I love illustrating, concepting, character development, and product design. Creativity has always been front and center in my life. With over 20 years experience and 30 industry awards I’m here to create for you, and I’ve got the chops to prove it. From my days as a Senior Product Designer at Manhattan Toy, to my time running the design blog Small for Big and being a Pinfluencer, to being an Adjunct Art Professor at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), I’m kind of obsessed with making things! I’m a proud finalist in the 2023 PBParty competition, a member of SCBWI, and participate in the 12x12challenge.

Meanwhile, I’ve been creating lots of work for clients like Skip Hop, Jellycat, Target, Nuby, Cirque du Soleil, Dr. Seuss, Crate and Barrel, and more. Let’s partner together and create something new.

Illustration: stationery, book, pattern, fabric, surface design
Trend Research: market research, trend boards, color & styling
Character Development: research, sketches, product ideas and development
Concepting: researching, sketching, mock ups
Product Design: ideation, concepting, turn arounds
Asia Manufacturing: process, specifications, negotiations

Contact me at mari@smallforbig.com with any questions or ideas. I’m happy to help!