Creativity.
Compassion.
Connection.

Ever since putting down our Portland roots back in 2013, Germinate Creative has been sustained with unbridled creativity, abundant compassion, and genuine connection. The way we see it, we need each other to do important work in the world, and it’s way more fun doing it together.


That’s why, no matter what your purpose or passion or project, we approach it with a relationship-first agenda (and likely coffee and baked goods on the side). We have deep expertise in collaboration with mission-driven organizations, agencies, and marketing and communications teams. Our decades of design experience can be trusted to represent your brand, values, and mission with a presence that’s authentic and compelling.

Meet Maria
Hey there! I’m Maria Guerriero, the chief of everything that is Germinate Creative.
Opening and sustaining this business has been a dream come true, as I’ve had the privilege to work alongside the bold changemakers and everyday do-ers who are positively impacting our communities.
As a creative designer partnering with these leaders in social impact, I’m not afraid to get deep into the root of things and get my hands dirty for a good cause. I’m best characterized as a passionate designer with a vibrant personality, a playful and curious spirit, while also grounded in nature (you should see my garden).
Above all, I’m fiercely dedicated to my home crew – my creative and talented husband, Tim, and my rambunctious and spunky daughter, Nina.

“Wow! You captured the essence of my business, my audience, my brand, and my personality. Plus, both website options you provided me are so impressive, that it made it difficult to choose just one.”
MARLENIA MYERS
Nonprofit Visions, LLC, Principal Consultant
