Hi,

I’m Mia Gustafson, a designer born in Warwick, RI and currently based in Newport, RI. I will receive a BA in Studio Art with a concentration in Graphic Design from Salve Regina University in May 2026.

I have also received my education in part at the Lorenzo de Medici Institute in Florence, Italy during a study abroad program.

At the core of my work is the intention to create designs that resonate deeply with a company’s audience, forging meaningful connections between people, place, and brand. My work is created for real, physical spaces: places where people can touch, keep, and interact with design as part of their daily experience. Whether it’s the feel of a menu between their fingers, the small delight of a matchbox taken home, or the atmosphere shaped by a mural, I aim to make design a tangible part of everyday life. Through large-scale murals, I bring art to the forefront and pair it with storytelling that invites viewers into a shared narrative. My practice reaches beyond the digital realm, drawing attention back to the physical world and encouraging communities to connect with their surroundings and with each other. 

Visually, my style balances softness with structure. I pair delicate details with clean, grid-based layouts. Often inspired by travel, I would describe my work as blending the orderly beauty of Florentine architecture with the playful curves and lively colors found in Barcelona. The result is a mix of precision and spontaneity that feels both uplifting and thoughtfully crafted. I am drawn to colors that feel bright yet light, giving a sense of airiness and warmth. This soft side of my style takes direct inspiration from impressionist painters like Monet and Paul Signac, as I aim to capture similar feelings of play, wonder, and comfort.