We were lucky to catch up with Davis DeLisi recently and have shared our conversation below.
Davis, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I believe confidence and self-esteem are entirely mental. I have found that it is so important to earnestly encourage belief within yourself, because having the freedom to be confidently and uniquely yourself, is the secret sauce to life.
I definitely consider myself extroverted. I love being around people, and I love meeting and connecting with people. I think with that extroversion comes some sense of confidence. However, having my own business has been such a vulnerable thing for me. It is easy for self-loathing thoughts to come into my brain and swallow me whole very quickly. Although, in those moments, (bonus points with a strong support system on-hand), it’s been crucial to pause and take a step back and talk to myself with care and kindness. Self-love and optimism are day-changing.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Davis Camp DeLisi. I am a Graphic Designer and Art Director. As of last year, I opened up my own design studio under the name, Studio Grape Jelly. Studio Grape Jelly is a multidisciplinary design studio specializing in crafting brands through experimentation and intention. We offer a holistic and strategic approach in defining and developing a brand.
Our combined background having worked with boutique businesses, B2C corporations, agencies, and other studios has given us valuable perspective when it comes to leading and collaborating with clients.
Our bread and butter is brand identity, packaging, and creative direction. We work with brands of all shapes and sizes, and within each project, our approach is simple. We believe good design takes focus, intention, and time. By unearthing the brand’s deeper meaning, we strategically build thoughtful and original design solutions together.
Earlier this year, we created our first product, Cin Cin Playing Cards. They are an Italian inspired deck of cards that features fun and whimsical food and beverage illustrations, like charcuterie, baguettes, pastries, roman busts, seafood, and more.
If you are ever in need of any design assets, let’s connect. We love what we do, and we look forward to hearing about what we can do together.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I think some of the most impactful takeaways in my journey have been the self-motivation to continually challenge myself to grow as a designer, an ability to accept constructive criticism well, and the understanding that clear and respectful communication is essential.
For designers who are early on in their career, I think it’s the perfect time to delve deeper into your craft and explore and learn new styles and techniques outside of your comfort zone. I’ve found that it’s so impactful to continually challenge yourself because it can open doors to work on projects with the clients you want to work with.
Regarding constructive criticism, as defeating as it can feel in the moment, you can’t take it personally. If you and your client are misaligned in the creative process, allow their feedback to motivate you and push you to continue to create excellent work by exploring a different direction to hopefully (and ideally) complete a product that you and your client are proud of.
Lastly, I believe clear and respectful communication is essential and has only empowered me to be a better artist and professional.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who is passionate, kind, and collaborative. When I initially meet with clients, I love to hear about what they envision and expect. Whether a client knows exactly what they want or no idea at all, when a client trusts me to explore unique design concepts outside of our original project scope, that’s the sweet spot, and that’s where the magic happens.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.studiograpejelly.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiograpejelly/
Image Credits
Figlia photographed by Emily Stearns; Martini chains photographed by Emily Dorio
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