For the past fifteen years, Felice has worked with small teams all over the world to design brands, products, and marketing and advertising campaigns that are beautiful, impactful, and meaningful. But all he really cares about is doing good work with good people.

He facilitates, researches, empathizes, creates systems, writes, scribbles, daydreams, picks colors, and pushes pixels while juggling business goals, handling project constraints, and designing for excellence — all with ethics.

Summary:

In this conversation, Felice Della Gatta and Kevin Mooney explore the nuances of design, branding, and the evolution of a freelancer into a collaborative role. They discuss the importance of understanding clients, the balance between product and brand marketing, and the challenges of defining what 'right' means in design. The dialogue emphasizes the need for creative confidence, the value of community, and the significance of feedback in the design process.

In this conversation, Felice Della Gatta and Kevin Mooney explore the intricacies of client relationships in the design industry, emphasizing the importance of respect and understanding in the creative process. They discuss the challenges freelancers face in maintaining authority while managing client expectations and feedback.

Find Felice:

https://felicedellagatta.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicedellagatta/

Affiliate Links:

Webflow: https://try.webflow.com/1p91anb2byd3

Bloom: https://bloom.cello.so/hXX9A7c0zQc

Chapters:

00:00 The Informal Podcasting Approach

00:00 Building Connections Through Conversations

00:20 The Value of Casual Conversations

02:50 Understanding Clients Beyond Design

05:37 The Role of Product in Branding

08:33 Brand Marketing vs. Product Marketing

11:14 The Journey of a Freelancer

13:55 Shifting Perspectives on Freelancing

16:38 The Desire for Community and Collaboration

19:31 Defining 'Right' in Design

21:59 The Challenges of Team Dynamics

24:42 Finding the Right Fit in Hiring

27:22 Reaping the Benefits of Experience

29:59 Navigating Client Relationships

38:16 The Nuances of Branding and Perception

40:51 The Importance of Input in Creative Processes

43:54 Selling Ideas vs. Selling Products

51:23 Creative Confidence and Responsibility

57:12 Navigating Client Relationships and Feedback

01:07:38 Client Relationships and Respect

01:11:53 The Role of the Consultant

01:16:52 Working with Small Businesses

01:22:55 Balancing Operations and Authority

01:30:13 Lead Generation Strategies

01:41:49 The Value of Conversations

01:44:27 Creating Meaningful Content

01:51:47 Navigating the 7-11-4 Rule

01:55:43 Finding Purpose in Change

02:06:15 Embracing New Opportunities

Takeaways:

- Casual conversations can lead to valuable insights.

- Understanding clients' backgrounds is crucial for effective design.

- Product quality often outweighs brand in early stages.

- Brand marketing should complement product marketing.

- Freelancing can evolve into collaborative opportunities.

- Community and connection are vital for growth.

- Design excellence requires teamwork and shared values.

- Team dynamics can significantly impact project outcomes.

- Defining 'right' in design is subjective and challenging.

- Input quality is essential for creative output. I have the utmost respect for my clients, all of them.

- I am very selective with my clients because I've worked in companies that were creating misery.

- Clients are very close to the work, which can be both good and bad.

- I have a very good example of what not to do, who not to work with.

- I share with you everything that I know, and then I step back.

- I want to enable people and help them get to their goals.

- Everything in business comes down to lead generation.

- I want to create content that aligns with my values.

- I want to uncover opportunities and enable people.

- I trust that I am where I need to be right now.