majo [’maxo]
[1] Historically (late 18th to early 19th) the Majo and the Maja were ‘people from the lower classes of Spanish society (especially in Madrid), who distinguished
themselves for their elaborate outfits and sense of style in dress and manners, as well as by their cheeky behavior1’
[2] Nowadays (in Spanish language): beautiful, friendly, elegant, vivid, charming
[3] Short for my name: Maria José = MaJo
I’m a Colombian Fashion, Textile & Surface Pattern Designer (and a nail-art
aficionado) living in Milan and in love with what I have chosen to do for life.
I’m a native Spanish speaker, fluent in both English and Italian, and an
amateur in German. I have designed evening-wear collections in Asia,
created costumes for belly dancers and performers in my home country and
Europe, and will soon have some of my designs featured in the
“Patternbase: a Collection of Contemporary Textile and Surface Design”
book.
I’m inspired by everything around me, anywhere I am. Daily life is filled with
exciting ways and forms that light my creativity-bulbs. Every day is an
exploration that fills my eyes and mind with new material for future
creations. I attempt to capture every texture, color and brush stroke I find in
my journeys on different surfaces: activity that I enjoy because I get to
create worlds for both kids and adults. As a makeup inamorata, I pursue
projects that take me to integrate design with everyday life.
I’m fascinated by colors, shapes and textures found in nature; enchanted by
children’s drawings and handwriting; fond of all things “cute”, animals
(especially furry ones), textiles, sewing, all kind of DIY projects, costumes
(firm believer that any occasion is good to dress up!), childlike things,
gelato, chocolate and Nutella, my mom and grandma’s food, and I also have
a peculiar obsession for fake eyelashes.
I have 4 years of experience in the Fashion world, two out of which I have
been focused on my passion for textile design. After graduating from The Art
& Business of Surface Pattern Design course last October, I was inspired by
all the different products I could apply my designs on. The course became a
turning point for me, making my dreams and goals much more perspicuous.
I believe color, patterns and textures make our lives happier and help us
interact with our environment in a more fun and enjoyable way. ‘Majo’ isn’t
only the loving way my friends use to call me, it also implies many of the
characteristics that define me and my work: playful, bold, colorful, free. My
work is also refreshing, whimsical and bright. It is filled with layered textures
and suave shapes. I’m influenced by the eclectic craft and cultural
Colombian heritage as well as by my enthusiasm for both Scandinavian and
Folk art. I like designing patterns for different uses (fashion, crafts,
stationary, homewares), cut-n-sew DIY projects and plushie characters.
I have two mottos: “no dream is too big” and “less is more” (the basic rule
for stylish design).
1 “Majo.” Wikipedia. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majo>.
Find Majo Other Places Online:
Wohoooo gorgeous patterns !
Loved reading the post too!
Thank you Vee!
Wow Majo, great feature and wonderful designs, wish you all the luck in the Printed Bolt!!!
thank you Miranda!!! I hope so too
Congrats, MaJo! So awesome! Good luck!
Thanks Amy!
Good luck Majo!
Oh! Thanks Anneline! I need it… all the other Top 9 are great designers too so I’m in with tough competition
I meant to say… “I’m agains tough competition” heheheh
Fantastic profile Majo. You go girl!
Oh yeah, Tina! Thanks
Majo, lovely bio, well written and inspiring. So good to see you taking part in the challenge ahead. Good luck!
Obrigada Bethania
Thanks for the wishes!
Rooting for you Majo… keep up the good work and GOOD LUCK! x
Grazie mille Dawn! Speriamo!!! hehehe
Great profile of yourself and your work MaJo
I´ve enjoyed reading it and your patterns, especially the building one!
Best of luck in accomplish your dreams this year!!
Aww Gloria! Thank you so much!!! I sure hope they do
Wonderful profile write up MaJo! Good luck with the competition. Keeping fingers crossed for you! This is your year to infuse the world with beautiful MaJo patterns!
Suzie, you just made me smile!!! THANK YOU!
Loved your profile! Wishing you all the best! Good luck : )
Thanks Emine ^_^
Loved reading your bio MaJo! Nicely done! You patterns are gorgeous…can’t wait to see more!
Holly
Holly thanks you!
Lovely bio, can’t wait to see your new designs. Best of luck!
thank you so much Leska