Maria Garsa is a graphic designer who loves collaborating.

SHE IS CURRENTLY LOOKING TO WORK IN A SMALL STUDIO WITH GOOD PEOPLE!

End of The Year Show
CalArts / 2026

Branding
Ideation
Research
Environmental Graphics
Event Managing

CalAir is CalArts Annual Graphic Design End-of-the-Year-Show (EOYS). Students design and build the entire exhibition environment within CalArts D301 gallery space. This year’s theme takes the form of an airport, CalAir—an exhibition where multiple design journeys intersect. It is not only a presentation of final outcomes, but a reflection on a year-long process of making.

Graphic Design Yearbook
CalArts / 2026

Branding
Ideation
UX/UI
Web Design
Photography
Typography

The CalArts Graphic Design Yearbook a website created for graphic designers, reimagined through the visual language of sports teams and fantasy leagues. The platform allows visitors to explore each designer’s signature, personality, and body of work at a glance, turning the graduating class into a collectible roster of creative players. Users can discover their favorite designers, build their own “dream team,” and share their selections with others through an interactive system.

Sweet Treats
CalArts / 2026

Album Design
Packaging Design
Music Mixing

“Froot Cake” is a band we created. We built an entire identity system based on a bakery concept. We made a cute album named “Sweet Treats”. We took full visual and creative ownership of the project by producing the original chiptune and electronic bubblegum pop music, alongside designing the album cover and all physical packaging. We blended photography with illustration to give the band a playful, lively aesthetic. Every cookie used in the visual assets was hand-baked (and eaten) by our team.

The Design Center
CalArts / 2024–2026

Branding
Ideation
Research
Web Design
Environmental Graphics
Interior Design

The Design Center was created collaboratively by a group of BFA and MFA Graphic Design students working with faculty advisor Michael Worthington in a year-long class called “Designing the Design Center.” We are a peer-to-peer design, tutoring, and collaboration service center at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts).

To the Love of My Life

CalArts / 2025

Publication
Photography
Typography

To the Love of My Life, is a publication based on my and my life long partner. I had each of us write a letter to each other at the same time and turned these letters into a publication containing meaningful objects in our relationship.

Toni’s Teezaria

CalArts / 2025

Branding
Ideation
Research
Environmental Graphics
Silk-Screen
Event Managing

The CalArts T-Shirt Show is an annual event hosted by the Graphic Design program where students, alumni, and faculty sell hand-screened t-shirts and tote bags with original designs. The show is a fundraiser, with proceeds supporting the Graphic Design program, its exhibitions, and supplies.

Stanger NO Danger

CalArts / 2025

Publication
Interview
Research
Typography

“Stranger No Danger” is a collaborative publication featuring interviews with multiple designers we admire. Presented through editorial spreads.

For this issue, I interviewed Ryan Smallman via email about the process of making posters and illustrations, framing the conversation as a type making guide for college students who are beginning type design. The text embedded in the cover logo is taken from the first email he sent.

Through the Pane

CalArts / 2024

Wayfinding
Typography
Illustration
Pattern
Research
Environmental Graphics
Storytelling

Through the Pane is the wayfinding group project addressing the tragic bird collisions into windows, hurting themselves or dying. Birds were frequently hitting our Graphic Design BFA 3 windows at CalArts, with most either dying or suffering internal injuries due to their small, fragile bodies. Our team, DeMAKe, aimed to foster empathy and save the lives of these birds by offering practical solutions.

Positive Gaslighting

CalArts / 2024

Typography
Copywriting
Pattern
Packaging

Positive Gaslighting is a playful and thought-provoking card game centered around the concept of self-affirmation and positive gaslighting. In this game, players (me) draw cards with exaggeratedly positive or overly encouraging statements meant to be both uplifting and absurd. The goal is to creatively respond to these statements (like blushing or kicking your feet).

Let’s connect!

I’m always happy to collaborate.
mariagarsa (@) alum.calarts.edu

Behind the Scenes