Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Aranda – Lopez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The way I became a graphic designer wasn’t a straight path, it was truly a journey to finding myself. As a first gen. Latina, I’ve always been drawn to helping others, and that’s something that has always brought me joy.
Throughout high school and college, I had the opportunity to intern in several different fields, from being an administrative assistant at the Ravens Stadium, to working at the Office of the Public Defender, to interning at the World Trade Center. Each experience gave me insight into how different types of businesses operate.
At the University of Baltimore, I initially started in psychology, but through my work experiences, I found myself gravitating toward business and communication. My favorite classes were always the ones that focused on presentations, storytelling, and understanding the history and strategy behind brands.
When I had to take a break from school, I decided to take an alternative route and truly begin my entrepreneurial journey. One of my communication professors really believed in me and helped me recognize my strengths and passion for branding. That encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue marketing more seriously.
I started building my network, studying the marketing world, and even applied to a nationwide marketing competition, where I was honored to be one of two winners out of over 1,600 applicants.
Beyond business, I’ve always been a strong advocate for mental health awareness. I’ve seen how much of a difference words of encouragement and support can make. Combining my passion for creativity, mental health advocacy, and helping others naturally led me to create YMDesignz, my graphic design and brand management business.
Through YMDesignz, I’m able to bring people’s visions to life, help small businesses build strong brand identities, and make a positive impact through design and storytelling.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been such a rewarding one. In the beginning, while my business focused on helping others find their brand identity, I was also figuring out my own … learning who I was as an artist, a business owner, and a person overall.
Even though I had experience in business administration, starting and running your own business from scratch is a completely different experience. There’s no real guidebook when it comes to entrepreneurship, you’re constantly learning, adjusting, and figuring things out along the way.
As a creative, one of the biggest challenges has been staying consistent during those moments when inspiration is low, especially during seasonal depression. It can be hard to stay motivated and inspired all the time, but I’ve learned that consistency and self discipline matter just as much as creativity.
Looking back, it’s all been part of the growth process. Every obstacle taught me something new and helped me get to where I am now. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth it and I love being able to take those lessons and use them to help others grow their own businesses, too.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m the owner and designer behind YMDesignz, where I specialize in helping entrepreneurs and small businesses bring their brand visions to life. Since 2020, I’ve been creating custom logos, business cards, and digital marketing materials that are tailored to each client’s unique style and goals.
My design approach is really rooted in understanding why things work. I focus heavily on color psychology, marketing strategy, and how visual design connects with people emotionally. My goal isn’t just to make something look good, it’s to make it mean something and resonate with the right audience.
Alongside running YMDesignz, I’ve worked in product marketing with State Farm, which gave me a strong foundation in understanding consumer behavior and brand consistency. I’ve also had the opportunity to contribute to social media content campaigns for global brands like L’Oréal, Dior, and Maybelline. Those experiences taught me how powerful branding can be when strategy and creativity come together.
What I’m most proud of is every project I take on. I love seeing my work displayed across different platforms and watching business owners prosper. I think what sets me apart is the personal connection I build with my clients. I take the time to understand their story, their goals, and what makes their business special. That way, the final design doesn’t just represent their brand, it represents them.
How do you think about luck?
I’d say more than luck, I truly believe in the power of prayer and positive intention. It amazes me how something that starts as a thought or a hope can turn into reality seemingly overnight. I’ve also been fortunate to have incredibly supportive people in my life – mentors, friends, and family who genuinely believe in me. Their encouragement has been just as important as any “lucky break” and has kept me motivated through every step of this journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ymdesignz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ymdesignz/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ymdesignz
