We recently connected with Alessio Filippelli and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Alessio thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?
One of the most unexpected challenges I’ve faced in my creative journey has been the constant push from others to make myself smaller—to fit into their version of who I should be. As a young gay boy stepping into this industry, I learned early on that people are often more comfortable when you fit into a predefined box. And when you don’t, they either try to shrink you or dismiss you altogether.
I remember early in my career, I was told to tone down certain aspects of myself—to be less bold, less expressive, less me. It wasn’t always direct; sometimes it came in the form of subtle suggestions, like changing the way I spoke, dressed, or carried myself. Other times, it was more blatant—being overlooked for opportunities. At first, I questioned myself. Maybe they were right? Maybe I needed to play the game to get ahead?
But here’s what I realized: the moment you start shrinking yourself to fit someone else’s mold, you start losing the very thing that makes you powerful. I didn’t come into this industry to be a watered-down version of myself. So instead of bending, I leaned in harder. I made my work even more authentic, my presence even stronger. I surrounded myself with people who got it—other creatives who weren’t afraid to push boundaries. And the more I embraced my truth, the more opportunities started aligning with the version of success I actually wanted.
Now, every challenge, every “no,” every attempt to shrink me only fuels me more. Because I know I’m building something that isn’t just about me—it’s about freedom, self-expression, and showing others that they don’t have to fit into a box to make it.
So if there’s one thing I’d tell anyone facing a similar struggle, it’s this: don’t make yourself smaller for anyone. Your power lies in taking up space exactly as you are. And the world will catch up.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Alessio Filippelli, and at my core, I’m a creative force. Whether through fashion, photography, film, or any other medium I dive into, my work is about self-expression, pushing boundaries, and starting conversations. I never set out to fit into a specific mold—I create my own.
My journey into this industry wasn’t conventional. Growing up as a young gay boy with big dreams, I quickly realized that the world wasn’t always built for people like me to take up space. But instead of backing down, I leaned into who I was and made my difference my strength. I built my career by refusing to be anything but my fullest, most authentic self. And that’s exactly what I bring to my work—whether it’s through visual storytelling, collaborations, or creative direction.
What sets me apart is that everything I do carries a message. I don’t create just for aesthetics; I create to challenge, to empower, to make people feel. Whether it’s a provocative editorial, a fashion campaign, or an upcoming film role, I’m always asking: What conversation can this start? How can this make someone feel seen?
I’m most proud of the fact that my work gives others permission to embrace themselves unapologetically. My followers, my fans, my collaborators—they know that when they engage with what I create, they’re stepping into a world where they don’t have to hold back, where they’re encouraged to take up space and own their power.
Right now, I’m in an era of reinvention. I’m collaborating with bold creatives, exploring new artistic directions, and getting ready to announce a major fashion collaboration that embodies everything I stand for. I’m also preparing to step into a film role that’s deeply connected to this moment in my journey—and if you pay close attention to my latest shoot, you might catch a hidden reference to the character I’ll be playing.
So if there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my work, it’s this: I’m here to create fearlessly, to disrupt, to inspire. And I’m just getting started.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Building my audience on social media wasn’t about following trends or chasing numbers—it was about showing up as myself every single time. From the beginning, I made a conscious choice: I wasn’t going to dilute who I was to fit into some algorithm-friendly version of myself. Instead, I leaned into my identity, my creativity, and my message. And people responded to that.
At first, it wasn’t easy. When you’re just starting, you question everything—Is anyone even paying attention? Does this matter? But I realized early on that social media isn’t just about gaining followers; it’s about building a community. I engaged with the people who resonated with my work, I shared my perspective unapologetically, and I never posted something just because I thought it would “perform well.” If it didn’t feel authentic, it wasn’t worth it.
Over time, my audience grew because they could feel that what I was creating was real. The more I shared—my art, my evolution, my bold choices—the more I attracted people who saw a part of themselves in my journey. And that’s the key: your audience isn’t just looking for content; they’re looking for connection.
For anyone starting to build their presence, my biggest advice is this: don’t chase trends—chase truth instead. Be clear on what you stand for. Share what excites you, what challenges you, what makes you unique. And most importantly, be patient. Authenticity builds loyalty, and loyalty is worth more than a fleeting viral moment.
Also, don’t be afraid to take risks. Social media is crowded, but there’s only one you. The more you lean into what makes you different, the more you stand out. Stay consistent, stay bold, and trust that the right people will find you.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Building my audience on social media wasn’t about following trends or chasing numbers—it was about showing up as myself every single time. From the beginning, I made a conscious choice: I wasn’t going to dilute who I was to fit into some algorithm-friendly version of myself. Instead, I leaned into my identity, my creativity, and my message. And people responded to that.
At first, it wasn’t easy. When you’re just starting, you question everything—Is anyone even paying attention? Does this matter? But I realized early on that social media isn’t just about gaining followers; it’s about building a community. I engaged with the people who resonated with my work, I shared my perspective unapologetically, and I never posted something just because I thought it would “perform well.” If it didn’t feel authentic, it wasn’t worth it.
Over time, my audience grew because they could feel that what I was creating was real. The more I shared—my art, my evolution, my bold choices—the more I attracted people who saw a part of themselves in my journey. And that’s the key: your audience isn’t just looking for content; they’re looking for connection.
For anyone starting to build their presence, my biggest advice is this: don’t chase trends—chase truth instead. Be clear on what you stand for. Share what excites you, what challenges you, what makes you unique. And most importantly, be patient. Authenticity builds loyalty, and loyalty is worth more than a fleeting viral moment.
Also, don’t be afraid to take risks. Social media is crowded, but there’s only one you. The more you lean into what makes you different, the more you stand out. Stay consistent, stay bold, and trust that the right people will find you.
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Image Credits
Ludovica Pietrangeli