{ "meta": { "last_updated": "2026-05-25", "version": "4.0", "description": "Complete machine-readable portfolio for Mihaela Matei — UI/UX Designer & Strategic Creative. Structured for AI search, recruiters, ATS systems and automated portfolio understanding." }, "identity": { "name": "Mihaela Matei", "title": "UI/UX Designer & Strategic Creative", "hero_headline": "The eye of an artist, the mind of a strategist.", "hero_paragraph": "With 15+ years of visual arts training, a Master's from Romania's top arts university, and a background in philosophy and journalism, I bring a rare depth to UI/UX design.", "positioning": "I didn't start with pixels. I started with a brush. Composition, color theory, and visual hierarchy aren't tools I learned in a UI course — they're instincts built over 15 years of classical arts training. A background in Philosophy and Journalism means I ask uncomfortable questions before I open Figma. And an AI-native workflow means strategy and taste stay human while speed becomes a feature. Trained eye. Strategic mind. Zero autopilot.", "roles": [ "UI Designer", "UX Strategist", "Visual Storyteller", "Brand Strategist" ], "availability": "Available Now — Open to remote opportunities worldwide", "location": "Suceava, Romania — Remote Worldwide", "headline": "The eye of an artist. The mind of a strategist." }, "stats": { "years_uiux": "2+", "years_visual_arts": "15+", "linkedin_followers": "4400+", "behance_views": "8900+" }, "contact": { "email": "mihaela.matei.leon@gmail.com", "phone": "+40 723 519 783", "behance": "https://behance.net/mihaelamatei4", "linkedin": "https://linkedin.com/in/mihaela-matei", "telegram": "https://t.me/MihaMatei", "portfolio": "https://mihaelamatei.lovable.app", "cta": "Tell me what you're building →" }, "languages": [ { "language": "Romanian", "level": "Native" }, { "language": "English", "level": "Advanced" }, { "language": "French", "level": "Basic" } ], "differentiators": [ { "id": "01", "title": "Fine Arts Foundation", "description": "Composition, color theory, and visual hierarchy aren't tools I learned in a UI course. They're instincts built over 15 years of classical arts training. The difference shows in every layout." }, { "id": "02", "title": "Philosophy & Strategy", "description": "A background in Philosophy and Journalism means I ask uncomfortable questions before I open Figma. Why does this product exist? What does the user actually need? The answers shape the design." }, { "id": "03", "title": "AI-Native Workflow", "description": "I don't use AI to replace thinking — I use it to compress execution. Strategy and taste stay human. Speed becomes a feature, not a risk." } ], "experience": [ { "role": "Social Media Manager / UI/UX Designer", "company": "Webcase", "period": "2025 — Present", "description": "Transforming content into a predictable acquisition channel. Developing conversion-focused social media strategies, creating high-engagement content, and building a high-trust community. Increasing conversion rates through data-driven design decisions and A/B tested content frameworks.", "tags": [ "Content Strategy", "Conversion Optimization", "Community Building" ] }, { "role": "UI/UX Designer", "company": "Upwork (Freelance)", "period": "2023 — Present", "description": "Designing user-centered web & mobile concepts focused on clarity, usability, and intuitive navigation. Building scalable design systems, conducting UX research, creating wireframes and high-fidelity prototypes. Working with international clients across healthcare, e-commerce, food-tech, and luxury sectors.", "tags": [ "Design Systems", "UX Research", "Client Management" ] }, { "role": "POSM & Packaging Specialist / Marketing", "company": "Alevia", "period": "2022 — 2023", "description": "Updated packaging layouts for pharmaceutical products, managed partnerships with graphic agencies, developed new packaging concepts and product architectures. Led visual consistency across 100+ SKUs while ensuring regulatory compliance and shelf appeal.", "tags": [ "Packaging Design", "Brand Architecture", "Agency Management" ] }, { "role": "Educational Program Founder & Coordinator", "company": "Teachers of Happiness", "period": "2015 — 2023", "description": "Founded and led a cultural-educational initiative supporting children through creative learning in partnership with schools and cultural institutions. Designed and facilitated workshops encouraging creativity, self-expression, and cultural awareness