Summary: Scaling and Teaching: Lessons from 17 Years in Design with Anthony Ferrara

In this insightful episode, Anebi has the pleasure of sitting down with Anthony Ferrara, the Head Designer and Founder of Oxy, a prominent design studio. Anthony shares his extensive journey in the design industry, spanning over 17 years, and the evolution of his career from a novice learning to use a computer and grappling with design software to becoming a seasoned professional.

Anthony's Start

Anthony discusses the initial phase of his career, where he focuses on mastering his skills and developing a repeatable design process. He emphasizes the importance of finding one's own language in design by learning from others and then evolving that into a personal style.

Keep Learning

As he progresses, Anthony touches on the challenges of scaling his abilities, teaching others, and building a team. He candidly shares the realization that comes with experience—the more you learn, the more you recognize how much you don't know. This humbling moment can be a turning point for many, and Anthony acknowledges that it's a stage where some may choose to quit.

Running a Business

Anthony also delves into the practical aspects of running a business, such as bookkeeping, and the learning curve associated with it. He expresses gratitude for those who helped him navigate these challenges, highlighting the value of patience and guidance in his growth.

Creativity is a Science

Reflecting on his extensive career, Anthony shares insights he wished he had known earlier, such as the balance between logic and creativity. He concludes by emphasizing that creativity is a science and a skill that requires practice, consumption of good art, and learning to see in order to create impactful designs.

Overall, Anthony's story is a testament to the dedication and continuous learning required to succeed in the design world, and his experiences offer valuable lessons for both aspiring and established designers.