I’m Maya. I turn complex ideas into compelling visual identities and communication systems.

My work sits at the intersection of strategy and storytelling—using design and writing to help brands share their stories with the world.

My path to graphic design began in the sciences. I earned honors in English and Environmental Studies from the University of Chicago and went on to complete a graduate research degree in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Cornell University. There, I also developed and taught writing courses, and received the university’s Excellence in Teaching Award. I then realized that far more than in research, my strengths were in structuring systems and communicating ideas.

Within three years of self-directed study in graphic design, I was working with organizations like Adobe and Landor. Since then, I’ve partnered with diverse clients to build and evolve their visual identity systems for long-term growth.

Outside of my professional work, I write and illustrate children’s books. Earlier in my career, I authored 60+ articles for major design publications.

​I’m based in San Francisco, where the summers are as cold as the winters.


Email: hello [at] mayaplim.com
LinkedIn: @MayaPLim

---

I’VE WORKED WITH…

• Adobe
• American Express Global Business Travel
• Australian National University
​• California Academy of Sciences
​• Climate Lead
​• Forte Labs/Tiago Forte
• Landor
• Max Lugavere

• Seth Godin
​• Shadé Zahrai
​• SINK Design
​• Stanford University
• Stephanie Riggs
• The Nature Conservancy
• Umbrex
… and others

Sign up for my newsletter and opt to receive Unstoppable Creativity, a 40-page printable ebook bursting with reflective, energizing activities to spark your creativity. Unsubscribe anytime.