across multiple Romanian communities.", "tags": [ "Program Design", "Workshop Facilitation", "Community Impact" ] }, { "role": "Heritage Conservator / Cultural Events Manager", "company": "Ion Irimescu Art Museum", "period": "2013 — 2018", "description": "Maintained preservation of artworks in one of Romania's most important sculpture collections. Designed branding and visual identity for exhibitions. Managed social media and promotional campaigns for cultural events, bridging traditional art with digital audiences.", "tags": [ "Art Conservation", "Exhibition Design", "Cultural Branding" ] } ], "education": [ { "degree": "Master — Decorative Art & Design", "institution": "National University of Arts, Bucharest", "period": "2009–2011", "description": "Advanced studies in decorative arts, design thinking, and visual composition." }, { "degree": "BA — Monumental Painting", "institution": "National University of Arts, Bucharest", "period": "2006–2009", "description": "Large-scale mural and fresco techniques, color theory, spatial composition." }, { "degree": "BA — Philosophy & Journalism", "institution": "Spiru Haret University", "period": "2006–2009", "description": "Critical thinking, communication theory, and media analysis." } ], "certifications": [ { "name": "UI/UX Design", "issuer": "Webcase" }, { "name": "UI/UX Design Web & Mobile", "issuer": "Wantsome" }, { "name": "AI Automatizations", "issuer": "Vadim Cusnir Academy" }, { "name": "Design Mentorship Mastery", "issuer": "ADPList" }, { "name": "UX Design Foundations", "issuer": "Uxcel", "url": "https://app.uxcel.com/certificates/ZCIXLMBFFJAF" }, { "name": "UX Writing", "issuer": "Uxcel", "url": "https://app.uxcel.com/certificates/0BO768LSY091" }, { "name": "Typography", "issuer": "Uxcel", "url": "https://app.uxcel.com/certificates/7C8K18S5PWKN" }, { "name": "Wireframing", "issuer": "Uxcel", "url": "https://app.uxcel.com/certificates/HTY31QLH0GZ0" }, { "name": "Color Psychology", "issuer": "Uxcel", "url": "https://app.uxcel.com/certificates/GNFQQOPPCVGU" }, { "name": "Design Terminology", "issuer": "Uxcel", "url": "https://app.uxcel.com/certificates/U3EKQ3VRFLB4" } ], "skills": { "design": [ "Figma", "UI Design", "UX Research", "Wireframing", "Prototyping", "Design Systems", "Typography", "Color Theory", "Responsive Design", "Accessibility", "Motion Design", "Interaction Design" ], "strategy": [ "Content Strategy", "Social Media Marketing", "Brand Identity", "Conversion Optimization", "User Personas", "Competitor Analysis", "User Psychology", "A/B Testing", "Analytics", "AI-Driven Insights" ], "tools": [ "Adobe Photoshop", "Adobe Illustrator", "Adobe InDesign", "Midjourney", "Recraft", "AI Prompt Engineering", "Photo Retouching", "Product Manipulation", "ChatGPT", "Copilot" ], "soft_skills": [ "Project Management", "Client Communication", "Workshop Facilitation", "Creative Direction", "Cultural Awareness", "Problem Solving", "AI Adaptability", "AI Collaboration", "AI Literacy", "AI Workflow Integration" ] }, "projects": [ { "title": "NOIR Jewelry", "name": "NOIR Jewelry", "positioning": "A conversion-focused luxury e-commerce experience that turns browsing into desire.", "role": "Lead UI/UX Designer — research, IX, visual design, prototyping.", "projectType": "E-commerce · UI/UX · Branding", "category": "E-commerce · UI/UX · Branding", "year": "2025", "challenge": "Translate the quiet confidence of a high-end jewelry brand into a digital store that still performs — without diluting the editorial tone with aggressive sales patterns.", "approach": "Studied luxury retail benchmarks, then designed a calm, dark-mode storefront where typography, negative space and product photography lead. Every flow — discovery, PDP, checkout — was wireframed against conversion friction points before visual polish.", "keyDecisions": [ "Editorial product detail page with sticky add-to-cart on scroll.", "Single-screen checkout with progressive disclosure to reduce abandonment.", "Visual hierarchy driven by serif display type, micro-interactions, and AAA contrast.", "Mobile-first grid that keeps imagery dominant on small screens." ], "outcome": "A complete, production-ready design system covering homepage, collections, PDP and checkout — balancing luxury aesthetics with measurable conversion logic.", "proves": "Ability to ship UI/UX that sells without looking like it is trying to. End-to-end e-commerce UX with brand storytelling at its core.", "tools": [ "Figma", "Photoshop", "Illustrator" ], "behanceUrl": "https://www.behance.net/gallery/219736635/E-Commerce-UIUX-Branding-Case-study-Noir", "behance_url": "https://www.behance.net/gallery/219736635/E-Commerce-UIUX-Branding-Case-study-Noir", "behance_stats": { "appreciations": 215, "views": 2500 }, "images": [ "https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400_webp/aba0f3219736635.67c4549e4166e.jpg", "https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400_webp/3cea19219736635.67c46d30b354a.jpg" ] }, { "title": "Medical Center — Centrul Medical Fălticeni", "name": "Medical Center — Centrul Medical Fălticeni", "positioning": "A clean, trust-first visual identity for a regional medical center.", "role": "Brand Designer — strategy, identity system, applications.", "projectType": "Visual Identity · Branding", "category": "Visual Identity · Branding", "year": "2025", "challenge": "Modernise a medical brand so it feels approachable and contemporary while still reading as expert, safe and credible to a wide demographic.", "approach": "Distilled the brand around clarity, calm and care. Built a system with restrained typography, accessible color contrast, and a symbol that references both the medical cross and human connection.", "keyDecisions": [ "High-contrast palette tuned for clinical and digital surfaces.", "Type system optimised for legibility on signage, forms and screens.", "Logo construction documented for print, embroidery and digital usage." ], "outcome": "A complete brand kit: logo, palette, typography, stationery and signage applications, ready for rollout across physical and digital touchpoints.", "proves": "Brand thinking grounded in strategy — not decoration. Ability to design identity systems that scale across mediums.", "tools": [ "Illustrator", "Photoshop", "Figma" ], "behanceUrl": "https://www.behance.net/gallery/235125623/Vizual-identity-Branding-Medical-center", "behance_url": "https://www.behance.net/gallery/235125623/Vizual-identity-Branding-Medical-center", "behance_stats": { "appreciations": 24, "views": 353 }, "images": [ "https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400_webp/ac3f50235125623.68d14876c670f.jpg", "https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400_webp/1ca955235125623.68d14876c89b8.jpg" ] }, { "title": "TherapyNest — Online Therapy Platform", "name": "TherapyNest — Online Therapy Platform", "positioning": "A calming, judgement-free digital space that makes mental health support feel reachable.", "role": "Product Designer — research, IA, UX, UI, branding.", "projectType": "Healthcare SaaS · UI/UX · Branding", "category": "Healthcare SaaS · UI/UX · Branding", "year": "2025", "challenge": "Designing for users in vulnerable emotional states — onboarding had to lower anxiety, not add to it, while still capturing the data therapists need to match patients well.", "approach": "Mapped the emotional journey first, the screens second. Used soft typography, generous spacing, and a palette grounded in color psychology to create a sense of safety before any form input appears.", "keyDecisions": [ "Onboarding broken into micro-steps with reassuring copy at every checkpoint.", "Therapist matching prioritised by tone, modality and availability — not by photo.", "Booking flow designed to remove decision fatigue with smart defaults.", "Accessibility: AAA contrast, screen-reader friendly forms, reduced motion respect." ], "outcome": "A full product design covering landing, onboarding, therapist discovery, booking and session prep — plus a brand identity that signals warmth and professionalism.", "proves": "UX strategy for sensitive, high-trust products. Capacity to balance business goals with genuine user empathy.", "tools": [ "Figma", "Photoshop", "Illustrator" ], "behanceUrl": "https://www.behance.net/gallery/226010749/Online-therapy-platform-UIUX-Branding-TherapyNest", "behance_url": "https://www.behance.net/gallery/226010749/Online-therapy-platform-UIUX-Branding-TherapyNest", "behance_stats": { "appreciations": 61, "views": 425 }, "images": [ "https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400_webp/842568226010749.6826e9f303d25.jpg", "https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400_webp/74ceba226010749.6826e9f303646.jpg" ] }, { "title": "HomeMade — Cooking App", "name": "HomeMade — Cooking App", "positioning": "A discovery-first cooking app that turns recipes into guided, hands-free experiences.", "role": "Product Designer — UX research, IA, UI, brand