art director ☺ architect ♡ creative urban curator ☀︎ set design ✿

MY NAME IS CRUZ

Marta Cruz

Marta Cruz

On January 21, 1983, at precisely 9:00 am, I entered the world. At that significant moment in history, a powerful earthquake struck, while Portugal was simultaneously grappling with a profound social and economic crisis, leading to widespread strikes and notable chaos. This tumultuous backdrop has profoundly shaped my perspective, instilling in me a relentless curiosity about life and the world around me.

My fascination with cities and their complexities has shaped every step of my journey. Trained in architecture and urban planning, I spent five years building spaces and ideas—founding Atelier Portatil and launching the MOID Project to explore design and urban innovation.

Today, I'm the founder and curator of TARA Gallery in Lisbon—a space where I champion emerging artistic voices and urban thinkers. My work lives at the intersection of culture, identity, and imagination.

As an art director for commercial films, I translate stories into visual worlds, creating bold, cohesive designs that resonate. My set designs are playful, witty, and rooted in a deep love for storytelling—a natural evolution of my architectural past.

I’m proudly Portuguese, with a punk-inspired style and a soft spot for edgy fashion, dolphins, and my beloved cats. These details fuel my playful, fearless spirit. I’m a connector—curating experiences, not just objects, and always seeking collaborators who challenge and inspire.

A true urban thinker with the Universe in my mind—and the planet in my heart.

scroll to see some magic

scroll to see some magic ☺

selected

mx83

work

CONTINENTE 40 ANOS . A vida passa a comer

DIR: Martim Condeixa.DOP: André Szankowski.ART: Marta Cruz.PROD: The Playground

NOS . Bastidores

DIR: Augusto Fraga.DOP: André Szankowski.ART: Marta Cruz.PROD: Krypton Films

IKEA 20 ANOS . Etiquetas Escondidas

DIR: Martim Condeixa.DOP: Bernardo Infante.ART: Marta Cruz.PROD: The Playground

SAGRES . Somos o que nos vai na Alma

DIR:Cristiana Miranda.DOP:Bernardo Infante.ART:Carlos FOFI Cipriano & Marta Cruz.PROD:The Playground

VODAFONE . Business

DIR:Martim Condeixa.DOP:Bernardo Infante.ART:Carlos FOFI Cipriano & Marta Cruz.PROD:The Playground

AGEAS . Eu tenho vários mundos

DIR: Bruno Ferreira.DOP: Leandro Ferrão.ART: Marta Cruz.PROD: Casper Films

PAYPAL

LICOR BEIRÃO . Um Beirão de Sorte

DIR: Fernando Mamede.DOP: Carlos Lopes aka Kaka.ART: Marta Cruz.PROD: MoreMaria

VENDELA ‘Komodo’

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