Berto
Portrait of Berto Macario

About

I've never wanted to be the person who only has the idea.

I’m a Brazilian Australian Design Director based in Sydney, working across brand, product and digital experience.

For more than 15 years, I’ve helped turn business opportunities into clear brands and useful products, from positioning and identity through UX, design systems, launch and growth.

Much of my work now begins at zero: an early idea, an unresolved business problem or a product that needs definition. I shape the positioning, naming, brand system, product experience and working prototype that make it tangible.

I’m comfortable setting the direction and staying close to the making. I like defining the central idea, making the important decisions and working with designers, developers and founders until the result feels coherent, useful and ready to launch.

My experience includes work for adidas, Canon, Qantas, Lancôme, Bombay Sapphire, White Claw and Patrón. Across brand and product work, I’ve learned to connect strategic decisions with practical execution. Every decision needs to clarify the value, help the product work better or give people a reason to care.

AI is part of my workflow, not my professional identity. I use it across research, concept development, visual production and prototyping when it helps a small team achieve more. The point of view, judgement and responsibility for the work remain human.

Mostly, I like owning the problem. Give me a clear goal, room to think and a team that cares. I’ll help turn it into something real.

What I care about

Clarity with character

Good brands make clear choices. They have a recognisable point of view and enough character to be remembered without making the experience harder to use.

Systems people can use

A strong system creates consistency without flattening the work. It helps teams make better decisions and carry the idea across products, communications and channels.

Progress with purpose

Speed matters when it helps us test an assumption, improve the product or put something useful in front of people sooner.

Teams that care

I like thoughtful people who take responsibility for the work without making the process heavy. Clear direction gives good people the confidence to do their best work.

Things I know how to do

  • Brand positioning, identity and brand systems
  • Product direction, UX and digital experience
  • Design systems and rapid prototyping
  • Creative direction and art direction
  • Product definition from initial concept to launch
  • Ecommerce, Shopify and direct to consumer
  • Generative AI workflows and creative production
  • Creative leadership for focused teams

My current toolbox

Tools change. Judgement travels.

Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, Framer and Shopify for design and delivery. OpenAI, Claude Design, Claude Code, Higgsfield, Seedance, Kling, Midjourney, Runway and Lovable where they improve research, production or prototyping. I choose tools according to the work, rather than the trend.

Brands

  • Bacardí
  • Bombay Sapphire
  • adidas
  • Patrón
  • White Claw
  • Canon
  • Qantas
  • Lancôme

Agencies

  • Saatchi & Saatchi
  • M&C Saatchi
  • Imagination
  • Glove Studio
  • Reborn
  • Resolution Digital

Get in touch

Work with me