Experience:
September 2018 – October 2020
Kyles Studio, Karachi, Pakistan
Graphic Design
Art Director and Freelance Graphic Designer
Overseeing design projects, creating graphic content, and collaborating with clients to meet their design needs.
2018 – Present
Institute of Art and Design, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Shaheed Allah Bakhsh Soomro University, University of Art and Culture, and Karachi University, Pakistan
Education
Academic Thesis Supervisor
Supervising academic theses in Textile Design, mentoring and guiding approximately 350 candidates through their research and design projects.
2019 – Present
VersatilebyMS, Calgary, Canada and Karachi, Pakistan
Fashion/Clothing
Founder and Director
Managing overall operations, design, production, and marketing strategies of the clothing brand.
2022
SABS University, Jamshoro, Pakistan
Education
Guest Lecturer
Conducting thesis seminars, providing expert guidance to students on their research projects in Textile Design.
April 2016 – December 2020
Fiverr (Online)
Freelance/Online Services
Freelance Designer
Providing design services to clients globally, creating various graphic and textile designs.
May 2015 – August 2017
THARDEEP Sindh Rural Support Program, Art & Culture Project
Art & Culture
Embroidery Design Advisor
Advising on embroidery design projects, supporting rural artisans in developing their skills and enhancing their designs.
2016 – Present
Fateh Textile Mill, Hyderabad Sindh, Pakistan
Textile Industry
Freelance Textile Designer Head
Leading design projects, creating textile patterns, and collaborating with the production team to ensure design quality.
Education:
01 MA/MPHIL in (Art education)
Final Dissertation,
Conceptual teaching strategies with the lens of Interdisciplinary design. 1st Division, 3.22 CGPA (Distinction) 2021-2023 Beaconhouse National University Lahore Pakistan
02 Graduation, (Bachelor in Textile Design)
Final dissertation,
Conceptual and ideation in materials and making. 1st Division, 3.50 CGPA
(Secured highest marks) 2012- 2015 Institute of Art & Design, UOS Jamshoro
03 Intermediate 1st Division 2011 BISE-HYD
04 Matriculation 1st Division 2008 BISE-HYD
Skills:
Artistic Skills and Competences
Mariya Shaikh A is a multifaceted artist with a rich portfolio that showcases her skills and competences in various artistic domains, including visual arts, writing, and design.
Visual Arts
Mariya's artistic journey is marked by her proficiency in multiple visual arts disciplines:
Drawing and Painting: She has a strong foundation in drawing and painting, skills that have been refined through her academic background and extensive practice. Her participation in numerous solo and group exhibitions highlights her talent and dedication to visual arts.
Textile Design: With a Bachelor's degree in Textile Design, Mariya excels in creating intricate and innovative textile patterns. Her work in this field is characterized by a deep understanding of materials, techniques, and aesthetic principles.
Embroidery: As an embroidery instructor, she demonstrates expertise in both traditional and contemporary embroidery techniques. Her ability to teach and create detailed embroidered pieces underscores her skill in this craft.
Writing
Mariya's academic and professional roles have honed her writing skills:
Research and Academic Writing: Her experience as an academic thesis supervisor and visiting lecturer involves extensive research and academic writing. She is adept at producing well-structured, insightful, and scholarly content.
Creative Writing: While her primary focus is on visual arts, Mariya's creative endeavors often extend to writing, where she expresses her artistic vision and experiences through compelling narratives.
Design
Mariya’s design skills are evident in her work with her clothing brand, VersatilebyMS:
Fashion Design: As the founder and director of VersatilebyMS, Mariya designs unique and fashionable clothing that blends cultural influences from Calgary and Karachi. Her designs reflect her artistic sensibility and attention to detail.
Graphic Design: She has substantial experience in freelance graphic design, creating visually appealing graphics for various clients. Her proficiency with design software like Adobe Creative Suite enhances her ability to produce high-quality work.
Music
While the provided information does not specifically mention music, Mariya’s involvement in various artistic fields suggests a broad appreciation and understanding of different art forms, potentially including music.
Mariya's artistic skills and competences demonstrate her versatility and commitment to artistic excellence. Her extensive involvement in visual arts, writing, and design highlights her ability to convey her creative vision across multiple mediums.
Social Skills and Competences
Mariya Shaikh A is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience, demonstrating exceptional social skills and competences in various professional and multicultural environments. Her diverse skill set spans research, conceptualization, education, and visual arts and design, which have been honed through her extensive career.
Living and Working with Other People
Mariya's role as a visiting lecturer and academic thesis supervisor at reputable institutions has required her to collaborate closely with colleagues, students, and academic professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Her ability to communicate effectively and work harmoniously in multicultural settings is evidenced by her success in these roles.
Multicultural Environments
As the founder and director of VersatilebyMS, a clothing brand operating in Calgary, Canada, and Karachi, Pakistan, Mariya navigates different cultural landscapes with ease. Her ability to understand and respect cultural nuances has been crucial in managing international operations and fostering strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Communication and Teamwork
In positions where communication is paramount, such as guest lecturing and freelance graphic design, Mariya excels in conveying complex concepts clearly and engagingly. Her experience in supervising academic theses further highlights her ability to mentor and guide individuals, ensuring effective teamwork and collaboration.
Cultural and Sports Activities
Mariya's involvement in visual arts and design, including her participation in numerous group exhibitions and solo shows, showcases her commitment to cultural enrichment. Her dedication to fostering a collaborative environment is also reflected in her instruction of embroidery, where she creates a supportive space for learning and artistic expression.
