I am Valentina. I have been a graphic designer for over 20 years. This not my whole story but here's a bit about me...
What makes Valentina happy?
Design makes me very happy. As do sunsets. I am unequivocally drawn to water in any form - the sea, river or ocean. Almost anything in nature will replenish my energy. So, when I'm not designing you'll find me travelling near or far to reach the nearest park or coast.
Design makes me very happy. As do sunsets. I am unequivocally drawn to water in any form - the sea, river or ocean. Almost anything in nature will replenish my energy. So, when I'm not designing you'll find me travelling near or far to reach the nearest park or coast.
How did you get started in Design?
My art teachers at this fancy school I attended back in the day, influenced my decision to take a gap year before following the expected path of enrolling in a serious top university. I planned to spend one year of self-discovery by experimenting with the creative arts. The moment I started the Art Foundation Course I was hooked. Exploring creative ideas to solve problems was my planet. I have never looked back and followed on with a Design and Visual Communication Bachelor's degree at Middlesex University. I guess, you could say it was destiny.
My art teachers at this fancy school I attended back in the day, influenced my decision to take a gap year before following the expected path of enrolling in a serious top university. I planned to spend one year of self-discovery by experimenting with the creative arts. The moment I started the Art Foundation Course I was hooked. Exploring creative ideas to solve problems was my planet. I have never looked back and followed on with a Design and Visual Communication Bachelor's degree at Middlesex University. I guess, you could say it was destiny.
Your name is not English, where are you from?
My full name is Valentina Aziza Ruggiero. I am originally from the town of Napoli in the south of Italy. Near the Amalfi Coast. My parents are hopeless romantics and named me after the patron saint of lovers - Saint Valentine. I celebrate my name-day every Valentine's day. They also named me with an Arabic name meaning 'Beloved' and 'Respected' to remind me that I was born in Tunisia and I should always do everything with love and respect. Ruggiero is my dad's family name and it derives from the Vikings who invaded Italy via Sicily. I have lots of family stories.
My full name is Valentina Aziza Ruggiero. I am originally from the town of Napoli in the south of Italy. Near the Amalfi Coast. My parents are hopeless romantics and named me after the patron saint of lovers - Saint Valentine. I celebrate my name-day every Valentine's day. They also named me with an Arabic name meaning 'Beloved' and 'Respected' to remind me that I was born in Tunisia and I should always do everything with love and respect. Ruggiero is my dad's family name and it derives from the Vikings who invaded Italy via Sicily. I have lots of family stories.
What is your inspiration?
I follow my instincts and my design work is filled with diverse experiences. I have a natural curiosity to learn and improve myself as well as the world around me. I have a strong sense of ethics, loyalty and family. I immerse myself in books, comics, movies, recipes, flea markets, exhibitions, travelling, nature and I seek out engaging stories. My inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere. There's an inspiring story if you observe and put the pieces together. I love games. Storytelling is like a puzzle.
I follow my instincts and my design work is filled with diverse experiences. I have a natural curiosity to learn and improve myself as well as the world around me. I have a strong sense of ethics, loyalty and family. I immerse myself in books, comics, movies, recipes, flea markets, exhibitions, travelling, nature and I seek out engaging stories. My inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere. There's an inspiring story if you observe and put the pieces together. I love games. Storytelling is like a puzzle.
Is there anything you dislike?
I am abverse to discrimination and injustice. I like balance so if anything is out of balance I seek to adjust it.
I am abverse to discrimination and injustice. I like balance so if anything is out of balance I seek to adjust it.
What is your goal?
Making the world a better place through design is my absolute goal.
Making the world a better place through design is my absolute goal.
How can you support my business?
Well, if you have a cause or are on a mission to better this world. Let's chat. You'll need to communicate your message, to the right audience. And you'll need to keep doing it in a trustworthy and authentic way to get any results. I can help you reach your goal with my design skills. Plus, we'll have a great time partnering together too!
Well, if you have a cause or are on a mission to better this world. Let's chat. You'll need to communicate your message, to the right audience. And you'll need to keep doing it in a trustworthy and authentic way to get any results. I can help you reach your goal with my design skills. Plus, we'll have a great time partnering together too!