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..

Generated these looks in Midjourney — but the layout is what really pulls it together.

Grid, crosshairs, typography, detail callouts: same images, but the presentation makes them read like an actual editorial spread instead of just pretty pictures.

The grid, crosshairs, and detail callouts do more than decorate the Midjourney output—they turn it into an editorial system. Great example of how art direction can make a set feel like a coherent campaign.