Mariela Pophristova Smith - an artist and designer
who believes that creativity can challenge
the expectations and make positive impact
in an era of fierce competition.
Born and raised in a family with an inclination to structure (both parents were engineers), Mariela learned to be strict and precise but her longing always was for more fluid, spontaneous experiences found in the hours spent with paints, crayons, and pencils. Those early age art experiments brought her later on to a School for Visual and Applied Arts.
Art school was followed by graduation with a BFA in Graphics from Veliko Tarnovo University. Shortly after that Mariela established her own design studio in Sofia. Together with working on regular design and marketing assignments, Mariela also collaborated with several governmental organizations designing, supervising and implementing diverse projects. She has won multiple national design competitions.
Looking for a transition to digital work, Mariela found it by moving to New York and entering a Master’s program in Computer Graphics. The intricate digital world was unfolding with new opportunities for a union of classical art techniques with current technological means. Mariela quickly applied her art skills and passion to the computer, combining traditional drawing and digital collage. With those, she has made a unique series of digital prints on handmade paper, illustrations for several books and numerous commercial projects.
During her stay in Los Angeles for a few years, Mariela continued working as an independent Designer/Art Director and applying her expertise in a post-production environment. She was involved with a wide variety of work including marketing materials, movie posters, opening graphics, digital looks and color correction for TV shows and films.
After returning to New York state, Mariela continued her involvement with working on design projects and teaching graphic design as well. While living in Southampton, NY for 10 years, she also wrote, illustrated and self-published a book based on personal thoughts and experiences.
Mariela is keeping proffesional relationships on the East Coast, West Coast and internationally.
who believes that creativity can challenge
the expectations and make positive impact
in an era of fierce competition.
Born and raised in a family with an inclination to structure (both parents were engineers), Mariela learned to be strict and precise but her longing always was for more fluid, spontaneous experiences found in the hours spent with paints, crayons, and pencils. Those early age art experiments brought her later on to a School for Visual and Applied Arts.
Art school was followed by graduation with a BFA in Graphics from Veliko Tarnovo University. Shortly after that Mariela established her own design studio in Sofia. Together with working on regular design and marketing assignments, Mariela also collaborated with several governmental organizations designing, supervising and implementing diverse projects. She has won multiple national design competitions.
Looking for a transition to digital work, Mariela found it by moving to New York and entering a Master’s program in Computer Graphics. The intricate digital world was unfolding with new opportunities for a union of classical art techniques with current technological means. Mariela quickly applied her art skills and passion to the computer, combining traditional drawing and digital collage. With those, she has made a unique series of digital prints on handmade paper, illustrations for several books and numerous commercial projects.
During her stay in Los Angeles for a few years, Mariela continued working as an independent Designer/Art Director and applying her expertise in a post-production environment. She was involved with a wide variety of work including marketing materials, movie posters, opening graphics, digital looks and color correction for TV shows and films.
After returning to New York state, Mariela continued her involvement with working on design projects and teaching graphic design as well. While living in Southampton, NY for 10 years, she also wrote, illustrated and self-published a book based on personal thoughts and experiences.
Mariela is keeping proffesional relationships on the East Coast, West Coast and internationally.
