Mirella Arapian
Creative Director · Founder
In their own words
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.
Climate change is communicated as a political, scientific, or corporate governance issue.
We’re not perfect, but we’re doing our best.
We chose Coconat because it’s a beautiful evocation of ancient Armenian calligraphy and serifs.
The progressive nature of Yerevan as the world’s oldest modern city.
After seven years it was time to make a change and own who we are.
We hope it inspires people to walk their talk and forge their own path.
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.
Articles & interviews
- "Mavens Launches Bold Identity to Push Gender Equality in Creative Fields"
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’s Mirella Arapian on the graphic design industry’s role in the fight against climate change
The Brand Identity interviews Mirella Arapian, founder and creative director of Australian studio Mek, about the role of graphic design in addressing climate change. Arapian discusses Mek’s sustainable practices, from solar-powered operations to plastic-free materials, and reflects on their redesign of the Green Dot symbol. The conversation highlights how designers can use their influence to promote environmental responsibility and challenge greenwashing in the industry.
- The Edit: five new projects including Ners by Mek
The Brand Identity’s 'The Edit' highlights five new creative projects from around the world, including Mek’s identity for Armenian interior design firm Ners, Nowhere Studio’s design for architecture publication DOMa, Felipe Souza’s branding for streetwear label Dream Mad Kidz, Jonas Baun Andersen’s virtual type exhibition Disruptive Type, and Ashley Simonetto’s minimalist identity for Melbourne retailer Mayfield. Each project showcases distinct typographic and material choices reflecting their respective industries and cultural contexts.
- Mirella Arapian details the process behind Vertigo's relaunch as purpose-driven design studio MEK
The Brand Identity interviews Creative Director Mirella Arapian about the transformation of Melbourne-based studio Vertigo into MEK, a purpose-driven design practice focused on sustainability and ethical values. Arapian discusses the reasoning behind the new name, inspired by the Armenian word for 'one,' and the studio’s renewed mission to align design work with people- and planet-centered principles.
- WORKING FROM HOME with Melbourne-based studio MEK(formerly Vertigo)
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.
- Mirella Arapian on Womentor’s mission to improve gender equality in the design industry
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.
- MEK (formerly Vertigo)
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.