Gabriel Barletta

With over 16 years of experience, Gabriel Barletta is a true master of multidisciplinary design. His impressive skillset spans print production, digital design, marketing, illustration, photography, and project management. Leading teams across various projects and campaigns, Gabriel finds joy in collaborative endeavors that bring diverse talents together to create exceptional products. When not immersed in the world of design, he cherishes moments with his wife and kids, indulges in movie watching, and revels in board game adventures. When he's not working, he loves hanging out with his wife and kids, watching movies, and playing board games. It was definitely Colonel Mustard with the knife in the billiard room!

A Multifaceted Design Maestro

How did you get started in design?

My journey in design began with a passion for creativity and exploration. I delved into various artistic pursuits, including illustration, photography, and digital design. As I honed my skills, I realized that design allowed me to blend these disciplines seamlessly, giving birth to my multi-disciplinary approach.

You are a man that wears many hats, a multi-disciplinary designer. Do you think in this industry it is more important to be the Jack of All Trades rather than specializing in just one? Why?

In the ever-evolving design industry, versatility is a valuable asset. Being a Jack of All Trades empowers me to tackle diverse projects and collaborate effectively with different teams. My ability to switch roles ensures a holistic perspective, enabling me to create innovative and cohesive client experiences.

Your portfolio is filled with rebranding work, graphics, photography, and much more. What type of brief or project do you enjoy working on the most?

While I cherish every creative opportunity, I particularly enjoy rebranding projects. They present a unique challenge of revitalizing a brand’s identity and giving it a fresh, contemporary look. The process of transforming a brand and conveying its essence through design excites me the most.

In all your illustration work, be it the Batman 66 or the Over the Wall Garden poster, you explore a lot of textures. What is it about textures that fascinates you?

Textures infuse life and personality into my illustrations. They add depth, evoke emotions, and create a tactile experience for the audience. Experimenting with various textures allows me to craft visually rich artworks that resonate with people on a deeper level.

How did you get into photography? Was it an extension of your role as a designer or a passion?

Photography has always been a passion of mine, intertwined with my design journey. Capturing moments and exploring the world through a lens fuels my creativity. As a designer, photography enables me to refine my visual sensibilities and incorporate authentic elements into my work.

Can you give us some insight into your creative process?

My creative process begins with extensive research and understanding the project's context and objectives. I then embark on visual exploration, sketching ideas and experimenting with different styles and textures. Collaborating with clients and teams further refines the concepts, leading to the final execution of the project.

You talk about how you love the exploration and diversity you find when collaborating and bringing people together to create great products. Bringing so many people from different aspects of production together is not an easy task, what are your tips?

Collaboration is about fostering an open and inclusive environment. Effective communication, active listening, and respecting diverse perspectives are key. As a leader, I encourage team members to contribute their unique strengths, creating a collaborative synergy that brings out the best in everyone.

What are you currently fascinated by and how is it feeding into your work?

I am fascinated by the interplay of digital and physical experiences. Exploring augmented reality and mixed-media concepts excites me as I believe they hold immense potential for innovative storytelling and immersive design solutions.

What is your strongest skill and how have you honed that skill over the years?

Adaptability is my strongest skill. Over the years, I have continually sought to broaden my skill set and embrace new design trends and technologies. My ability to adapt allows me to confidently take on diverse challenges and stay at the forefront of the ever-evolving design industry.

What’s the best piece of advice you have heard, and repeated to others?

The best advice I've received and always share is to embrace curiosity and remain open to learning. Design is an ever-changing landscape, and being curious and willing to explore new horizons keeps the creative flame alive, leading to continuous growth and innovation.