“The worst outcome would be a great story to tell.”
This is my personal motto that got me into a lot of trouble, but also brought me the best memories, use at own risk.
Hi, I’m Vince.
I’m a graphic designer and marketing strategist based in the Algarve.
I currently lead the design and marketing department at Grupo Gião, where I help shape the identity and communication behind several hospitality brands, from moody cocktail bars to rooftop sunset spots. Think Columbus, Aperitivo, Lodo, Rooftop Eva, Adão, Senses Bar and Terrazzo.
Some days I’m designing menus. Others I’m directing content shoots in the middle of service. Most of the time, I’m making sure everything runs smoother than it looks.
What I actually do
Let’s keep it simple: I connect dots. Between visuals and experience. Between what a brand wants to say, and how it’s actually felt.
Over the years, I’ve worked across design, photography, content, strategy, paid media, social, and brand development, especially for small teams that need someone to wear many hats and make it look easy.
I’ve learned how to bring structure to chaos, keep things elegant under pressure, and always design with a sense of purpose.
Timeline
I was born in Hungary and moved to Portugal when I was 8. I grew up deeply drawn to science to the point where teachers once suggested I pursue nanorobotics, but I didn’t like the idea of them deciding for me. I didn’t want to follow a pre-set path, and coming from a family with little economic stability, I decided to learn economics in high school as a way to take control. Ironically, that year the course didn’t open at my school, and in the middle of the confusion, I chose something I knew almost nothing about: visual arts.
It felt like a challenge. That’s probably why I stayed.
I realized I was more interested in the strategic side of creativity, so design became the obvious path, not fine arts. I had plans to study abroad in Denmark, but life had other ideas. At 17, I found myself alone in Portugal and had to choose what was possible, not what was ideal. That’s how I ended up studying at the University of Algarve which was the closest option.
While university taught me a few things, I took design seriously from day one and ended up learning most of it on my own, making things easy. For me, it was personal. I wanted to understand not just how to make things look good, but why they matter.
After graduating, I joined Grupo Gião as an intern and gradually became their lead designer and later CMO, building brand ecosystems for seven venues. It’s been a rewarding ride and I’m proud of what I accomplished, but I feel myself getting too comfortable. That’s usually my cue to wake up, it means I’ve done what I had to do.
I’m now looking ahead. I want to go bigger, work smarter, and keep learning by doing.
Who I work well with
People who:
• Value quality over noise
• Have potential, but need help expressing it
• Want strategy and execution, not just a logo
• Don’t need everything perfect, just sharp and real
If you’ve got vision but no structure, or ideas but no plan — I can help with that.
Outside of work
I’m usually training, running, learning something new or trying not to fall off a horse (my latest project).
I’ve always been wired to improve, and I carry that into every project I take on.
One day I’d like to build a studio of my own, maybe launch a product line, and keep finding ways to give back. Until then, I’m focused on doing good work, with good people, for brands that matter.
Let’s talk
If you’re looking for someone who can take your brand seriously, but still have fun building it, I’m all ears.
Fun Facts:
Ex.1
Ex…
You’ll have to wait for the fun, but just a spoiler: I’m the Portuguese National Champion in Paper Planes.