Mirella Arapian

Quotes

• “Being genuinely involved in the cause ensures the brand reflects real values and commitment, rather than just marketing content, trends, or clout.”

• “Reclaiming this visual language for Mavens rewrites the narrative on who gets to create the future.”

• “I work until mid-afternoon then spend the rest of the day doing things at home that make me happy.”

• “I've been experiencing sexism and gender inequality since the first day I entered the design world.”

• “I believe that design should always be about more than the design itself.”

Articles & interviews

• "Mavens Launches Bold Identity to Push Gender Equality in Creative Fields"

  Creative Boom · Mar 26, 2025

  Mavens, a gender equality movement in the creative industries, has unveiled a bold new identity by Melbourne-based MEK Studio. The rebrand adopts a 'punk meets prestige' aesthetic, combining editorial sophistication with rebellious energy to reflect Mavens’ evolution from commentary to action. The new identity, featuring a Bauhaus-inspired wordmark and provocative tone of voice, aims to challenge perceptions and drive genuine change across the creative sector.

  MEK StudioMavensbranding
• WORKING FROM HOME with Melbourne-based studio MEK(formerly Vertigo)

  The Brand Identity · May 14, 2020 · Interview

  The Brand Identity’s 'Working From Home' series interviews Melbourne-based studio MEK (formerly Vertigo) founders Mirella Arapian and Nicolas Collerson about their daily routines and creative habits during the COVID-19 lockdown. They discuss maintaining structure, motivation, and mental health while adapting to remote work. The piece offers a personal glimpse into how the studio balanced creativity and wellbeing during the pandemic.

  MEKVertigoother
• Mirella Arapian on Womentor’s mission to improve gender equality in the design industry

  The Brand Identity · Sep 26, 2019 · Interview

  The Brand Identity interviews Mirella Arapian, founder of Melbourne studio Vertigo, about her initiative Womentor — a global mentorship program launched in 2018 to improve gender equality in the design industry. Arapian discusses her personal experiences with sexism, the growth of Womentor, and the creation of its empowering brand identity. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, representation, and purpose-driven design.

  VertigoFuturebrand Australiabranding
• MEK (formerly Vertigo)

  The Brand Identity · Mar 3, 2016 · Interview

  The Brand Identity interviews Melbourne-based studio MEK (formerly Vertigo) founders Mirella Arapian and Nicolas Collerson about their design philosophy, projects, and approach to modernist brand identity. They discuss work for clients such as Imajen, Smith & Thomas, and Sea Shepherd Australia, emphasizing collaboration, clarity, and purpose-driven design. The conversation also touches on Melbourne’s creative culture and the studio’s future ambitions.

  MEKVertigoImajenSmith & Thomasbranding