What is ¿Ask Mariví?
¿Ask Mariví? is an on-going collection of observations about package design and branding familiar to the Latino/Hispanic marketplace. It's our way of learning about the stylistic conventions, visual patterns, and metaphors that appeal to Latino consumers.

Why are we doing it?
We're learning every day. As designers, there are simple steps we can take to include Latino sensibilities in our everyday thinking - not just to apply those sensibilities to targeted applications, but to include Latino appeal in the totality of design. Simple changes in typeface, imagery, color, or iconography can go a long way toward including the Latino perspective without reinventing the wheel or rolling out an entirely separate, targeted offering.

Who is Mariví?
Mariví is a bilingual communications designer with ten years of experience working in the Latin American market. She came to R.BIRD six years ago with tenures at Studio A/IDP, TBWA/Peru, TBWA/Worldwide, and TBWA/Chiat-Day where her client accounts included BBVA Bank, Toyota, Senegocia.com, Alprosa, and Grupo Gloria. Her unique background gives her first-hand knowledge of Latino culture and aesthetic patterns.

Are we experts in Latino design?
Not by a long shot. While we have more than 23 years of experience designing consumer, corporate, and interactive brands, we've just begun to include the richness of Latino culture in our daily practice. Ask us again in a few years. But don't wait too long; we're a quick study.

How can you participate?
Get in the game: browse through current topics and post comments, or subscribe for notification.

University of Texas - Teaching Mariachi
Did you know that University of Texas has a music department where they teach... continued »

"Maybelline New York" Bright, Bilingual and Latino appeal packaging
As I was walking through the cosmetic aisle of a nation wide pharmacy a big splash of color caught my eye. This is... continued »

What does Obama, West Side Story and Walgreen's have in common?
Bilingual topics are one of the many I have written in Ask Marivi and I think so far it is one of the most popular themes in articles around... continued »

In a world of 3 different kinds of Spanish - dictionaries
Last year while working on a bilingual package design, the copy handed to us by the translations company came... continued »

Smart Campaign - Voto Latino on iTunes
I recently came across VotoLatino.org. A nonpartisan organization which promotes voter empowerment in... continued »

Krasdale's "Latino Blend"
Spanish and Mexican (Hispanic) cuisine's have become part of today's American diet. If you turn your head right or left you'll see... continued »

In an "ABSOLUT" world - Mexico looks bigger than it is
It is interesting to see how burried issues from the past are still live and even serve as inspiration for current advertising... continued »

Is the future of US packaging bilingual? Zanahoria.
A carrot speaking Spanish? nah!..its the greens section on the produce isle at my local grocery store that is sellling ready... continued »

Rachel Ray's Chicken Noodle Soup - Not so Latin Style but Mexican
Besides of being a very active show with short interesting, sometimes very funny segments, I love Rachel Ray’s morning talk... continued »

Send us a picture of your favorite Hispanic package!
¿Ask Marivi? is always looking for new products that are being designed with the Hispanic/Latin consumer in mind.... continued »