system.", "projectType": "Mobile App · UI/UX · Branding", "category": "Mobile App · UI/UX · Branding", "year": "2023", "challenge": "Most recipe apps are search engines with photos. The brief was to design an app that actually helps people cook — from inspiration through to plating — without friction in the kitchen.", "approach": "Ran user interviews to map the real cooking journey. Designed three connected modes: Discover (editorial inspiration), Plan (shopping list automation) and Cook (step-by-step hands-free mode with large type and voice-friendly pacing).", "keyDecisions": [ "Cook Mode with oversized typography, auto-advance timers and screen-wake handling.", "Smart shopping list that merges ingredients across recipes and groups by aisle.", "Editorial homepage curated by mood, time and skill — not just popularity.", "Iconography and motion designed for one-handed use." ], "outcome": "A full mobile case study spanning discovery, meal planning, shopping and cooking — featured with 238 appreciations on Behance.", "proves": "End-to-end product design for consumer mobile. Strong UX research-to-execution loop.", "tools": [ "Figma", "Photoshop", "Illustrator" ], "behanceUrl": "https://www.behance.net/gallery/178238147/Cooking-AppUIUX-Branding-Case-studyHomeMade", "behance_url": "https://www.behance.net/gallery/178238147/Cooking-AppUIUX-Branding-Case-studyHomeMade", "behance_stats": { "appreciations": 238, "views": 2300 }, "images": [ "https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400_webp/2e1baf178238147.64e4b2b4a0606.jpg", "https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400_webp/e072aa178238147.65b74812af9c2.jpg" ] }, { "title": "The Wine Affair — Premium Landing Page", "name": "The Wine Affair — Premium Landing Page", "positioning": "A storytelling-led landing experience that sells a premium wine without ever feeling like an ad.", "role": "UI Designer & Art Director — concept, brand, UI.", "projectType": "Landing Page · UI · Branding", "category": "Landing Page · UI · Branding", "year": "2024", "challenge": "Build a single-page experience that holds attention long enough to convert curiosity into intent, for a product where the audience buys on emotion and story.", "approach": "Designed the page like a short film — opening scene, narrative middle, resolution CTA. Combined editorial typography, atmospheric product photography and slow, intentional micro-animations.", "keyDecisions": [ "Scroll-driven narrative with clearly defined acts and breathing room.", "Type pairing of high-contrast serif headings and humanist sans body.", "CTAs placed at emotional peaks, not just at fixed scroll positions." ], "outcome": "A refined landing page combining branding, storytelling and conversion-aware UI — 169 appreciations, 1.5K views.", "proves": "Art direction and UI craft working together. Ability to design pages that feel like brand moments, not templates.", "tools": [ "Figma", "Photoshop" ], "behanceUrl": "https://www.behance.net/gallery/193872297/Landing-pageUI-Branding-Case-studyThe-Wine-Affair", "behance_url": "https://www.behance.net/gallery/193872297/Landing-pageUI-Branding-Case-studyThe-Wine-Affair", "behance_stats": { "appreciations": 169, "views": 1500 }, "images": [ "https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400_webp/4d2303193872297.65f2c646c4404.jpg", "https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400_webp/023f27193872297.65f2d8b6822e4.jpg" ] }, { "title": "The Goddesses — Master of Arts Web Project", "name": "The Goddesses — Master of Arts Web Project", "positioning": "A digital reinterpretation of a Master of Arts thesis, translating historical research into an immersive web experience.", "role": "Designer & Creative Director — concept, UX, UI, art direction.", "projectType": "Web Design · UI/UX · Branding", "category": "Web Design · UI/UX · Branding", "year": "2023", "challenge": "Make dense academic content about feminine archetypes feel alive online — without losing intellectual depth or turning it into a museum brochure.", "approach": "Built the experience around chapters, scrollytelling and layered typography. Visual language drew from classical art but rendered through a modern, almost editorial lens.", "keyDecisions": [ "Chapter-based navigation that mirrors the structure of the thesis.", "Custom typographic treatment for each goddess as a visual signature.", "Slow, deliberate motion to support reading rather than distract from it." ], "outcome": "A complete