Desisto is a graphic design studio based in Lisbon that operates globally. Established in 2013, the studio initially served as a creative escape from day-to-day job routines, focusing on curating exhibitions, publishing works, and fostering research and collaborations across various fields. In 2016, Desisto shifted its focus, primarily operating as a design studio emphasising typography and production while still engaging in the activities it passionately embraces.
The ethos of Desisto centres on the belief that building enduring, high-quality work relationships with clients is crucial. The studio collaborates closely with clients, developing tailored and effective strategies for each project. Additionally, Desisto operates a Riso printing lab, further expanding its range of specialised services. This multifaceted approach to graphic design is reflected in a body of work that meets clients’ commercial objectives and enriches the cultural and artistic landscape.
Our Team
Margarida Borges
Partner & Designer
MA Graphic Design, Elisava — Barcelona
Teaching: ETIC, & ESAD.CR
Ricardo Martins
Partner & Designer
MA Graphic Design, Elisava — Barcelona
Teaching: ETIC
José Mendes
Partner & Designer
MA Graphic Design, Elisava — Barcelona
Teaching: ETIC
Marta Saraiva
Junior Graphic Designer
MA Graphic Design and Editorial Projects, FBAUP — Porto
Mariana Freire
Junior Graphic Designer
Graphic Design Graduate, ETIC — Lisboa
Alexandre Dias
Junior Graphic Designer
BA Honours Graphic Design, Solent Univ. — UK
Taco
Design Consultant
Services
Creative Direction;
Graphic Design;
Brand Strategy;
Naming;
Art Direction;
Branding;
Visual Identity;
Flexible Systems:
Signage, Wayfinding;
Exhibition Design;
Editorial Design;
Web Design & Development;
Packaging;
Digital & Social Media;
Content Creation;
Print Production Consultancy;
Photography;
& More
Awards & Grants
CCP 2023
Shortlist – Peça Pontual
Bronze Award – Peça Pontual
Projecto: Lisboa Criola
2023
CCP 2023
Shortlist – Social Media Art Direction
Silver Award – Social Media Art Direction
Project: Lisboa Criola
2023
CCP 2023
Shortlist – Branding
Bronze Award – Branding
Project: Iminente Marseille
2023
CCP 2022
Shortlist – Branding
Silver Award – Branding
Project: Campo Comum
2022
Art Director’s Club
(2019 ADC Awards)
Merit – Single/Wildcard
w/ João Miranda & Serafim Mendes
2019
Indigo Awards
Silver in Promotional Materials
w/ João Miranda & Serafim Mendes
2019
Indigo Award
Gold in Mix Media/Moving Image
w/ João Miranda & Serafim Mendes
2019
Frans Masereel Centrum Grant
Belgium
w/ Adolfo Press & Do The Print
August — 2015
CCP 2022
Shortlist – Design/Design Editorial
Bronze – Design/Design Editorial
Project: Lisboa Soa
2022
Ultra Bold Award
Bold Creative Festival
Margarida Borges
2022
CCP 2021
Shortlist – Design/Editorial Design
Project: Companhia Olga Roriz – 25 Anos
2021
Fedrigoni Top Award 2021
1st Place – Corporate Identity
Project: Big Kitchen
2021
Art Director’s Club
(2019 ADC Awards)
Merit – Single/Wildcard
w/ João Miranda & Serafim Mendes
2019
Indigo Awards
Silver in Promotional Materials
w/ João Miranda & Serafim Mendes
2019
Indigo Award
Gold in Mix Media/Moving Image
w/ João Miranda & Serafim Mendes
2019
Frans Masereel Centrum Grant
Belgium
w/ Adolfo Press & Do The Print
August — 2015
Talks
Conversas IV
Ricardo Martins
May — 2023
Off-Grid
February — 2024
Malucos da Riso
Malucos da Riso
Esad.cr — Caldas da Rainha
Riso Conference & Workshop w/ Mantraste
May — 2022
Bold Talks (Margarida Borges)
Bold Creative Festival
Iade — Lisbon
May — 2022
Algarve Design Meeting
Universidade do Algarve – Esec
June — 2021
Crise de Identidade 2018
Faculdade de Belas Artes de Lisboa
October — 2018
Comunicar Design 2018
Esad.cr – Caldas da Rainha
May — 2018
Reverso #03
Guilherme Cossoul, Lisbon
May — 2017
Pecha Kucha Lisbon #23
Lusitano Clube, Lisbon
February — 2017
“Untitled” Talk
w/ Adolfo Press & Do the Print
Experimenta Design, Lisbon
December — 2015
Artec_30: Simpósio de Design e Artes Gráficas
Politécnico de Tomar, via Zoom
May — 2020
António Arroio Talk
Escola António Arroio, Lisbon
March — 2020
The Design Kids – Lisbon
Résves Cowork, Lisbon
October — 2019
Escs Talk
Escola Superior de Comunicação Social, Lisbon
April — 2019
Big Kitchen Talk
w/ João Miranda
Cowork LxFactory, Lisbon
November — 2018
Crise de Identidade 2018
Faculdade de Belas Artes de Lisboa
October — 2018
Comunicar Design 2018
Esad.cr – Caldas da Rainha
May — 2018
Reverso #03
Guilherme Cossoul, Lisbon
May — 2017
Pecha Kucha Lisbon #23
Lusitano Clube, Lisbon
February — 2017
“Untitled” Talk
w/ Adolfo Press & Do the Print
Experimenta Design, Lisbon
December — 2015
Contact Information
Contact us:
Design Commissions info@desisto.pt
Printing Commissions riso@desisto.pt
+351 911 890 914
We are currently based in Lisbon, Portugal. Our Studio is located by the river, near Santa Apolónia Station:
Rua Bica do Sapato 44c
1100-091 Lisboa, Portugal.
Internships:
At this time we are not looking to add anyone else. If you have any questions regarding any other subject, don’t hesitate to ask: