Meet Amanda Mocci

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Sed ut perspiciatis unde.

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amanda Mocci a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Amanda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Who is your hero and why? What lessons have you learned from them and how have they influenced your journey?

Thank you for having me! If I had to name my hero, it would definitely be my brother, Gino. His influence was massive in my pursuit of portraiture and graphic design. I might not have pursued these passions with such intensity if it weren’t for his belief in my potential. Unfortunately, my brother passed away suddenly in 2005 from a rare illness when he was just 30 and I was 18. His passing was a stark reminder of how fragile life can be. It taught me not to take time for granted and to disregard the fear of judgment that often holds us back. A year after his passing, I dove headfirst into learning portraiture, which was a challenge I had always wanted to tackle but had previously shied away from. I committed to practicing for around five hours every evening after school and up to fifteen hours on weekends. Simultaneously, I was attending design school, managing both disciplines. His legacy is a big part of why I push the boundaries in my work and personal development.

Amanda, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am the founder and creative director of Mocci Studio -I specialize in brand identity for businesses committed to making a difference. Additionally, I work as a portrait artist, creating pieces heavily influenced by movies, music, and the cosmos for books and magazines.

My path into graphic design began somewhat unexpectedly. At 17, I wasn’t sure of my career direction, but I had a fascination with Photoshop and enjoyed creating various digital pieces. My brother-in-law recognized this passion and suggested I explore a graphic design program. Skeptical but open, I thought, “Why not? I’m awful at math, so perhaps this could be my calling.”

I quickly fell in love with the discipline. During my design studies, I also taught myself portraiture. This was a time before YouTube tutorials and Instagram, so learning was a process of trial and error—full of many failures but also valuable lessons. This period allowed me to genuinely engage with the work without shortcuts, helping me develop a unique style.

14 years later, I now run my own business—my third attempt at entrepreneurship. My focus spans brand identity, book design, branding for wine and spirits, and portraiture. I particularly enjoy collaborating with businesses and solopreneurs who are purpose-driven and focused on sustainability. I have always believed in the power of compelling storytelling paired with beautiful design.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

When it comes to social media, success is often quantified by follower counts or the number of likes on a post. However, the key to truly growing an audience lies in staying true to your message and what you represent. Transparency and vulnerability play a crucial role, as they reveal the human aspect of your brand and business. Initially, I was hesitant to share the specific challenges I faced as a business owner. Yet, when I began to open up about these experiences, I noticed an increase in meaningful interactions which led to more professional opportunities.

I used to be a perfectionist about the content I shared, focusing only on the finished work. But when I shifted to showcasing the process and behind-the-scenes glimpses—content that wasn’t as polished—I started creating a more compelling narrative about the person behind the work. This approach not only enriched my story but also deepened my connection with my audience.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Absolutely, one of the most valuable resources that I underestimated was simply asking for help. Initially, I was very shy and hesitated to seek assistance when I was starting out with my business. Over time, I noticed people approaching me for advice or help, and I always offered a hand. This experience made me more open to asking for help myself. I discovered that engaging in this exchange of support could be incredibly enriching. You’d be surprised to find that what may seem like basic knowledge to you can be incredibly valuable to others. The more you help others, the more you will receive, which in turn builds a supportive community around you.

Contact Info:

Website: www.amandamocci.com
Instagram: @amamocci @moccistudio
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amoccidraws/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amocci/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmaMocci

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Meet Amanda Mocci

Meet Amanda Mocci

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Amanda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Who is your hero and why? What lessons have you learned from them and how have they influenced your journey?

Amanda, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

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