immersive web concept that bridges academic research and contemporary digital design.", "proves": "Conceptual depth and editorial UI craft. Ability to design experiences where content and form reinforce each other.", "tools": [ "Figma", "Photoshop", "Illustrator" ], "behanceUrl": "https://www.behance.net/gallery/183620737/Web-DesignUIUX-Branding-Case-studyThe-Goddesses", "behance_url": "https://www.behance.net/gallery/183620737/Web-DesignUIUX-Branding-Case-studyThe-Goddesses", "behance_stats": { "appreciations": 111, "views": 506 }, "images": [ "https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400_webp/4cc9e5183620737.65c4017215811.jpg", "https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400_webp/89390d183620737.65c2a7f00b618.jpg" ] }, { "title": "Vet Force — Hero WOW Effect", "name": "Vet Force — Hero WOW Effect", "positioning": "A high-impact hero section that gives a veterinary brand a confident, modern digital presence.", "role": "UI Designer — concept, motion direction, visual design.", "projectType": "Hero UI · Motion Direction · Branding", "category": "Hero UI · Motion Direction · Branding", "year": "2024", "challenge": "Stand out in a category dominated by friendly-but-forgettable visuals, while keeping the brand warm enough to feel trustworthy to pet owners.", "approach": "Designed a hero where bold kinetic typography, layered imagery and a strong primary CTA do the heavy lifting. The composition is loud visually but quiet in messaging — one clear promise, one clear next step.", "keyDecisions": [ "Kinetic type as primary visual instead of generic photography.", "Single dominant CTA with clear hierarchy and clear motion cue.", "Responsive layout that preserves the WOW effect down to mobile." ], "outcome": "A signature hero concept featured with 53 appreciations and 683 views — adopted as the brand’s digital anchor.", "proves": "Mastery of first-impression UI. Understanding that the hero is a conversion surface, not just decoration.", "tools": [ "Figma", "Photoshop" ], "behanceUrl": "https://www.behance.net/gallery/216728011/Hero-WOW-effect-UI-Branding-Vet-Force", "behance_url": "https://www.behance.net/gallery/216728011/Hero-WOW-effect-UI-Branding-Vet-Force", "behance_stats": { "appreciations": 53, "views": 683 }, "images": [ "https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400_webp/bc9f4c216728011.6785383fda98f.jpg", "https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400_webp/7c65c2216728011.6785383fd9c52.jpg" ] }, { "title": "Nutrinergic — Product Manipulation & Social", "name": "Nutrinergic — Product Manipulation & Social", "positioning": "Emotion-driven product visuals that make a wellness brand feel premium across social.", "role": "Art Director & Visual Designer — concept, retouching, composition.", "projectType": "Product Manipulation · Social Media Design", "category": "Product Manipulation · Social Media Design", "year": "2025", "challenge": "Lift everyday product photography into editorial-grade visuals that perform in the scroll, without expensive shoots.", "approach": "Treated each product like a hero object — controlled lighting in post, sculpted shadows, and atmospheric compositions tuned to the brand palette. Layouts designed for Instagram-first crops.", "keyDecisions": [ "Consistent lighting language across the series for instant brand recognition.", "Crop-aware compositions optimised for feed, story and reels.", "Typography kept secondary — the product is the headline." ], "outcome": "A series of premium social visuals lifting perceived brand value with zero new shoot cost.", "proves": "Art direction and post-production craft. Ability to extract maximum brand value from existing assets.", "tools": [ "Photoshop", "Illustrator" ], "behanceUrl": "https://www.behance.net/gallery/222114309/Product-ManipulationSocial-media-DesignNutrinergic", "behance_url": "https://www.behance.net/gallery/222114309/Product-ManipulationSocial-media-DesignNutrinergic", "behance_stats": { "appreciations": 38, "views": 238 }, "images": [ "https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400_webp/9712aa222114309.67e08c54562e5.jpg", "https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400_webp/4c30cc222114309.67e08b26e8e7d.jpg" ] }, { "title": "Farmasi — Product Manipulation & Social", "name": "Farmasi — Product Manipulation & Social", "positioning": "Premium product compositions that align a mass-market brand with high-end beauty aesthetics.", "role": "Visual