INÊS REIS

About me.
I am a graphic designer with extensive experience in branding, marketing and visual communication, having worked in agencies, studios and in-house teams across Portugal, the UK, Spain and the Netherlands.
Alongside my creative career, I have developed a strong passion for education, delivering workshops and teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students in design, marketing and communications.
I enjoy creating clear and engaging content — whether for clients or students — and firmly believe in the power of creativity to connect people and ideas.
work experience
Since 2009
Freelance Designer and Entrepreneur at Inês Reis Studio (PT)
Clients in Portugal, Angola, Spain, The Netherlands and England
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Designed and managed digital content for social media and websites
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Created brands and communication strategies including logos, stationery, templates, flyers, catalogues and packaging
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Led design projects from concept to delivery, both digital and print.
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Managed client relationships, creative processes and production workflows.
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Designed layouts for magazines, books, academic theses and promotional materials
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Delivered creative workshops and community initiatives.
2004 – 2023
In-house Graphic Designer Digital & Print
Associations and companies including Associação Alzheimer Portugal (PT), John Lewis (UK), Boots (UK), Sonae and Impala (PT)
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Designed corporate templates and materials across departments to enhance brand awareness and unify corporate identity
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Adapted above-the-line campaigns to online, in-store and press materials
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Participated in marketing meetings, managed workflows and mentored junior designers
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Redesigned websites improving responsiveness, SEO and user experience, increasing engagement and sales
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Led rebranding projects to ensure consistency across communication channels
2000 – 2003
Graphic Designer, Advertising Agencies and Design Studios
BBDO (PT), Quim Larrea & Associates (ES), McCann (PT)
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Created brands and corporate images including stationery, merchandising, in-store displays and packaging
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Co-produced advertising campaigns and adapted international campaigns for local markets
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Designed layouts for magazines and books
academic experience | invited teacher
2012-2014
Nottingham Business School, Trent University, UK
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Taught undergraduate and postgraduate Marketing students on collaboration between designers and marketers — Marketing and Branding
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Covered topics such as Branding, Brand Heritage and Cross-Cultural Communication
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Supervised master’s students’ academic presentations
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Lectures delivered in English to international student cohorts
education
2007-2009
MRes in Design and Visual Culture
Grade 19/20
IADE, Lisbon
Thesis research focused on a country's brand beyond tourism. I conducted an in-depth study of Portugal's brand, analyzing its potential based on technology, local experiences, and the unique characteristics of its people, such as their friendliness and curiosity. This academic work, which earned me the highest project grade in my year, honed my skills in critical thinking, strategic brand analysis, and research methodology.
2000-2001
Postgraduate in Image
and Communication
Grade 16/20
IADE, Lisbon
I developed a comprehensive project for the Design Museum of Lisbon, creating a consistent visual identity and communication strategy for the institution, which previously lacked a defined brand. My final project was featured in a public exhibition, and I was interviewed by a marketing magazine and a TV channel about my work. This experience strengthened my abilities in brand development, strategic communication, and project presentation.
1996-2000
BA in Graphic Design
Grade 14/20
IADE, Lisbon
A four-year degree that provided a strong foundation in Graphic Design, with cross-disciplinary exposure to Industrial and Interior Design. This unique background has been instrumental in a range of projects, from event trophies to decorative objects, allowing me to merge a love for creating with my hands with formal design principles. This hands-on, multi-faceted approach cultivated my curiosity for traditional crafts and an ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively both independently and within teams.
community engagement
since 2018
Park IS Community Events, Lisbon
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Organise and run craft workshops for children, fostering creativity and community connection at schools and local events
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Raise funds for organisations including IPO, AFID, Acreditar and others
2011-2017
Other voluntary contributions
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Designed pro bono promotional materials for charities and community groups
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Created and ran craft activities and workshops at community events
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Participated in fundraising initiatives for various UK and Portuguese charities
awards and honours
2024
2016
2003
2002
2000
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Winner of the BNI ‘Corvos de Ouro’ Rebranding Project
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‘One Step Beyond’ Award, John Lewis, for exceeding expectations in designing the Operating Plan
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Finalist, Red Bull Creativity Contest, Portugal
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Scholarship from the Portuguese Government to work with designer Quim Larrea, Barcelona
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Honourable Mention for poster design for the Lancôme Ladies Cup Tennis Tournament, Portugal