11 Years of Growth, Creativity & Good Times: Maria’s Journey with Sierra Marketing

As Sierra celebrates its 18th birthday this month, we’re shining a light on the people who make us who we are. Our Senior Communications Designer, Maria, joined the team in February 2014 - just six months after arriving in Australia from Chile. 

Over the past 11 years, Maria has been a business-savvy creative force behind all things graphic and web design at Sierra Marketing.. From our early days providing design services for brand applications to becoming the full-fledged communications agency we are today, Maria’s drive, curiosity and adaptable approach have played a critical part in our evolution. Here’s Maria’s story with Sierra Marketing…

From Wide-Eyed Newbie to Senior Designer

“When I first arrived in Australia in 2013, I was overflowing with hope and excitement for the adventures ahead. Just six months later, in February 2014, I joined Sierra Marketing, and honestly, I had no idea it would turn into one of the most amazing experiences of my life, both at work and personally,” Maria reflects.

Stepping into what she calls “our super lively boutique agency,” Maria embraced every challenge presented to her - whether it meant engaging in client workshops, developing brand identities, designing brochures and events stands, or rolling out digital campaigns - Maria took it all in her stride and always with a smile. “That variety has been such a gift to my career,” she says, “and today I’m proud to have grown into a well-rounded Senior Graphic Designer.” 

From our leadership team’s point of view, Maria was the perfect fit for Sierra. “What we loved about Maria from the start is her attitude to problem-solving, her understanding of business contexts and her ability to go beyond the brief. Straight away, we could see Maria’s growth potential and how she could add value to what we do,” says Marion, founder and strategy director. 

The Boutique Advantage: Getting Hands-On

Early on, Maria discovered what makes Sierra special: the chance to get “your hands dirty in everything.” From concept sketches to final deliverables, no two days looked the same. This breadth of experience sharpened her skills and fostered the collaborative mindset that drives our team today.

“Working at Sierra has profoundly shaped who I am as a designer… I came in as a newbie, eager to learn and dive into everything.”

That eagerness to learn and share with others continues to inspire our team of designers, who benefit from Maria’s experience and passion for creativity.

Memories That Spark Joy: Study Network Australia

“One of my best memories has to be the fun times we had working with Study Network Australia. The team was huge, the energy contagious, and those Christmas parties? Totally unforgettable!” Maria laughs.

Busy working days turned into lasting friendships, from brainstorming sessions that stretched late into the night to festive celebrations that brought everyone together. It’s moments like these - when hard work meets a dash of fun - that make Sierra’s culture that extra special.

Standout Projects: Bupa & More

Maria’s first big break came with Bupa, where she discovered the power of human-centred design and cross-functional collaboration.

“Working with Bupa will always hold a special spot in my heart. It opened my eyes to high-level thinking, collaboration, and the standards we strive for.”

At the same time, Maria found equal joy partnering with small businesses, watching dreams take shape, one logo and one campaign at a time. “There’s something so rewarding about seeing someone’s face light up when it all comes together,” she says - and that thrill continues to fuel her every project.

Growing Together, Embracing Change

Over the past decade, we have evolved, welcoming new technologies and expanding our service offerings, yet at every turn, Maria has witnessed our core values remaining the same.

“Sierra itself has changed a lot over the years, too. We’ve embraced new tech and adapted to what our clients need. But what hasn’t changed is our passion for the work, our commitment to meaningful results, and how much we care about our clients.”

It’s this blend of creative innovation and heart that keeps our team focused on what matters most.

Looking Ahead to the Next Chapter

As Sierra celebrates 18 years, Maria looks forward with gratitude and enthusiasm: “I’m super grateful to have been part of Sierra’s journey, and I can’t wait for the adventures still to come!”

Here’s to many more years of growth, creativity, and good times, together!