Designer & Retoucher — concept, retouch, composition.", "projectType": "Product Manipulation · Social Media Design", "category": "Product Manipulation · Social Media Design", "year": "2025", "challenge": "Visually elevate accessible beauty products to compete in feeds dominated by luxury imagery.", "approach": "Built atmospheric scenes using controlled lighting, color grading and intentional negative space. Each post is a small still life, designed to stop the scroll.", "keyDecisions": [ "Cinematic color grading consistent across the series.", "Surface and texture work to convey material quality.", "Layout system that scales from single posts to carousels." ], "outcome": "A polished social series that repositioned product photography for the brand.", "proves": "Visual craft, attention to surface and light, and brand-aware art direction.", "tools": [ "Photoshop", "Illustrator" ], "behanceUrl": "https://www.behance.net/gallery/222517661/Product-ManipulationSocial-media-DesignFarmasi", "behance_url": "https://www.behance.net/gallery/222517661/Product-ManipulationSocial-media-DesignFarmasi", "behance_stats": { "appreciations": 20, "views": 180 }, "images": [ "https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400_webp/37af43222517661.67e70fa36b2a4.jpg", "https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400_webp/c976c1222517661.67e70fa36b8fa.jpg" ] } ], "testimonials": { "summary": { "themes": [ "Strategic Thinking", "Creative Problem Solving", "User-Centered Design", "Communication", "Business Understanding", "Proactivity", "Growth Mindset", "Visual Craft" ], "trusted_by": [ "Founders", "Clients", "Brand Managers", "UX Leaders", "Mentors" ] }, "reviews": [ { "name": "Sergiu Vasiliev", "role": "UI/UX Designer & Webflow Developer", "company": "Webcase Agency", "additional_roles": [ "Founder of Webcase", "Art Director Webcase Agency" ], "text": "Mihaela is a very skilled designer, fast, detail-oriented, and proactive. She always brings fresh ideas and identifies opportunities for improvement, even when they weren't initially included in the task.", "truncated": false }, { "name": "Alin Climent", "role": "Owner", "company": "CLIRI Kinésithérapie — Physiotherapist Rehabilitation", "text": "Mihaela has a habit of asking uncomfortable questions. And that's exactly what makes her valuable. She doesn't settle for the first solution and never works on autopilot. More than once, she challenged us to rethink things we believed were already solved, and the outcome was better every time. She's the kind of collaborator who brings clarity, not just deliverables.", "truncated": false }, { "name": "Alina Murariu", "role": "Owner", "company": "Green Solutions", "text": "I worked with Mihaela while we were trying to better explain to clients why seemingly similar landscaping projects can have very different costs. She suggested showing more of the process behind our work, not just the final results. It was a simple idea, but it changed how we communicate our value. What I appreciate most is that she doesn't try to impress people with complicated terminology. She understands the context quickly, and comes up with solutions that make sense in the real world, not just on paper.", "truncated": false }, { "name": "Luiz Iordachioaia", "role": "Brand Manager", "company": "Alevia SRL", "text": "Mihaela is the kind of person who sees the beauty behind things and knows how to bring it to light. She has a mind full of ideas, a depth of knowledge that surprises you, and a visionary understanding of marketing. I'm sure her journey is only just beginning!", "truncated": false }, { "name": "Leonard Luția", "role": "UX Lead", "company": "Endava", "relationship": "Mentor — UI/UX course at Wantsome", "text": "I had the pleasure of mentoring Mihaela during the UI/UX course at Wantsome, and she quickly stood out as one of the most engaged and passionate students. She approached every task with a high level of responsibility, remained consistently open to feedback, and showed a genuine drive to improve. Her final project was excellent — well thought out, user-centered, and executed with attention to detail. Beyond that, her portfolio clearly reflects continuous growth and a strong commitment to the field. Mihaela is a versatile and talented designer with a clear motivation to create meaningful, user-friendly experiences. I confidently recommend her for any UX or Product Designer role, where I'm sure she will bring both creativity and dedication