Mariya's contributions have been recognized through several awards, underscoring her instructional prowess and artistic achievements. Her extensive project involvement, coupled with her academic and professional accomplishments, exemplifies her social competence and ability to thrive in environments where teamwork and communication are essential.
Organizational Skills and Competences
Mariya Shaikh A demonstrates exceptional organizational skills and competences through her extensive experience in coordinating and managing people, projects, and budgets across various professional and voluntary settings.
Coordination and Management of People
As a visiting lecturer and academic thesis supervisor, Mariya has effectively managed academic programs, coordinating with faculty, students, and administrative staff to ensure smooth operations and successful project completions. Her role required adept scheduling, resource allocation, and team management, highlighting her strong organizational abilities.
Project Management
Mariya’s role as the founder and director of VersatilebyMS, a clothing brand, involves overseeing all aspects of the business, from conceptualization to execution. She manages design projects, production schedules, and marketing campaigns, ensuring that each project is completed on time and within budget. Her ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously speaks to her robust project management skills.
Budget Management
In managing VersatilebyMS, Mariya is responsible for budgeting and financial planning, ensuring the sustainability and growth of the brand. She meticulously plans and monitors expenditures, optimizes resource use, and ensures financial objectives are met, reflecting her competence in budget management.
Voluntary Work
Mariya's voluntary contributions in the fields of visual arts and design further demonstrate her organizational skills. She has participated in and coordinated numerous group exhibitions and solo shows, requiring detailed planning, logistics coordination, and team collaboration. Her voluntary work often involves working with diverse groups of artists, curators, and organizers to bring cultural projects to fruition.
At Home
In addition to her professional and voluntary roles, Mariya applies her organizational competences at home, balancing her personal and professional life efficiently. Her ability to manage household responsibilities alongside a demanding career showcases her exceptional time management and organizational skills.
Mariya's track record of successfully managing people, projects, and budgets across different settings underscores her organizational proficiency and her ability to lead and coordinate effectively in various contexts.
Technical Skills and Competences
Mariya Shaikh A possesses a robust set of technical skills and competences, showcasing her proficiency with computers, specific kinds of equipment, and machinery relevant to her diverse professional roles
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Computers and Software
Mariya is adept at using various computer software and tools essential for design, education, and business management. Her technical skills include:
Graphic Design Software: Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), enabling her to create professional-grade designs for her clothing brand and freelance projects.
Educational Tools: Utilizes educational platforms and tools to enhance her teaching and supervision capabilities, including learning management systems (LMS) and online collaboration tools.
Business Software: Skilled in using business management software such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and project management tools, which help her efficiently manage VersatilebyMS operations.
Specific Equipment and Machinery
Mariya's experience extends to the use of specialized equipment and machinery in the fields of textile design and embroidery:
Embroidery Machines: Expertise in operating and maintaining embroidery machines, crucial for her instruction and production processes.
Textile Equipment: Familiar with various textile design equipment and techniques, including fabric cutting machines, sewing machines, and printing tools, which she uses to create innovative designs and garments.
Digital Tools and Platforms
E-commerce Platforms: Proficient in managing online stores on platforms like Shopify, which she uses for her clothing brand, VersatilebyMS. This includes handling product listings, online transactions, and customer interactions.
Social Media and Marketing Tools: Skilled in using social media platforms and digital marketing tools to promote her brand and engage with a wider audience. This includes content creation, scheduling, and analytics tools.
Mariya’s comprehensive technical skills and competences enable her to excel in her professional endeavors, whether in the classroom, design studio, or business environment. Her ability to leverage technology effectively is a testament to her versatility and technical acumen.
Additionally:
Other Skills and Competences
Mariya Shaikh A possesses a range of additional skills and competences that further highlight her dynamic capabilities and professional versatility. These include her creative, motivational, inspirational, and initiative-driven qualities.
Creative
Mariya’s creativity is evident in every aspect of her work:
Innovative Design: Her ability to conceptualize and bring to life unique designs for her clothing brand, VersatilebyMS, showcases her innovative approach to fashion and textiles.
Artistic Expression: Through her solo and group exhibitions, Mariya continually pushes the boundaries of artistic expression, creating visually captivating works that resonate with diverse audiences.
Motivational
Mariya is a source of motivation and inspiration for her students and colleagues:
Educational Leadership: As a visiting lecturer and academic thesis supervisor, she inspires students to explore their potential and achieve academic excellence. Her motivational teaching style encourages students to think critically and creatively.
Team Motivation: In her business endeavors, Mariya motivates her team to strive for high standards of quality and creativity, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
Inspirational
Mariya’s career and accomplishments serve as an inspiration to many:
Role Model: Her journey from academic achievements to founding and directing a successful international clothing brand inspires others to pursue their passions and dreams.
Public Speaking: Through guest lecturing and public speaking engagements, Mariya shares her experiences and insights, inspiring others in the fields of art, design, and education.
Initiative
Mariya consistently demonstrates initiative in her professional and personal pursuits:
Entrepreneurship: Founding VersatilebyMS required significant initiative, from identifying market opportunities to building a brand from the ground up. Her proactive approach has driven the brand’s growth and success.
Project Leadership: In her role as a project leader, Mariya takes the initiative to manage complex projects, ensuring they are completed on time and to a high standard. Her ability to anticipate challenges and develop effective solutions is a testament to her proactive mindset.
Mariya Shaikh A’s diverse skill set extends beyond her technical and artistic abilities, encompassing a range of competences that make her a well-rounded and impactful professional. Her creativity, motivational ability, inspirational presence, and proactive initiative drive her continued success and influence in her various roles.