It’s Just Me

Maria Papaefstathiou — It’s Just Me

Maria Papaefstathiou (aka It’s Just Me) is a Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director and visual storyteller based in Athens, Greece, with 30+ years of experience across publishing, branding and cultural communication. Her work is driven by clarity, typographic excellence and the belief that design can spark enthusiasm, shift perspectives and inspire positive action.

What I Do

I design visual systems and communication assets for brands, cultural initiatives and international clients, across both print and digital formats. My work ranges from editorial design and high-end publications to campaign visuals, event materials and digital content.

Focus & Research

My ongoing creative research focuses on poster design, especially social posters and portrait series. A long-running personal project explores and celebrates influential figures from traditional and popular culture in Greece and Jamaica—actors, singers, musicians, poets and other cultural personalities—through an extensive poster collection.

Publishing & Professional Practice

For the past two decades, I have served as Creative Manager at Stamoulis Publications / Athos Publications, leading art direction and design for hundreds of print and digital titles (including coffee-table editions), overseeing print production and developing eBook/EPUB publications. I also contribute to digital presence and web design projects (WordPress), supporting brand consistency across touchpoints.

Alongside my studio practice (It’s Just Me), I maintain an ongoing creative collaboration with VP Records (New York), producing visual assets for music releases and promotions—album covers, banners, event-related visuals and campaign materials.

Graphic Art News

In 2010, I founded and became the editor of Graphic Art News, a blog dedicated to curating outstanding design, illustration and art from around the world. The platform has grown into a resource many designers consider an educational destination—showcasing work that informs, inspires and elevates visual culture.

International Reggae Poster Contest (IRPC)

In December 2011, I partnered with creative activist Michael Thompson (Freestylee) to launch the International Reggae Poster Contest (IRPC)—a unique initiative celebrating the global reach of Jamaican popular culture through poster art. The contest has hosted multiple editions and has been exhibited internationally, beginning in Jamaica (2012) and later presented in countries including Greece, Cyprus, Cuba, Spain, Poland, the UK, Germany, Mexico and the USA.

Curation & Exhibitions

In 2018, I curated the exhibition “1st Medical Cannabis Intl. Invitational Poster Exhibition”, inviting 50 designers from 27 countries. The exhibition premiered in Athens and remains available for future showings.

My work has received awards and has been featured in numerous international exhibitions across Europe, the Americas, Asia and beyond. I have also served as a juror for poster competitions such as Escucha mi Voz, C-IDEA Design Award, and Ecuador Poster Bienal.

Let’s Collaborate

If you’re looking for a designer who combines conceptual thinking, strong aesthetics and production expertise, I’d love to hear from you.

Portfolio: itsjustme.net
Email: [email protected]
Location: Athens, Greece

Other Links:
IRPC: www.reggaepostercontest.com
Blog: www.graphicart-news.com