to the team.", "truncated": false } ] }, "positioning": { "summary": "UI/UX Designer and Strategic Creative with 15+ years of visual arts training, a Master’s degree from the National University of Arts in Bucharest, and a background in philosophy and journalism. Mihaela combines artistic depth, strategic thinking, conversion-oriented design and AI-native workflows to create digital products that feel meaningful to users and useful for business.", "signature": "The eye of an artist. The mind of a strategist.", "philosophy": "Great design starts before Figma. It starts with better questions, sharper observation and the ability to understand both the user’s emotional reality and the business goal behind the product.", "core_strengths": [ "UI/UX Design", "UX Strategy", "Visual Storytelling", "Conversion-Oriented Design", "Brand Experience", "Product Design", "AI-Native Workflow" ] }, "reputation_signals": [ "Strategic thinker who challenges assumptions", "Proactive collaborator", "Fast, detail-oriented and reliable designer", "Strong visual and creative skills", "Business-oriented designer", "Excellent communicator", "Growth mindset", "User-centered problem solver", "Trusted by founders, clients, brand managers and UX leaders" ], "methodology": [ { "step": "Research", "description": "Clarify the product context, user needs, business goals and market expectations before visual execution." }, { "step": "Strategy", "description": "Translate insights into structure, priorities, flows and conversion logic." }, { "step": "Structure", "description": "Build information architecture, wireframes, user journeys and interaction patterns that reduce friction." }, { "step": "Visual Design", "description": "Apply typography, hierarchy, color, spacing, imagery and motion with intention." }, { "step": "Validation", "description": "Use feedback, analytics, A/B testing and usability thinking to improve decisions." } ], "industries": [ "Healthcare", "E-commerce", "Luxury", "Food-Tech", "Education", "Culture", "Mental Health", "Consumer Products", "Wellness", "Beauty", "Medical Services" ], "featured_projects": [ { "name": "NOIR Jewelry", "reason": "Best representation of luxury e-commerce, conversion-aware UI and brand storytelling." }, { "name": "TherapyNest — Online Therapy Platform", "reason": "Best representation of empathetic UX for sensitive, high-trust healthcare products." }, { "name": "HomeMade — Cooking App", "reason": "Best representation of full mobile product design and UX research-to-execution thinking." } ], "structured_data_suggestions": { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Mihaela Matei", "jobTitle": "UI/UX Designer & Strategic Creative", "url": "https://mihaelamatei.lovable.app", "sameAs": [ "https://behance.net/mihaelamatei4", "https://linkedin.com/in/mihaela-matei" ], "knowsAbout": [ "UI Design", "UX Design", "Product Design", "Visual Design", "Brand Strategy", "Conversion Optimization", "Design Systems", "AI-Assisted Design" ], "alumniOf": [ "National University of Arts, Bucharest", "Spiru Haret University" ] }, "cta": { "text": "Tell me what you're building →", "href": "mailto:mihaela.matei.leon@gmail.com" }, "pricing": { "model": "Fixed price per project", "currency": "EUR", "note": "Every project starts with a discovery conversation. Pricing depends on scope, complexity and timeline.", "tiers": [ { "name": "Brand Identity", "description": "Logo, color system, typography, brand guidelines and core applications.", "starting_from": "€800", "typical_timeline": "2–3 weeks" }, { "name": "Landing Page / UI Design", "description": "Single-page or multi-section web design — research, wireframes, high-fidelity UI.", "starting_from": "€400", "typical_timeline": "2–3 weeks" }, { "name": "UI/UX Product Design", "description": "Full product design — UX research, information architecture, wireframes, prototype, UI and design system.", "starting_from": "€2,500", "typical_timeline": "4–8 weeks" }, { "name": "Social Media Design", "description": "Content strategy, visual system and ongoing social media design.", "starting_from": "€750 / month", "typical_timeline": "Ongoing" } ], "ideal_client": "Founders, product teams and brand owners who value strategic thinking alongside visual craft — and want a designer who asks the right questions before opening Figma.", "not_a_fit": "Spec work, unpaid trials, or projects without a defined brief.", "availability": "Available Now — accepting new projects for 2026" } }