I just joined Contra and I’m still figuring out how things work around here, so I thought I’d introduce myself instead of quietly lurking.

I’m Mariya, founder, strategist and lead designer behind Mariya Design. I’ve worked internationally since 2015, and today I run a boutique branding studio focused on brand identity systems for premium and luxury-led brands.

Most of my work sits somewhere between identity, packaging and the wider system around them. I’m particularly interested in what happens after the logo: how typography, color, packaging, digital applications and brand rules actually hold together as the business grows.

One project I’ve been revisiting recently is SAE-REN, a premium beauty and wellness identity system. I’m currently rebuilding some of my case-study presentation system, so it felt like a good one to share here first.

And since I’m genuinely new to Contra, I’d love to hear from people who have been active here for a while:

What actually helped you become part of the community here?

Was it sharing work regularly, joining conversations, applying to opportunities, or something else entirely?

Any early mistakes worth avoiding are welcome too.

great designs..

a longevity health membership asked me for the first ten seconds of their site. two opinionated directions, not four safe ones.

A · the instrument: https://onetwenty-direction-a.framer.website/ opens with how it works, shown through real product interface. the clearest version of what the category already does. risk: one more health dashboard.

B · the publication: https://onetwenty-direction-b.framer.website/ opens with the reader's doubt, then explains. a big serif headline, one photo, a section that plays the idea out as you scroll. risk: drifting into wellness.

the copy is nearly identical in both, on purpose. so the question isn't which one looks better:

which one would make you trust a health company with your blood and your data?

vote, and tell me why below.

B look similar to this https://templatoria.com/templates/clearpath