Behind every beautiful product at Aleaure is a story—and often, that story starts with Angela Silveira Laines. As the lead designer for Aleaure’s website and many of its signature products, Angela plays a vital role in shaping the brand’s distinct aesthetic—one rooted in tradition, but full of modern charm.
Angela has worked alongside Aleaure’s founder, Angela Simoes, for over a decade. Together, they share not only a passion for design but a commitment to supporting fellow Portuguese entrepreneurs, especially women. Their partnership is built on creativity, trust, and a deep love for their shared heritage.
In this interview, we dive into Angela Silveira Laines’ creative journey—from her earliest sketchbooks to the intricate process of designing Aleaure’s iconic patterns.
How did you become interested in graphic design?
I have to give a huge shoutout to my mom for this one—she’s the reason I even found my way to graphic design. Growing up, I was always drawing or painting. I took art classes all through high school and spent hours sketching at home. But when I started college, my focus shifted to basketball.
When it came time to choose a major, for some reason I thought I’d try business marketing (still not sure why, haha). I took Accounting and Business Statistics—two courses in, and I knew math was not it for me! I talked to my mom, and she suggested I look into graphic design. A cousin of mine was actually working at Apple at the time, so I reached out to her, learned more about the field, and it just clicked. I’ve never looked back.
Does your heritage influence your design style?
Absolutely—100%. Portuguese culture is a big part of who I am, and it definitely shows up in my work. The designs that stick with me the most are the clean lines of the azulejos, the intricate patterns of the calçadas, and the vibrant shapes and colors from the streets of the Azores and Portugal.
Even when it’s not intentional, those influences sneak into my work. My design style is clean and organized, but also colorful and playful—and I think a lot of that stems from my cultural background.
It also helps me connect with Portuguese clients and even attract new ones. There’s an instant connection when someone finds out we share the same heritage. Culturally, there’s a lot of pride in finding a fellow Portuguese person, and when that overlaps with business, it builds an added layer of trust.
What is your process for creating a design for a product?
No matter what the project is—a logo, a tumbler design, or even an internal document—I always start with sketching. It’s the foundation of my process and honestly saves me so much time later. Sketching helps me brain-dump all the initial ideas and see what’s actually worth pursuing.
It takes me back to my drawing roots and really taps into that mind-to-hand connection. I usually sketch on paper first, but I also love using my Samsung Note—I’ll whip out the pen feature and sketch an idea right when it hits me (which is usually never when I’m at my desk, haha).
Once I’ve got those rough ideas down, I bring everything into Illustrator and start translating the sketches into digital form. That’s where I can test what actually works. Proportion, layout, balance—they all matter. This stage helps me weed out what doesn’t fit and refine what does.
What has been the most challenging design you’ve worked on so far?
Hands down—the Viana do Castelo pattern for Aleaure. That was a challenge. I wasn’t even sure where to begin. There’s so much emotional connection tied to that pattern for so many people, so the pressure was on.
It really pushed my drawing skills. I knew it had to be something unique—not just a replication of what’s already out there. It needed to feel familiar enough to spark recognition but original enough to stand on its own. That balance was tricky.
It took months of different iterations (and lots of self-doubt), but I’m finally at a place where I feel proud of what I’ve created. It’s still evolving, but it’s definitely more “final” than not—and I hope people connect with it as much as I have while designing it.
What do you love about designing for Aleaure?
The cultural connection, without a doubt. Anytime I get to design something Portuguese-related—especially with azulejos involved—I’m all in. It’s personal.
What I love about Aleaure is how it blends tradition with a modern twist. The inspiration is very Portuguese and European, but there’s a subtlety to it. It’s the kind of product where people look at it and go, “Where has this been all my life?”
I genuinely love and use these products myself, and I get so many compliments on them. And like any proud Portuguese person, I love any excuse to talk about my culture—so when someone asks me where I got my Ondas tumbler, I light up and start sharing the whole story.
Working with Angela on Aleaure has been such a gift. I know when she reaches out, it’s going to be a fun project with meaning behind it. I’m honored to be part of the brand’s journey, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Follow Angela’s work on Aleaure’s website and products, and discover how heritage, heart, and design come together in every pattern.
Shop the latest at www.aleaure.com
Also learn more about Angela’s work at www.silveiradesigns.com
Some of Angela's favorite products:
