We were lucky to catch up with Keith Fiori recently and have shared our conversation below.
Keith , so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome might be something all creatives go through at some point in their career. Comparison is a trap, and in the age of Instagram and social media bombardment it’s hard to avoid.
I absolutely went through the phase of “fake it ’till you make it”! My first big design job was in men’s design at Polo Ralph Lauren in NYC. I was a long-haired surf kid from a small shore town, and really didn’t know much about fashion, design or how to be effective in a large corporate environment filled with some of the coolest and best dressed people I had ever seen. I was intimidated to say the least, but they liked my work so they gave me a shot. I am fortunate to be a designer who is highly creative, but also just as organized. I could take direction, make exciting presentations, and lead a team of designers to deliver high caliber work on schedule. That skillset is what set me apart, and eventually became an Art Director managing design teams and overseeing various labels like Polo Sport, Sportsman, RLX and RRL.
You have to use what you do best naturally, and you will realize you are not an impostor at all. You just may be an original!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I started my branding & design agency ROGUE CREATIVE in 2019 to become a complete 360-degree creative source. We partner with the client and can take their vision from a simple conceptual “napkin sketch” and see it all the way through from concept to creation. Collaboration is the key to good design. We work with the client on brand concept and help them develop it completely so they are set-up for success. We consult on brand strategy, creative team building, and brand discovery/culture guideline development. Our specialty is in the fashion/retail world while also leaning-in heavily within music, hospitality, and fitness areas. We have a highly experienced, nimble team who can create all aspects of creative content from full lifestyle photo shoots, product laydowns, video production, styling, and conceptual store design/visual merchandising. I love being the “one-stop-shop” for all things creative…we kind-of do it all!
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?
Three simple guidelines I have learned through my journey as a designer to running my own agency have stuck with me for over 25 years. I always go back to them.
1.Foundation is the key. I believe as a designer, you should be able to draw in traditional media, as well as digitally. Understanding balance, proportion, perspective, and a strong color-theory is paramount to good design.
2.Know the rules so you can break them. What I mean by this is pay attention to the GOATS of design. Take the time to realize why they are so good. Wether it’s Milton Glaser, Ralph Lauren, David Carson or Bruce Springsteen, we learn by listening, and watching why they do it. Only then can you really make it your own.
3.Never…ever be late. My mom always said if you are on time you are already five minutes late. Either for a meeting or a presentation, always be prepared and be early. Being present will never not serve you well.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
One of the most influential books I have ever read is STEVE JOBS by Walter Isaacson. I always felt Steve Jobs was the Leonardo da Vinci of our time. Caring so deeply about the beauty and design of something that most importantly had to be revolutionary in it’s function is extraordinary.
My favorite story in the book: while very young, Steve was watching his stepfather build a dresser, taking the time to finish the back that would only go against the wall, and no one would likely ever see it. Steve said to his dad, “why take the time and energy to do that, nobody will know”. His dad said to him, ” We will know, and it’s the right way to finish the piece”. I love that!
My favorite new book is by Rick Rubin – “The Creative Act: A Way of Being”. It’s full of Rick’s amazing wisdom and, completely unique view of the creative process. Rick is a genius and a complete original.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.roguecreativedesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roguecreativedesign/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-fiori-5179ab6/
Image Credits
John Herr
