Olá, você :)

I'm Vanessa, a Senior Product Designer based in São Paulo who loves solving complex problems and turning them into intuitive experiences.

I work with incredible global teams to solve meaningful challenges and create impact. With over 9 years of experience in design, I started my journey in branding and graphic design, but since 2019, UX and UI have been my true passion ♥︎

Currently, I co-lead design efforts for IBM’s sustainability initiatives, focusing on DesignOps to ensure smooth processes and impactful deliverables. These projects contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing challenges like poverty, environmental protection, and fostering global prosperity by 2030.


I work with incredible global teams to solve meaningful challenges and create impact. With over 9 years of experience in design, I started my journey in branding and graphic design, but since 2019, UX and UI have been my true passion ❤️

Currently, I co-lead design efforts for IBM’s sustainability initiatives, focusing on DesignOps to ensure smooth processes and impactful deliverables. These projects contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing challenges like poverty, environmental protection, and fostering global prosperity by 2030.

Organizations I’ve Designed For
(Directly & Through Trusted Partners):
IBM
T-Mobile
Chevron
UIUC
Itaú
TOTVS
Indra Company


//Experience//

Senior Product Designer

2021 - Current

IBM

Product Designer

2020 - 2021

TOTVS

Product Designer

2019 - 2020

Indra | Itaú

Creative Art Director

2017 - 2019

Wink

Graphic Designer

2015 - 2017

Fiore

Communications Intern

2012 - 2013

Instituto de Artes do Pará

Senior Product Designer

2021 - Current

IBM

Product Designer

2020 - 2021

TOTVS

Product Designer

2019 - 2020

Indra | Itaú

Creative Art Director

2017 - 2019

Wink

Graphic Designer

2015 - 2017

Fiore

Communications Intern

2012 - 2013

Instituto de Artes do Pará

Senior Product Designer

2021 - Current

IBM

Product Designer

2020 - 2021

TOTVS

Product Designer

2019 - 2020

Indra | Itaú

Creative Art Director

2017 - 2019

Wink

Graphic Designer

2015 - 2017

Fiore

Communications Intern

2012 - 2013

Instituto de Artes do Pará

River

Memory

I come from Belém, a city in the Amazon where nature and people move in rhythms of their own. My journey into design wasn’t linear—it started with poems, curiosity, and a fascination with human behavior.


Today, I’m designing digital tools used by people around the world. Tomorrow? Who knows. I might be sailing somewhere, designing from a floating studio—or directing a documentary. Like the river, I move with the current—but I’ve got a sail, just in case.

//Extra! Extra!//

✎ When I was 10, I wrote a poem called "The Time" (about the end of childhood) and won a neighborhood poetry contest—but I was SO SHY that I didn't go on stage to read it or even pick up the prize.

☆ At 16, I got my first laptop by winning an academic award for public schools in Rio de Janeiro as one of the best students in the state—It was a laptop with a very basic configuration, but I loved it and carried it everywhere.

〰 I have a habit of folding tiny paper boats, usually when I’m lost in thought. Sometimes, I make mini versions and give them to people I love, just because.

After

Hours

When I'm not designing, you'll probably find me chasing the sun on my bike, trying to perfect my backhand on a tennis court, or listening (passionately) to Brazilian music. I recharge by being outside and doing things that bring me back to myself.


I laugh loud with friends, trade silly voice notes with my nephew, and have deep life talks with Pipoca, my dog and unofficial therapist.

//Education//

Professional Certification in Product Design

Aela School

Remote, 2018 - 2019

Professional Certification in Product Design

Aela School

Remote, 2018 - 2019

Professional Certification in Product Design

Aela School

Remote, 2018 - 2019

Postgraduate in Digital Design and Marketing

Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing

Rio de Janeiro, 2014 - 2016

Postgraduate in Digital Design and Marketing

Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing

Rio de Janeiro, 2014 - 2016

Postgraduate in Digital Design and Marketing

Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing

Rio de Janeiro, 2014 - 2016

Bachelor Degree in Social Communication - Advertising

Universidade da Amazônia

Belém, 2009 - 2013

Bachelor Degree in Social Communication - Advertising

Universidade da Amazônia

Belém, 2009 - 2013

Bachelor Degree in Social Communication - Advertising

Universidade da Amazônia

Belém, 2009 - 2013

//Awards//

Premier Technical Contributor

IBM Tech

2023

Premier Technical Contributor

IBM Tech

2023

Premier Technical Contributor

IBM Tech

2023

Culture Catalyst Award

IBM

2022

Culture Catalyst Award

IBM

2022

Culture Catalyst Award

IBM

2022

Human Energy Certificate for Outstanding Performance

Chevron

2022

Human Energy Certificate for Outstanding Performance

Chevron

2022

Human Energy Certificate for Outstanding Performance

Chevron

2022

//Courses & Credentials//

Watsonx Essentials

IBM

2024

Watsonx Essentials

IBM

2024

Watsonx Essentials

IBM

2024

Power Skills - Resilience, Growth Minded, Learning Agility, Time Management

IBM

2023

Power Skills - Resilience, Growth Minded, Learning Agility, Time Management

IBM

2023

Power Skills - Resilience, Growth Minded, Learning Agility, Time Management

IBM

2023

Agile Explorer

IBM

2023

Agile Explorer

IBM

2023

Agile Explorer

IBM

2023

Enterprise Design Thinking Co-Creator

IBM

2023

Enterprise Design Thinking Co-Creator

IBM

2023

Enterprise Design Thinking Co-Creator

IBM

2023

Enterprise Design Thinking Advocate

IBM

2023

Enterprise Design Thinking Advocate

IBM

2023

Enterprise Design Thinking Advocate

IBM

2023

IBM Garage Foundation

IBM

2022

IBM Garage Foundation

IBM

2022

IBM Garage Foundation

IBM

2022

Accessibility Advocate

IBM

2023

Accessibility Advocate

IBM

2023

Accessibility Advocate

IBM

2023

"Isso de querer ser exatamente aquilo que a gente é ainda vai nos levar além" — Leminski

Vanessa Sousa

Senior Product Designer

São Paulo

2:02:55 AM