hello—
My name is Gielizza Marie Calzado (Izza for short…yes, may kapangalan akong artista), I’m a the design principal behind Gratefully Creating design studio. We specialize in thoughtfully-crafted visual identities that help your brands shine in the marketplace.
work experience
freelance artist
& graphic designer
Mar 2013 - Present | various clients
Social media content, logo and graphic design, and illustration work for various clients ranging from friends about to get married, design studios, PR agencies, SMEs, fashion brands to educational institutions.
art director
Nov 2020 - Dec 2021 | Republic Creative
Ideation, scriptwriting, copywriting, graphic design, art direction, and social media content production for brands such as Puregold Inc., Alfonso Brandy, and Chingu Soju.
graphic design volunteer
Nov 2013 - Present | various organizations
What I received as a gift I use to serve God and others–from designing wedding invitations for close friends to creating illustrations and posters for causes I believe in. I also serve as a Victory group leader and volunteer in my home church, Victory Makati.
copywriter
Jan 2019 - Mar 2020 | id8mnl / cre8manila
Ideation, scriptwriting, copywriting, pitch presentations, and social media content creation for various accounts such as C-lium Fibre, Solane LPG, Jinro Soju, Efficascent Oil, Casino Alcohol, FeroKids, Kusum Healthcare, and Smarts Steps.
graphic designer
Mar 2015 - Nov 2018 | SoFA Design Institute
Ideation, graphic design, and art direction for all of SoFA Design Institute’s promotional and marketing materials.
copywriter
& visualizer
Apr 2013 - Sep 2014 | Gobo Creative
Copywriting, songwriting, storyboard illustration, packaging design, and FA development for multiple accounts such as Watsons, Lily’s Peanut Butter, 3M, Kojie San, The SM Store and Globe Business.
my core values
gratitude
Gratitude makes room for grace and enables me to work with joy. That’s why I thank God for every project, big or small, that I get to work on.
collaboration
There are things only I can do and there are things only you can do. When we create together, our perspectives expand and possibilities grow wider.
stewardship
The Lord has blessed me with talents and resources. I am but a steward of all that He has given and I hope to multiply them through the wisdom and excellence that flows from Him.
purpose-driven
Knowing your “why” is an amazing motivation to keep going, no matter how hard it gets.
workshops
& speaking engagements
workshops
Strokes: A Free Art Workshop
October 2019 for Design Week at Robins Design Center
Portrait Drawing Workshop
November 2019 for the youth of Community of the Resurrected Christ Church
ARTherapy: Calligraphy & Watercolor Workshop
May 2018 at Enderun Colleges
talks
Staying Creative in this Crisis
July 2020 online talk with Shutterlight Digital Studio
Pursuing a Career in Design
September 2017 at Elizabeth Seton School’s Career Fair
November 2017 for St. Pedro Poveda College students
let’s gratefully create together
Starting a business? Want to build your brand? Honoring someone dear with an artwork? Let’s gratefully create together! I am open for portrait commissions, collaborations, and freelance work.
If you’d prefer to reach out directly via email, you can send me a note at hello@gratefullycreating.com. Grateful for the opportunity to create with you and for you!