Women in Design with Maryliz Castillo: Exploring Every Angle of Design

Despite women making up nearly half of the design industry, few hold leadership positions and many still need help to be equally compensated and recognized for their work. Design is one of the few industries that offers multiple paths for entry, from earning a standard degree to being self-taught. The Women in Design series aims to highlight the unique stories and lessons of women in the design industry, across different experiences and expertise, at every stage and niche.

With ten years in the design world, Maryliz Castillo recalls the moment she was inspired by David Carson’s work and how he pushed the boundaries of traditional design. That experience set her on a path fully devoted to visual communication. From that moment on, she has devoted herself to the world of visual communication.

Describing herself as a "Swiss Army knife," Maryliz doesn't limit her free spirit to one single discipline. Illustration, editorial, marketing, web design, and project management—she's explored them all. A wide range of passions fuels her creativity, along with an open mind that allows her to experiment while remaining authentic. In this interview, Maryliz shares her personal story, diverse work experiences, and how she overcame the fear of failure.

"A thousand 'failures' can teach you far more than a single success ever could." —Maryliz Castillo

Can you share a bit about your journey into the design field?

I first started studying Graphic Design in the Communication and Advertising program. It was during those early courses that I quickly fell in love with the creative process and the endless possibilities of the field. By my third semester, I knew I wanted to start gaining practical experience, rather than waiting until after graduation to get my feet wet. Over the years, this led me to a variety of roles and experiences—from freelancing to working as an in-house designer, and even serving as a lead designer at a fast-growing tech company. Each of these experiences taught me invaluable lessons.

As a freelancer, I learned the importance of independence, time management, and building strong client relationships. Working in-house allowed me to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and dive deeper into areas like logo design, illustration, web design, and art direction. And my time as a lead designer at a unicorn company challenged me to take on greater responsibilities, hone my leadership skills, and help shape the visual identity of a rapidly scaling business. Most importantly, this journey has reinforced my passion for design. The ability to solve problems, tell stories, and evoke emotions through visual mediums continues to captivate me. And I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow within such a dynamic, ever-evolving field.

What inspired you to pursue a career in design?

Growing up, I was constantly surrounded by the creative expression of my mom, who is a painter. I was always in awe of her attention to detail and the way she masterfully blended a vibrant palette of colors and textures, whether it was in her outfits, artwork or our home's decor. Watching her creative process unfold sparked my own fascination with the power of visual storytelling.

As I grew older, I found myself drawn to design-focused publications, eager to learn about the visionaries shaping the industry. One magazine, in particular, left a lasting impression—Revista Capiusa. It was here that I first encountered the groundbreaking work of graphic designer David Carson, and his unconventional approach to typography and layout. Carson's work captivated me. I was mesmerized by his ability to push the boundaries of traditional design, using visual elements to evoke emotion and convey meaning in innovative ways. Seeing the impact that a single designer could have on the field ignited a spark within me, inspiring me to pursue a career where I, too, could harness the transformative power of design. From that moment on, my path was clear. I knew that I wanted to dedicate myself to the art of visual communication, to explore the endless possibilities of combining form and function, and to create designs that would captivate and inspire others, just as I had been. It was a calling that resonated deeply within me, and one that I have been passionately following ever since.

What does a typical day look like for you in your current designer role?

I often describe myself as a Swiss Army knife when it comes to my design practice. Rather than specializing in a single discipline, I have the privilege of exploring the vast visual communication and design field. My work encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from branding and marketing to illustration, editorial design, and even web design and project management. While no two days are exactly the same, I relish the opportunity to tackle this diverse array of creative challenges. This versatile approach keeps me on my toes, constantly learning and adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of design.

Can you describe one of your favorite projects that you've worked on? What made it memorable?

