Senior Designer Marisa Falcigno joins our team with over 15 years of graphic and web design experience, most recently having utilized her talents as co-founder and principal web and user experience designer at Open Door Design Studio. Marisa’s warm personality, eye for detail and passion for great design makes her a natural fit with Status Forward. In time, we think our clients will grow to like Marisa as much as we do, but for now, a quick little discussion ought to help make a first impression:
Where are you from, originally?
I was born in the Elm City, otherwise known as New Haven, CT. It’s a great city, but we mostly pride ourselves for being home to Pepe’s Apizza—hands down the best pizza ever.
What brought you to Asheville?
It’s the age-old story of love. After nearly 30 years of living in the north east, I packed up my bike and laptop and moved to the mountains to start a new life with my most favorite person in the world.
What got you interested in design?
I found design through a young love of photography. I was “that girl with the camera” in high school and college. During one of my college photo classes I unexpectedly wandered my way through the graphic design department and became immediately smitten. I realized at that moment that it was my path.
What is your favorite part of the design process?
What’s not to love? For me, it would probably be strategizing the placement of elements on a page and then polishing up all the details (fonts, colors, spacing). Also, since I’ve handled a lot of front-end development in the past, I love the point where I can flip the switch and jump off into Html and CSS land.
What are some of your favorite typefaces? What draws you to them?
Oh goodness… Not sure I can narrow it down! I’m a sucker for the clean, but also like the quirky and hand-lettered. Today I’m into, in no particular order: Pluto, Nanami Rounded, Burford, The Hipton and Nexa Slab. I think I have a thing for bold headlines. Tomorrow will probably be something different.
Describe your ideal project:
I love collaborative projects where multiple members of a team have a hand in the project. I find working as a team really helps push the quality and success of a project, and we all end up feeling a sense of ownership in the end. So for me, it doesn’t really matter what my role in the project is. The ideal scenario is to be working towards a positive common goal with a team who is passionate about what they’re doing.
If there is something about graphic design you wish the whole world could understand, what would that be?
That design isn’t necessarily about making something look good (although that’s a part of it), but it’s about problem solving and conveying information. Personally, I try to make design decisions with as much intention and purpose as I possibly can, with the person who’s receiving the info always in mind.
What about Status Forward made you want to join the team?
I’ve been following Status Forward for a couple of years now and have always had a deep respect for the quality of work being produced. And when I finally had the opportunity to meet the team, I just knew these are the folks I want to work with. In my eyes, Status Forward is smart, strategic, talented and witty (especially that Jim guy)… I’m honored to be a part of a fantastic group.
When you’re not designing, you can be found doing what?
Drinking coffee. Oh wait, that’s always. Hmmm… I’m usually smothering my dog with affection, cooking (this is kinda new), having friends over for dinner and games, going for walks in the woods and pretty much anything that involves spending time with my wife.