hi, there!
My name is Maris! I am an engineer and show set designer currently working as a Technical Designer at Chicago Scenic Studios in Orlando, FL, I previously worked as a Project Designer at COST of Wisconsin in Orlando, FL, and I previously worked as an Associate Show Set Designer at Universal Creative.
I hold an MFA in Themed Entertainment Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and before my journey started in Savannah, I obtained a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Engineering in Industrial Design with a minor in Mechanical Engineering, and a Specialty in Advanced Manufacturing Systems from the Universidad Panamericana in Guadalajara, Mexico.
I am a Gryffindor, Aries, self-proclaimed geek who loves coffee and, no wait... I am always curious, who can't stay still, and who discovered my passion for the themed entertainment industry at a very young age. I am an organized, efficient, and resourceful problem-solver.
I studied abroad in Spain at TECNUN, School of Engineering and while attending SCAD, I completed an Internship as a Show Set Design intern at Universal Creative. This is in addition to the two Disney Cultural Exchange Programs that I had previously completed with the Walt Disney Company. These programs gave me extensive behind-the-scenes and hands-on experience, all of which have allowed me to witness how stories are told from an operations and a creative point of view.
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I believe my skills, particular attention to detail, determination, and adaptability are assets that help me provide a fresh perspective in this ever-changing field.
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I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me in this industry! So keep your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside your vehicle because this is going to be a fun and wild ride!
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Graduating from SCAD!
Printing out my MFA thesis before my presentation.
First trip to Disney World.
One year anniversary with Universal Creative!
My experience & education
FUN FACT ABOUT THIS TIMELINE:
Each dot resembles a month in real time.
NOV 2020 - PRESENT
COST OF WISCONSIN
Project Designer
Orlando, FL, USA
Sept 2016 - June 2018
MFA in Themed entertainment design
SCAD. The Savannah College of Art and Design
Savannah, GA, USA
Academic Honors Award & Academic Achievement Award
Summa Cum Laude
Sept 2015 - June 2016
Specialty in advanced manufacturing systems
Universidad Panamericana Campus Guadalajara
Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Academic Excellence Award · Valedictorian
August 2014 - May 2016
Kemie de Occidente
Design Adviser
Patent-pending folding cardboard pallet
January 2014 - June 2014
engineering in industrial design and product development
TECNUN Universidad de Navarra
San Sebastian, España
Academic Excellence Award · Study Abroad Program
Sept 2018 - NOV 2020
Universal creative
Associate Show Set Designer
June 2019 - Present
Universal Orlando Parks & Resorts
Show Set Creative Design Studio
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Designer 1
Sept 2018 - June 2019
Universal Orlando Parks & Resorts
Show Set Creative Design Studio
June - Sept 2017
Universal creative
Show Set Design Intern
Universal Orlando Parks & Resorts
Show Set Creative Design Studio
May - August 2016
Walt Disney World Resort
Disney Cultural Exchange Program
Attractions hostess
Magic Kingdom
Main street Daily Operations
May - August 2015
Walt Disney World Resort
Disney Cultural Exchange Program
Merchandise hostess
EPCOT & Downtown Disney
Future World Southeast & World of Disney
Sept 2011 - June 2015
engineering in innovation and design
Universidad Panamericana Campus Guadalajara
Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Academic Excellence Award · Valedictorian