Mariana Santos (aka ‘Mariana, a Miserável’) – A Portrait of Quiet Observation

Mariana Santos, better known as “Mariana, a Miserável” (the miserable one), is a non-award winning illustrator. Having to support a cat with expensive tastes, she practices her craft in her home studio in Porto, Portugal. At 18 she left her hometown Leiria, in Portugal, to study Graphic Design at ESAD and afterwards attended the first year of a Masters at FBAUP, in Porto. Despite her field of study she decided to make herself even more unattractive to employment by choosing to pursue a career in her main talent and passion, illustration, fully committing her heart, soul and wallet to a miserable life. Since then she has managed to produce multiple solo and group exhibitions, in Portugal and abroad, worked for big brands, renowned design studios, publishing houses, taught in universities, recognised by art critics, featured in most of the Portuguese press and internacional design publications. Currently living in Porto, she continues to develop a body of work that spans illustration fields. From canvas in galleries to walls in buildings, from fashion accessories to online content and other multiple mediums, Mariana is a talented and hard working artist.

Early Life & Artistic Beginnings

Born in Lírio, Portugal, in 1986, Mariana Santos’s childhood dreams extended beyond the conventional – she envisioned herself as a florist, nurturing beauty from humble beginnings. This fascination with detail and natural forms would later permeate her artistic style, informing her meticulous approach to composition and color palettes. Her formative years instilled a deep appreciation for observation and storytelling, qualities that would prove invaluable in shaping her distinctive visual language.

• She studied Graphic Design at Escola Superior de Artes e Design (ESAD) in Caldas da Rainha, honing her technical skills and developing a foundational understanding of design principles.
• Subsequently, she pursued postgraduate studies at Faculdade de Bellas Artes da Universidade do Porto (FBAUP), delving deeper into artistic theory and expanding her creative horizons.

Exploring Themes of Reality & Emotion

Mariana’s artwork consistently tackles complex themes – expectations versus reality, the bittersweet beauty of everyday life, and those moments where vulnerability shines through. Her illustrations aren't merely aesthetically pleasing; they invite contemplation about human experience and challenge viewers to confront uncomfortable truths with humor and compassion. She skillfully captures fleeting emotions and subtle gestures, conveying narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.

• Her distinctive style is characterized by a blend of realism and whimsical imagination, creating images that are both grounded in observation and infused with playful creativity.
• She employs a muted color palette—often dominated by blues and greens—to evoke feelings of melancholy and introspection, mirroring the artist’s own self-awareness.

Diverse Projects & Recognition

Mariana Santos has participated in numerous exhibitions – both solo and collaborative – across Portugal and internationally, showcasing her versatility as an illustrator. Her work spans various mediums, from canvas paintings to mural designs, fashion accessories to digital content, demonstrating a commitment to exploring innovative approaches to visual storytelling. She’s been commissioned by prominent brands and design studios, cementing her reputation as a respected artist within the creative community.

• Notable projects include collaborations with Society6 for their “Public Order” collective show, participation in events like COSMOS: A Spacetime Odyssey, and solo exhibitions at Objectos Misturados and Museo Bordalo Pinheiro
• Her illustrations have appeared in publications such as Visão magazine and Estante da Fnac, reaching a wide readership and establishing her presence in the literary landscape.

The Philosophy of ‘Mariana, a Miserável’

“Mariana, a Miserável” – “the miserable one” – isn't merely a pseudonym; it embodies Mariana Santos’s artistic ethos. She describes herself as someone who "doesn't know how to draw," yet her illustrations are remarkably detailed and imbued with humor—a deliberate contrast intended to provoke reflection on our perceptions of life and the importance of embracing imperfection. Her books, “Little Miserable Book” I & II, serve as a poignant reminder that true beauty lies in accepting vulnerability and pursuing dreams with unwavering determination. She encourages viewers to step outside their comfort zones and embrace challenges, recognizing that even moments of sadness can inspire growth and resilience.