Although I was involved in a wide range of content creation for Bordallo Pinheiro, the Sardinha by Bordallo Pinheiro project was, without a doubt, one of the most creatively rewarding. Closely tied to the Santos Populares festivities celebrated across Portugal in June, this collection of ceramic sardines opened up space for playful visuals, cultural references, and a bit of joyful irreverence.
Each new sardinha added to the collection brought a fresh opportunity to explore something unexpected — from seasonal themes and product launches to humorous takes on current events. The social media content I created had one goal: to celebrate variety and originality, just like the sardinhas themselves. Whether lighthearted or socially tuned, each post was crafted to engage, surprise, or spark a smile.
This collection also plays a unique role in fostering creativity beyond the studio. Every year, the Lisbon City Council invites the public to submit sardinha designs, and many of those — winners or not — are eventually brought to life and welcomed into Bordallo Pinheiro’s catalogue. It’s one of the brand’s most beloved and best-selling lines, and being part of that continuous creative cycle was both a challenge and a joy.
