maria jose, also sometimes known as mj, is a full-time art director based in los angeles, ca.

I started my journey in Dallas, Texas where in high school I discovered I really liked my job as the newspaper photo essay editor and now I mess around on photoshop professionally (amongst lots of other things) for brands across categories.

On a realer note: I love solving tough business problems with great creative thinking, it’s a challenge I look forward to everyday on the job. I also thrive when I get the chance to mentor and uplift others coming up in the industry, especially BIPOC folks.

Talk soon✌🏽

Awards & Accomplishments

Cannes Lions Creative Academy Cohort | 2025

4A’s MAIP Fellow | 2017 & 2018

ANDYs Shortlist | CMAB Dairy Dispensary | 2021

Most Fashionable Senior at Hillcrest Highschool | 2018

Education

The University of Texas at Austin | B.A. Advertising, Creative Sequence
Austin, TX | 2014 - 2018