Maria Ballestar

Finding the difference is the job.

No two briefs are the same. Tell me where you are, and I’ll shape the work around it, with a clear scope and timing agreed before we begin.

Brand Audit

Not sure which fits? In one week I map your category and give you three clear ways to stand apart. Credited in full if we go on to an identity project within 3 months.

If you’re pre-seed or seed, ask about the founder edition: a lighter audit shaped for early-stage teams.

1 week €3,000 + IVA
Start here →

For established businesses · Like Moeve

We’re changing what we stand for.

Transformation

Positioning, a new identity and the roll-out, for established businesses in a moment of change.

  • Research and positioning, with a senior strategist partner
  • Three creative routes, presented to your board
  • Full identity system, motion included
  • Ten key applications, launch and roll-out support
  • Full guidelines
Typically 12 to 16 weeks or more Scoped to you · Let’s talk

For growing businesses · Like Unicaja

We’ve grown and the brand hasn’t.

Evolution

Sharpen the story and refresh the identity so it fits who you are now.

  • Brand truth workshop
  • Two creative routes to choose from
  • Logo, colour, type, imagery and motion basics
  • Ten key applications, chosen with you
  • 8-page brand book
Typically 8 to 10 weeks Scoped to you · Let’s talk

For founders and startups · Like Fli+

We’re starting something new.

Launch

A distinctive brand to launch with, on a startup budget.

  • Truth session
  • One creative route, refined twice
  • Logo, colour and type
  • One-page website, 8-page pitch deck, 5 social posts
  • One-page brand sheet
Typically 4 to 6 weeks Scoped to you · Let’s talk

Additional services

Brand truthBrand workshopsNamingTone of voicePortfolio optimisationMotion identityArt directionPackagingPitch deckOne-page websiteSocial templatesDirecting your specialistsBrand guardianship

Agency or consultancy?

Creative direction

I join as senior creative lead for your team and pitches.

By the day or by the projectLet’s talk
Let’s talk →

Barcelona, in person or hybrid · Remote anywhere · Español, Català, English

How a project runs

The same four stages every time. What changes is how long each one takes.

  1. 01

    Truth

    We find the one undeniable thing about your business, with you and your leadership.

  2. 02

    Creative exploration

    Real directions to react to early, tested before the costly phase.

  3. 03

    Design

    The chosen route crafted into a full system, built to move.

  4. 04

    Roll-out

    Applications, guidelines and support so your team can run with it.

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How I find the difference

Truth first

Every brand I lead starts from one undeniable truth about the business, the thing that makes it relevant and different.

Make it different

Colour that communicates. Typography with a point of view. Imagery that avoids the bland and generic.

Built to move

Motion is part of the idea from the first sketch, not added at the end.

How I use AI

To do the groundwork

I automate the repetitive work that deep thinking depends on, so it gets done at speed. My time goes where only people get it right: the thinking, the idea and the craft in every brand element.

To move faster

I test concepts early, before the costly phase, and can check routes against AI personas built from your own customers. So we commit to the right one sooner, and with more conviction.

Never to look like everyone else

I use generative imagery to sharpen a point of view, never to replace one. My own tools keep it clear of the sea of sameness, so it looks like you and no one else.

What I believe

Everyone has the same tools now. So everything starts to look the same.

AI has made polished work easy. That’s the problem. When anyone can make something good-looking in minutes, good-looking stops meaning anything. What makes a brand stand out now is the one thing no tool can generate for you: a real truth about your business, said in a way only you could own.

Not sure which fits? Let’s talk →
Or start with a one-week Brand Audit →