María Alma is a visual designer who is especially interested in using design to translate social issues into meaningful narratives that inspire change. Her work is driven by a deep curiosity about how typography, materials, and systems can inform the way people engage with the world and relate to one another.

She has contributed to projects for institutions such as the International African American Museum, the National Air and Space Museum, and the Obama Presidential Center. Her exhibition design work and collaborations with small cultural and educational clients have deepened her appreciation for design as a tool to amplify underrepresented voices and create third spaces that cultivate connection, learning, and reflection.

María Alma graduated from Pratt Institute with a B.F.A. in Communications Design and a minor in Art History. She has also participated in short-term programs at Type@Cooper, Type Summer School, and the School of Poetic Computation. Originally from Mexico City, she now lives in Brooklyn, New York.

︎︎︎ mariaalma.guepi@gmail.com
︎︎︎ instagram
︎︎︎ are.na

María Alma is a visual designer who is especially interested in using design to translate social issues into meaningful narratives that inspire change.

She has contributed to projects for institutions such as the International African American Museum, the National Air and Space Museum, and the Obama Presidential Center. Her exhibition design work and collaborations with cultural and educational clients have deepened her appreciation for design as a tool to amplify underrepresented voices and create spaces that cultivate connection and reflection.

María Alma graduated from Pratt Institute with a B.F.A. in Communications Design and a minor in Art History. Originally from Mexico City, she now lives in Brooklyn, NY.



︎︎︎ mariaalma.guepi@gmail.com
︎︎︎ instagram
︎︎︎ are.na


International African American Museum

Exhibition design for the International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina. Located on the historic waterfront where nearly half of all enslaved Africans first arrived in North America, the museum honors the untold stories of their journey and celebrates the contributions of their descendants.

Studio: Ralph Appelbaum Associates
Role: Visual Designer
Photo cred: Sahar Coston-Hardy/Esto



Water Literacy Reports

Ripple Effect, a New Orleans non-profit, launched a water literacy initiative drawing on interviews and insights from over 70 local experts. This effort resulted in seven reports designed to make water literacy engaging and accessible.

Role: Freelance designer
Art Direction: Aki Carpenter and Chris Huban



The Zekelman Holocaust Center

Exhibition design for the Zekelman Holocaust Center, a museum dedicated to preserving the stories of Holocaust survivors for future generations and elevating the voices of those who rebuilt their lives in Michigan.

Studio: Ralph Appelbaum Associates
Role: Senior Visual Designer
Photo cred: Owen Kaufman



Illegal Alliens

Illegal Aliens is an interview-based project that shares the personal stories of Mexican immigrants. Using typography, diverse materials, and printing techniques, the book gives form to the immigrant experience with the intention of building awareness and human connection.

Research Project: Pratt Institute



Elmhurst Hospital

Collaborated with RxART and artist Nina Chanel Abney to transform the interior of Elmhurst Hospital with vibrant designs and immersive graphics that will provide a positive distraction for patients and their families as they wait to receive critical care.

Studio: Ralph Appelbaum Associates
Role: Visual Designer
Photo cred: Nicholas Knight



Silvestre

Silvestre is a calligraphic stencil typeface and my first exploration into type design. It brings together fluid forms and intentional structural breaks, resulting in a rhythm that feels both crafted and spontaneous. Developed over several months of sketching, refining, and testing, Silvestre continues to evolve as its direction and texture become more defined with each iteration.



A Glossary of Water Terms

A glossary of water terms in Uma and English for K–12 students and teachers, created with Ripple Effect and the Houma Language Project. This folded booklet-poster is the first in a series, offering access to Indigenous scientific knowledge and exploring ethical ways to incorporate it into water education.

Role: Freelance designer



Fighting for the Right to Fight 

Exhibition design for a traveling exhibit by the National WWII Museum. This exhibition honors the contributions of Black soldiers in WWII, highlighting their double victory: the fight on the battlefield abroad and against racism and discrimination at home.

Studio: Ralph Appelbaum Associates
Role: Senior Visual Designer



RxART Gala

Graphic ephemera designed for the RxART 2023 Gala, featuring artwork by artists Nina Chanel Abney and Derrick Adams, to complement the event’s atmosphere and its mission of transforming hospital spaces through art.

Role: Freelance designer, in collaboration with Hannah Nathans