Biography
Maya Driessen is an Art major with a concentration in Graphic Design. Originally from Kazakhstan and raised in the Netherlands, she brings a diverse cultural perspective to her creative practice. She uses graphic design as a tool to explore and express her personal interests, particularly her appreciation for animals and the natural world. Her work combines thoughtful composition with a strong sense of visual clarity, reFlecting both technical skill and creative curiosity. She is especially interested in how design can communicate emotion and narrative through subtle visual choices. Maya views design as a way to share what inspires her, using strong, intentional visuals to create work that feels both personal and engaging, while inviting viewers to form their own connections.
Artist Statement
This project centers on the creation of the Pelagos Foundation, a conceptual nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the ocean and its wildlife. Through this work, I developed a cohesive visual identity and outreach system, including a logo, poster campaign, brochure, social media video, and thesis book. Each component functions as part of a unified campaign designed to raise awareness of critical environmental issues affecting marine ecosystems, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change.
My practice focuses on using design as a tool for communication and engagement. The work combines visual storytelling with accessible, intentional design choices to make complex environmental issues more approachable. The poster campaign draws on familiar idioms, Plenty of Fish in the Sea, Lost at Sea, and Changing Tides, to create an immediate point of recognition while reframing these phrases to reflect current ecological realities. The logo is constructed from fluid wave forms and incorporates subtle imagery that references marine life, reinforcing the connection between movement, environment, and habitat. Supporting materials, including the brochure and video, extend this visual language while presenting information in a clear and engaging way. Together, these elements demonstrate how a visual system can communicate purpose while maintaining clarity and cohesion.
This work is grounded in personal experience and a strong connection to the ocean. Time spent swimming and snorkeling has shaped my appreciation for marine environments and the life they sustain, while also highlighting their vulnerability. These experiences inform both the concept and execution of the project, guiding decisions around form, imagery, and messaging.
Ultimately, this project reflects a commitment to using design to inform and encourage responsibility. By making environmental issues visible and understandable, the work aims to prompt awareness and support more conscious behavior. The Pelagos Foundation serves as a platform to explore how design can contribute to meaningful conversations about conservation and the future of the ocean.