My name is Beatriz, but everyone calls me Bia. I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to a Paraguayan mother, a Brazilian father, and Japanese grandparents on both sides. I earned my degree in Graphic Design in 2007 from the Fine Arts School at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Subsequently, I pursued my Master’s (2010) and Doctorate (2016) in Industrial Engineering, focusing on a more creative aspect of the field. During my academic journey, I researched design, its role in education and Rio de Janeiro’s favelas (slums). During this time, I also worked as a volunteer Art teacher in a project aimed at teaching reading and writing to university workers.
Following my time in academia, I made a career shift to work independently in design, illustrations, and educational projects. From September 2019 to November 2023, I worked with a Brazilian non-profit organization called Instituto Vida Livre (Free Life Institute). This organization focuses on caring for and rehabilitating wildlife animals that are victims of animal trafficking or accidents in urban areas. My role involved contributing design and management skills to support the NGO’s mission.
Presently, I continue to work in the field of Design, developing my illustration and writing skills. On the creative side, I enjoy drawing characters and whimsical places, as well as writing and crafting stories that connect life to the magical.
