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Maria Abrenica Warner is an art director and graphic designer with a sharp eye for detail and a thoughtful approach to design. With decades of experience working with global brands and startups alike, she creates work that is both intentional and impactful. When she’s not managing the creative team or reading the latest issue of What Women Create or In Her Studio, Maria enjoys hunting for antiques, scrapbooking with found objects, and strolling through farmers’ markets. A longtime admirer of vintage design, she treasures her 1967 Smith Corona Sterling typewriter (it works!). She also loves traveling and watching concerts with her husband, Rodney, always finding inspiration along the way.
Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Maria has spent decades in the fast-paced world of advertising and design. From global brands to startups, her career has spanned print, web, video, and digital, giving her a deep understanding of how strategy, design, and creativity come together to build brands people remember.
Maria started her career in top ad agencies, working with brands like Unilever, 7-Eleven, Nestlé, Johnson & Johnson, and Levi Strauss. She later took her expertise in-house at Skechers and Princess Cruises before working with agencies like One Eighteen and Du Puis in Southern California, helping mid-size companies and startups develop their branding, advertising, packaging, social media, and digital marketing. She then led a team of designers as a Senior Designer and Manager at the National Notary Association, a leading organization in notarial education and compliance. Before joining Connective, Maria built a reputation for blending strategic thinking with creativity across corporate and agency settings.
For Maria, design is equal parts strategy and craft—big-picture thinking guided by meticulous attention to detail (because, yes, kerning matters!). To her, design isn’t just about making things look good; it’s about clarity, function, and lasting impact.
In 2018, Maria left corporate life to pursue a more independent path, joining her then-fiancé, Rodney, at Connective. Today, she leads the creative team, ensuring every design choice aligns with a brand’s voice, goals, and purpose.
Outside of work, Maria finds inspiration in all things analog—paper crafting, creative gift wrapping, and the quiet joy of working with her hands (even some calligraphy!). She treasures her 1967 Smith Corona Sterling typewriter as a reminder that great design stands the test of time.
Maria also shares her love for design with her daughter, Francesca, a UX/UI designer based in Germany. Attending events like Config 2024—alongside Rodney—isn’t just about staying on top of industry trends; it’s a rare and rewarding treat. For Maria, there’s something special about geeking out over design with family.
As Connective’s art director, Maria thrives on crafting purposeful designs that leave a lasting impact—always curious, inspired, and ready for the next creative challenge.
Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts
Major in Advertising
Major in Graphic Design
University of Santo Tomas,
Manila, Philippines
Config 2024
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