Clara Ramos
Founder · Cafe Mirante
My Manifesto
Home · About
Who I am
I believe design is an act of care
I'm Nina Mendes, a graphic designer and illustrator who has been working independently for 8 years. I started designing fanzine covers at 17 and never stopped. Today I work on branding, editorial illustration, web design, and motion for brands that want an honest, lasting visual voice.
For me, good design is design that serves the person — not the ego of whoever made it. No trend, award, or flawless aesthetic is worth more than communicating clearly what a brand needs to say. I always start by listening. I understand the context, audience, and purpose before creating a single shape or line.
I work independently and collaboratively, able to adapt to each project's visual culture without losing my authorial perspective. If you're here, you're probably looking for someone who treats your project with the same seriousness they'd give their own. That's exactly how I operate.
Numbers that tell my story
My track record
87+
Projects delivered
54
Clients served
8
Years of practice
6
Awards won
4
Design disciplines
100%
Freelance from day one
Faces behind the words
Who I've worked with
Real people, real projects. Three voices on what it's like to work together.
Beatriz Leal
Creative Director · Atelier Veste
Andre Mota
Editor-in-Chief · Caule Magazine
Rafael Souza
CEO · Eidos Platform
What drives my work
My principles
Listen first, always
I never start a project without truly understanding who's on the other side. Every brief is a conversation — not a form to fill out.
Design that serves — not impresses
I'd rather have a simple, effective solution than a spectacular piece that communicates nothing. Beauty that doesn't work isn't design — it's decoration.
Authorship without ego
I have an aesthetic point of view, but it's in service of your project — not the other way around. My work should feel right for you, not for my portfolio.