Tell us about yourself.

Hi! My Name is Vicente Granger, a 35-year-old Parisian art director and graphic designer, founder of my own design company, Studio Vicente Granger. I’ve been in the field since 2013 and freelancing since 2015, working for a very wide range of clients, studios and agencies in France and abroad. I specialize in creating visual identity systems and editorial design, with a focus on typography, colors and shapes.

Which design topics are you most passionate about?

As a child, I was surrounded by art and photography books, which sparked my initial interest in them. Later on, my passion for music made me discover graphic design (collecting record covers and gig posters for example). It took me a while to actually discover typography and to learn about different graphic design movements.

Right now, I’m very interested in craftsmanship (ceramics, wood, metal, sculpture, painting, etc) and product design in general. I guess that, at some point in their careers, any graphic designer would dream of seeing their creations in 3D. 

What do you like to do in your free time?

I consider myself as a multi hobbyist. I like to be a rookie since I enjoy the learning process. Music production, photography, biking, have been long-time hobbies… But I regularly find myself with new subjects that I can dig online for hours … I’m a bit obsessive.

What’s the hardest thing about being a designer?

The most difficult part of being an accomplished designer, I guess, is to develop a personal style, a graphic language, suitable for the market and outside trends. The business aspect is complicated too. Art schools don’t teach you how to find new clients. Being independent can be lonely too. That’s why it’s very important for me to share a studio space in order to surround myself with motivated and talented people for feedback, sociability, and fun during the day. You need to be consistent, stick to a productive work routine and of course work hard. Very short deadlines can also be a bit frustrating sometimes.

What’s the best thing about being a designer?

Creativity and freedom. You manage your own time, you work for yourself, from where you want, with whoever you want. You can adapt your work schedule and environment to your own personality.

What drives me the most is the creative phase and process, where you push yourself hard. Each new brief/subject is a new opportunity to give your best and experiment new things and concepts. The project or the client’s reputation doesn’t matter: there’s always a possibility to enjoy yourself. 

Helping artists, entrepreneurs, companies, etc. to contribute to their goals and (sometimes) to their dreams – including your own – can be rewarding. 

Who would you love to collaborate with?

I’m always happy collaborating with any kind of client who is passionate about their craft, who is enthusiastic and respectful towards my profession. At the moment, I would like to collaborate with more book publishers, architects and artists for instance. And it would be great to work on the long term on the weekly communication of an experimental and progressive concert venue.

Describe your dream project.  

It would be great to work on the next album campaign for Aphex Twin… or redesigning the holy Bible!

What's the best advice you've received (and from whom)?

"Believe in yourself ", from a random guy in a bar ;)

What do you do when you feel stuck and uninspired?

I recommend going to a local bookshop or a museum to just spend some time there. 

Doing strictly nothing is also a good way to find new inspiration.

Thank you Vicente!