Commitment to Vision: Pentagram's Associate Partner Marielle Gross on Human Intuition, Shared Creativity, and Pushing Through
By Julia Gamolina
Marielle Gross is an Associate Partner at Pentagram, where she shapes compelling brand identities through collaborative and innovative design. With a background from the School of Visual Arts, she began her career as a designer, later transitioning to a leadership role overseeing creative teams. Based in New York City, Marielle blends hands-on design with big-picture thinking, fostering processes rooted in exploration and teamwork to deliver cohesive, enduring brand stories.
JG: As we near the end of the year, what are you paying attention to the most in the field of graphic design? I imagine AI is dominating the conversation.
MG: AI is definitely part of the conversation, but for me, the focus right now is on how design can balance human intuition with emerging technology. I’m paying close attention to how brands are creating systems that are flexible, adaptive, and digitally native, yet still deeply rooted in storytelling and craft. For us, AI is becoming another tool in the toolkit—helping streamline workflows, explore ideas faster, and free up more time for creative strategy and thoughtful design.
Brand identity and signage for National Building Museum, designed at and image courtesy of Pentagram.
Now let's go back a little bit — you studied graphic design at the School of Visual Arts (SVA)! Why SVA and what did you want to do in the world at that time? What were your biggest takeaways?
Initially, I attended a liberal arts college, unaware of art school as an option. After one semester, I found myself yearning for a more creative environment and began researching, which led me to discover art schools. To pursue this path, I needed a portfolio, so I enrolled in the Continuing Education program at Corcoran College of Art and Design — now part of George Washington University — to build those foundational skills., eventually joining Corcoran’s graphic design program. A pivotal moment came when my professor, with parental concern, advised, “If you’re serious about graphic design, go to SVA.” This guidance led me to apply there, where I was accepted as a sophomore.
Discovering graphic design felt like finding my calling. I set a mission to create positive change through design, enhancing people’s lives visually and functionally. Initially, I focused on poster design, but SVA expanded my perspective. I learned to think conceptually, prioritizing substance over aesthetics, with research and sketching central to the process. My professors challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, tackling projects I wouldn’t have imagined independently.
“...the focus right now is on how design can balance human intuition with emerging technology. I’m paying close attention to how brands are creating systems that are flexible, adaptive, and digitally native, yet still deeply rooted in storytelling and craft.”
Tell me about your experiences working for various offices before joining Pentagram. What did you learn that you still apply today?
My first job out of school was designing annual reports. Then the stock market crashed, and I was thrust into freelancing. I had to hustle, staying open to any design work I could find. I bounced between agencies, tackling everything from MTA and Port Authority ads to skincare packaging, fashion advertising, and data visualization. It was at a fashion ad agency where I first tasted brand identity design—and I was hooked. Shaping a company or product’s story through design opened up a world of possibilities.
My journey’s taught me that learning and growth never stop. You have to keep pushing, even after the first, second, or eighth try doesn’t pan out. If you want something badly enough, persistence and hard work will get you there.
Brand identity for National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., designed at and image courtesy of Pentagram.
Brand identity and package design for National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., designed at and image courtesy of Pentagram.
At Pentagram, you started out as a Senior Designer and are now Associate Partner. How has your skill set evolved as your roles at Pentagram evolved, and what have you learned from each of your steps there?
When I first joined Pentagram, I hit the ground running — crafting and executing design ideas under the direction of Partner Michael Gericke. I put in long hours, fueled by a deep need to prove myself. Pentagram was the dream I’d chased for years, and I was determined to show I was meant to be there. Our small team gave me the chance to work closely with clients, diving into one-on-one interactions, while also collaborating with other designers. That hard work and creative synergy led to a promotion to Associate Partner.
At first, my day-to-day didn’t change much; I still designed while beginning to oversee the team. I’d sketch a concept and expect designers to follow it exactly. But I realized that approach stifled the exploration and collaboration that makes design so fulfilling. I started focusing on broader ideas, leaving space for each designer’s unique interpretation. This led to a more fluid, iterative process where ideas evolved through shared creativity.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that it’s not about “you”—it’s about the team. Ego can derail a creative environment; no one wants to work with someone obsessed with their own spotlight. Through selfless teamwork, we’ve created a thriving, supportive space where anything seems possible.
“...it takes real work to avoid settling for what’s comfortable. Staying focused and moving forward, especially during setbacks, isn’t easy. But you have to keep going—your next opportunity might be closer than you think.”
Looking back at it all, what have been the biggest challenges? How did you both manage through perceived disappointments or setbacks?
One of the toughest parts of my journey was finding the confidence to keep pushing toward my design goals, even when doors kept closing. I had to learn to believe in my abilities and stay committed to my vision. It sounds simple, but it takes real work to avoid settling for what’s comfortable. Staying focused and moving forward, especially during setbacks, isn’t easy. But you have to keep going—your next opportunity might be closer than you think.
What have you learned in the last six months?
I’ve learned to step back and have perspective on what I do and don’t have control over in life and in my career, and to be at peace with the fact that I cannot control how a client or any person will react to a design, no matter how much thought and effort was put into it. All I know, is that myself and my team did the best we could do with the constraints and time we were given. I then move on and bring any lessons or insights I’ve learned to the next project.
Poster and brand identities for SEGD and their 50th anniversary, designed at and image courtesy of Pentagram.
Who are you admiring now and why?
I admire the team that I work with day in and day out. Their talent and skill inspires me and motivates me — I truly believe the kind of collaboration with our team’s different points of view and skill sets has led us to stronger solutions. I also admire those who I don’t get to collaborate with, my other colleagues at Pentagram, designers and partners alike. Everyone is passionate about design and about doing their best.
What is the impact you’d like to have on the world? What is your core mission? And, what does success in that look like to you?
It’s only recently that I’ve seen it clearly: my mission as a designer has always been to create work that makes people’s lives and the world around them better, even in the smallest ways. Good design has the power to make a difference—whether it’s a small shift or a lasting impact. My focus is on weaving original, engaging stories through visual systems—logo, typography, imagery, color palette, tone of voice. This kind of visual storytelling is what gives a brand its unique, authentic voice.
To me, success means feeling fulfilled, though that feeling evolves over time. Some days, it’s about creative breakthroughs; others, it’s about personal contentment. The challenge lies in balancing the two, which is never static. It’s about finding what feels right for you in the moment and embracing how that changes as you grow.
Finally, what advice do you have for those starting their career? Would your advice be any different for women?
My advice is to focus on what genuinely excites and inspires you. Take steps—big or small—toward that path, knowing that the challenges along the way will equip you with the tools to reach your goals. Whenever possible, surround yourself with people you admire and can learn from. Stay curious, keep a positive mindset, and approach each opportunity as a chance to grow. These are the qualities I value most in the people I hire.
For women in particular, I would emphasize this: never hold back from speaking up when you have an idea or something meaningful to share.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.