009 _ Dec 2017
DM9 DDB / Brazil - May 2008 _ Aug 2009
SetteGraal / Brazil - Jun 2005 _ May 2008
:: Selected Clients ::
NETFLIX, Emirates, EDP, Gatorade, SL Benfica, LIDL, Super Bock, Sogrape, Bank of Brazil, DELTA Cafés, Banco Montepio, Mimosa, SONAE, O Globo Newspaper.
