We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alex Piscopo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alex below.
Alex, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Curly Cue Design Studio is rooted in overcoming adversity and encouraging others to fully embrace their uniqueness.
The name Curly Cue stems from my natural curly and wild hair. I was made fun of from a young age as all the girls around me had stick-straight locks that looked SO different from mine. I was told “Something’s wrong with you” and “Why don’t you look like us” too many times to count.
Although in the moment, it was tough – it made me a stronger human being. Now, I fully embrace my curls and encourage others to pursue what makes them stand out. I channel this energy into each design project I take on as every business is unique and has a distinct story to share.
Curly Cue goes beyond just a brand name, it’s symbolic of embracing your authentic self.
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?
My name’s Alex, aka Curly Cue.
I’m a neurodivergent, college-educated, brand designer & strategist. I’m also a devout wifey, dog momma, Adobe ambassador, content creator, world traveler, and lover of new adventures.
I specialize in creating meaningful customer experiences for business owners who make a difference in their industry. Through market research, brand foundations, and intentional visual identities; my clients connect better with their audience, charge more for their products/services, and stand out from their competitors.
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?
Being that I have my B.F.A. in graphic design but chose the freelance route after exploring the corporate world; I like to think I have a unique perspective on the industry. There was little talk of entrepreneurship in school but huge discussions on how to prep your resume and portfolio to land a full-time gig. Once I finally landed a job (it only took 8 months of constant searching) it took me precisely 1 week to realize that it wasn’t all it was hyped up to be.
In actuality, it consisted of; 8-10 hour days, minimal pay, little creativity, and extreme burnout to the point of almost quitting design.
Now with that said, I promised myself I would stick it out for 6 months and learn the ins and outs of the industry… which is exactly what I did and highly recommend to young designers. I learned what worked and what didn’t, and then I implemented my experiences into my business model.
So with that, I strive to help young designers/entrepreneurs by providing insight early on, specifically through my blog and social media outlets.
These are the three things I would highly recommend;
1`. Follow your gut. You can structure your business HOWEVER you want.
2. Get connected in the community, specifically social media. Find colleagues, mentors, and trusted designers who push you to grow and encourage you to be the best that you can.
3. Put in those long nights and give your business the attention it deserves, it will pay off in the end.
How would you describe your ideal client?
I strive to work with small to medium-sized business owners who are shakers in their industry. Individuals who respect the design process and what I bring to the table.
Most importantly, I work with kind people who have a fiery passion for the impact of their work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.curlycuedesignstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curlycuedesignstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/curlycuedesignstudio/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curlycuedesignstudio
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@curlycuedesignstudio
Image Credits
Jason Seward Photography https://jasonseward.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jasonsewardphoto/ Funny story; Jason was my wedding photographer back in August ’23. He provided the most incredible photos and an all-inclusive experience that blew my husband and me away. When he reached out a couple of months later asking if I would be willing to create his visual identity, I was beyond honored. We ended up trading services and he did this stellar brand shoot for me that truly encapsulates my personality and the energy I bring to the industry.
