Meet Mariana Pantoja Redondo | Graphic Designer and Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mariana Pantoja Redondo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mariana, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
needed fresh start. I had been stuck in an abusive job as a graphic designer in Spain, feeling creatively drained and struggling with anxiety. I knew I needed a change, something that would truly fulfil me as an artist and professional.

Once in Norway, reality hit—finding a job without speaking the language was a challenge. And then, life threw me the most beautiful curveball: I found out I was pregnant. Suddenly, the idea of carving my own path became not just appealing but necessary. So, I took the plunge and started my own business—a one-woman creative studio dedicated to art and crafts.

My vision? To create, to teach, to share knowledge, to collaborate. I want to work on large-format paintings for interior design while also exploring resin and bioresin to craft sculptural pieces like plates, mugs, and home décor. More than just a business, this is about building something that feels true to me—where art and craftsmanship meet freedom and purpose.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is my way of grounding myself in the present. Having lived in many different cities—and battling anxiety and depression along the way—painting has always been my anchor. I’m drawn to the architectural structures of cities, the rhythm of nature, the presence of animals, and, most of all, the shifting light of the different horizons I’ve called home. My work is shaped by sensory experiences: the smells, the food, the atmosphere—all the little details that weave together memories.

Finding my own style has been a journey, and if I’m honest, it’s one I’m still on. But that’s what makes it exciting. I constantly explore new techniques, compositions, and colours that define my visual language, and I finally feel like I’m on the right path. My themes evolve with my surroundings and personal experiences, and I embrace that fluidity.

Lately, I’ve been drawn to sculptural expressions. I want to take those sensory experiences—the spirits and perceptions of a place—and translate them into functional art. I’m exploring bioresin and resin to create lamps, vases, cups, and mugs, alongside large-scale minimalist paintings that evoke a surreal sense of calm. It’s about creating a dialogue between art and everyday life—where objects don’t just exist, but tell a story and make you feel something.

Starting from scratch is, without a doubt, one of the hardest things to do. Arriving in a new city where you don’t know a soul, where no one knows you—so no one trusts you—can be overwhelming. Some days, it feels impossible to find the strength to keep moving forward because survival takes up all the space. But I’ve learned that honesty and humility are what people notice first, and it’s what brings people together. Having the clarity to apply that to both work ethic and art itself makes all the difference.

I’ve also learned that greatness isn’t in grand gestures but in the smallest details. And yes, I know that sounds like a cliché, but it’s the mindset that has allowed me not just to survive, but to actually enjoy the process.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit, we’d have the kind of trip that feeds the soul—good food, great company, nature, and a bit of adventure. My family and I love the outdoors, so naturally, we’d escape to the mountains or a cozy cabin in the woods. There’s something magical about Norway’s landscapes—the crisp air, the deep silence of the forests, and the feeling of being completely present in the moment. A few days of hiking, bonfires, and maybe even a dip in the freezing fjords (because why not test our survival instincts?) would be a must.

Back home, the heart of everything is food. Since most of my friends and family live abroad (Spain, the US, Latin America, etc.), whenever we reunite, we spend hours in the kitchen, cooking, eating, and laughing over board games with good music in the background. It’s less about extravagant outings and more about those little moments that make time stand still.

That said, we’re always up for a bit of excitement—rock concerts, festivals, and the occasional gaming or comic con (because why not embrace our inner nerds?). We’d also visit national parks, take my little one to see farm animals, and maybe even sneak in a cooking workshop. And, of course, we’d eat. A lot. Because, in the end, the best trips aren’t just about the places you go, but the memories you create along the way.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without a doubt, my biggest shoutout goes to my daughter—my daily inspiration and the reason I push myself to grow, create, and build something meaningful. She’s my little whirlwind of motivation.

Of course, this stage of my life wouldn’t be possible without my favorite person in the world, my husband—my rock, my constant support, and the one who keeps me grounded when I start spinning too many plates at once.

And then there’s a little circle of friends that is my chosen family, but the closest geographically and my recent gift of life is Adriana—my partner in crime and the best friend I could ask for in Norway. She’s been instrumental in helping me build my network, navigate the ups and downs of running a business, and, most importantly, reminding me that I’m not in this alone. Together, we’re working on a project with Nedre Glomma Makerspace, a brilliant initiative she’s created to provide foreigners with a space to develop their own businesses, economy, and creative projects. It’s about turning challenges into opportunities, and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of it.

Website: https://merart.no

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merart.no?igsh=cGprdWszM2Jrd2lp&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/mariana-pantoja-redondo-65b12613b