While I don't have a single favorite project that stands out, one brand that has been particularly memorable for me is Blinkist. My work with this innovative company has challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and explore new creative frontiers. What makes the Blinkist brand so rewarding to work on is the opportunity to collaborate across a diverse array of touchpoints. Rather than sticking to a single discipline, I've had the chance to flex my creative muscles in a variety of ways—from illustrating book covers to designing marketing campaigns and even developing icons for their mobile app.

How do you cultivate creativity in your work? Are there any particular sources of inspiration you turn to regularly?

I find that nurturing creativity in my design work often comes from exploring a wide range of interests and sources of inspiration. While I certainly don't consider myself an expert in any one field, I do have a deep fascination with topics as diverse as art, cooking, fashion, music, psychology, movies, and even true crime. Immersing myself in these varied subjects allows me to make unexpected connections and transform information into new design solutions. It's a process of constant learning and exploration that I find deeply rewarding, even if my understanding of these topics is still quite limited.In addition to this broad-based learning, I also make an effort to stay somewhat up-to-date on the latest industry trends and developments. Reviewing trend reports and studying the success stories of various brands helps me gain a basic awareness of the evolving needs and preferences of my clients and their audiences. This forward-looking perspective is something I aim to incorporate into my work, though I'm sure there is always more for me to discover.

What is a current design trend that you're most excited about?

When it comes to design trends, I find myself most excited about the growing emphasis on self-expression and authenticity. I'm drawn to the idea of developing a genuine, personal design aesthetic that transcends the constraints of passing trends. What I love about this "no trend" trend, as I like to call it, is the freedom it affords designers to truly explore their unique voices and perspectives. Rather than chasing the latest trends, we're being empowered to cultivate design personalities that are rooted in our own experiences, passions, and creative impulses.That said, I don't believe we should completely disregard design trends altogether. In fact, I sometimes like to selectively incorporate certain elements into my personal projects, using them for exploration and experimentation. Trends like anti-design and color clashing, for instance, offer intriguing opportunities to push the boundaries of traditional layout and typographic conventions.

Looking back, what is one thing you wish you had known when you started your career in design?

In the early stages of my journey, I often found myself paralyzed by the fear of failure. I was so focused on creating the "perfect" design that I would spend countless hours meticulously tweaking and refining, sometimes at the expense of true innovation and creativity. This mindset not only stifled my growth but also hindered my ability to take risks and experiment with new ideas. Over time, I came to realize that each failure is a valuable stepping stone towards success. In fact, a thousand "failures" can teach you far more than a single success ever could. Each misstep provided me with crucial lessons—whether it was a deeper understanding of user needs, the discovery of new design techniques, or the realization of what truly resonates with an audience. Embracing this mindset of exploration allowed me to develop resilience and adaptability, which are essential qualities in the ever-evolving field of design. I began to see design not as a destination, but as a continuous journey. By allowing myself the freedom to explore, I discovered new styles, techniques, and approaches that I wouldn't have got to if I had remained fixated on achieving perfection. In retrospect, I wish I had embraced this exploratory mindset earlier in my career. It would have saved me from unnecessary stress and self-doubt, and I believe I would have been able to cultivate a more authentic and innovative design style sooner.

What are the most rewarding and most challenging parts of being a woman in design?

From the very beginning, I've been drawn to the natural camaraderie and mutual support that exists within the female design community. Working alongside passionate, talented women has been incredibly inspiring, as we've welcomed each other into collaborative and ego-free spaces. The sense of shared purpose and genuine care for one another's growth has been truly invaluable. However, one of the most challenging aspects I've encountered has been earning respect in certain work environments, especially where the percentage of women is lower. As a young, female designer, I've sometimes found myself having to prove my worth and expertise in a way that my male counterparts may not have experienced.

What's your (recent) favorite design tool?

Figma and Procreate.

Stay in Touch with Maryliz!

Follow Maryliz on LinkedIn and visit her website for more.

Discover more in Women in Design, our interview series where talented designers share their creative journeys and personal thoughts.