Issue #38
Diego Marini
L'Ottico
As the son of a typographer in Verona, my interest in the graphic world began at an early age. I spent my youth at printing facilities leaving me with no choices than start operating in this field. In 2003 I moved to Paris where I lived and worked as Art Director working for clients in different field from fashion to architecture to environment. I moved to NYC in early 2010 where I continued my journey in the fashion world by shaping the new Diane von Furstenberg brand identity. I then joined the DVF creative team leading conception and execution of digital and printing campaigns. In addition, I served as a judge for the 2010 and 2013 Adobe Design Awards.
In life my work is my passion. I work as a creative director and doing creative work is my drug. and the other usual suspect is the passion for traveling (if shared with the one I love is even better)
Oh, leaving italy is one thing and choosing NY is another. I left Italy many years ago but before landing in NY I leaved in Paris for 9 years.
Denize, my amazing partner, wanted to go back to NY and after I took care of my business in Paris we decided that it was time for a change. I think is one of the best decision in my life. Everything I found here is absolutely magical and amazing. It gives me an amazing energy and ability to do whatever I want.
I have many beautiful memories. But I think my favorite one is the night I pitched for new logo to Diane von Furstenberg herself and she loved it. Walking out the office I was freelancing in the street of Meatpacking at midnight on a random night feeling I just redesigned the logo for one of the big fashion house and wandering around there looking at people and at the city was really special.
I like graffiti I like graphic. This wall has been designed by Stefan Sagmeister one of the best contemporary graphic designer and one that I respect a lot for the way he thinks and he operates. I always liked this location and the idea of being in front of this piece of work that says yes I think summed in a nutshell my feeling about NY: it’s about saying Yes to opportunities. The choice of the outfit is simply because it was navy and striped and contrasted enough to be on a black and white portrait.
It’s a great project and I can’t wait to see who the other interesting fellows are. Gathering of interesting people is always a good idea and being part of it is just an honor.
When people ask me what is to me the main Italian feature I answer: being flexible and resourceful. L’arte di arrangiarsi, and the ability to find solutions, wiggling’s between obstacles to find a way to solve the enigma in a way or another is a great skill that you learn from the Italian broken system.
