You must be wondering what a Matatu is I'm sure!

See it up there? That's a matatu! Kenya's main means of transportation. The word derives from Swahili for "Matata", which means trouble, and rightfully so as these little mini buses have been known to be a menace on the roads! Imagine being packed into a minibus, whose typical maximum capacity is 8 people, but in actuality you're piled in with about 20 others... some hanging out the windows and doors, the roof rack stuffed with live chickens, sacks of potatoes and maize meal, plastic buckets and enormous metal storage boxes... add to that the sweltering midday heat and what you have is a very unique look at the daily life of Kenyans travelling to their destinations! In the old days matatus used to be painted in all sorts of vibrant colors, but the government decided to make them a little more "official" looking and hence has banned custom paint jobs... same, as they certainly colored the streets!
As for me, well, I'm an Italian who was born and raised in Kenya, East Africa and I lived there for 25 years before moving to the United States (Hence why I chose the Design for my website as Africa will always be close to my heart and it really is a reflection of me). I have always been very artisic as an individual and despite my Masters degree in International Relations, art was always my passion and I try to explore it in all it's forms... from gourmet cooking to Painting... to web design. I have also recently delved into Photography as I love capturing moments, emotions, sentiments and life through a lense...like bringing something in real life to a whole new dimension...

Mad Matatu's Graphic Design Studio began 5 years ago, after I decided I really wanted to use my skills as an artist to customize my eBay store. My store was such a hit that more and more people began asking me to design their stores and websites for them. It was this that motivated me to learn how to use the very best software available on the market for web design and digital graphic art. I had found my true calling and have since established quite a following among my many clients.

My motto is simple: Listen to the client and understand what it is they want their business or website to say about them either as a company or as an individual. I also offer a lot of guidance for those who know they want to present a better image to their clients but are not really sure of what they need to get started or how to go about it. I will work very closely with you and until we are both satisfied with the end results!

Ready to get started? Drop me an Email to discuss your project and get a quote. The intial consultation is FREE of charge so don't be shy! If you have ideas, photos, textures and other inspirational materials to send me feel free to do so!

Thank you taking the time to get to know me a little better! I look forward very much to working with you!


~Francesca