We caught up with the brilliant and insightful David LaRosa a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
David, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
One distinctive aspect of Verso compared with other design or creative shops is our focus on product and application design. In addition to crafting brand identities, we specialize in developing web and mobile applications for major organizations. This hands-on involvement provides us with a profound understanding of our clients’ businesses, their customers and the challenges they encounter. Unlike using interviews alone, our approach immerses us in the brand, enabling us to address business issues in a unique and informed manner.
This understanding goes beyond the surface level gleaned from interviews and sticky notes on a wall. It delves into features lists, business problems, customer feedback, sales objectives, and the day-to-day realities of a company. We embrace the opportunity to work closely with organizations, combining brand and product design, making these projects particularly challenging and rewarding.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I established Verso in 2016 as a creative studio specializing in identity and application design. Since our inception, our primary focus has been on these two realms, occasionally delving into advertising projects. What excites me about working in identity design is that we touch all aspects of the business to create a unified visual system adaptable to various media.
Application design, for me, serves as an extension of identity, especially in today’s software-driven world where the product often becomes the primary environment for the brand. I find immense joy in making things, and my studio is where I invest the majority of my time. Whether working on a guitar sound for a music bed or a logo animation, the interplay between work and play influences and enhances my creative process.
My journey into this creative space wasn’t conventional. Although I initially pursued economics in college, my natural creativity surfaced. My educational evolution through anthropology, human behavior, and film ultimately led me to design and media arts. This diverse background allows me to approach design with a blend of business acumen, storytelling and craftsmanship.
My passion lies in understanding business systems and the people who interact with them. Design and storytelling become my tools to articulate the connection between these two worlds. This passion finds its expression in designing identity systems, where I can engage with various aspects of a business, resulting in a profoundly fulfilling experience. I am genuinely proud of the work we do at Verso and the unique approach we bring to each project.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Several factors have contributed to building my reputation within the design market.
- Diverse Skill Set:
As I mentioned, my background runs the gamut from economics to design. This diverse skill set allows me to approach projects with a multidimensional perspective. Clients value the holistic approach, which sets Verso apart from other studios. - Passion for Making Things:
When I’m not working, you’ll find me playing drums or guitar, photoshopping my cat into Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus (aka, Venus on a half shell), or sketching with charcoal. My love of making translates into my work, fostering a commitment to delivering high-quality and innovative designs. - Adaptability and Innovation:
In the ever-evolving field of design, staying adaptable is crucial. Embracing new technologies and design trends, I strive to bring fresh and innovative solutions to my projects, so my clients—and Verso—stay at the forefront of our industries. - Client-Centered Approach:
By deeply immersing myself in clients’ businesses, understanding their challenges, and providing solutions that go beyond the surface, I’ve built strong and lasting relationships. This client-centered approach fosters trust and satisfaction, contributing to a positive reputation. - Storytelling and Communication:
The ability to articulate complex business interactions through design and storytelling has been key. Clear communication of ideas and a knack for storytelling help convey the value of design solutions to clients and stakeholders. - Commitment to Fulfillment:
Finding fulfillment in my work is essential. This commitment to enjoying and finding satisfaction in the design process translates into a dedication to delivering results that exceed expectations, contributing to positive word-of-mouth and referrals. - Continuous Learning:
Remaining curious and continuously learning about emerging design trends, tools and methodologies keep my skills sharp and relevant. This commitment to ongoing learning ensures that I can offer cutting-edge solutions to my clients.
Collectively, these factors have played a crucial role in establishing my reputation within the competitive design market.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The foundation of my success in gaining new clients has been an emphasis on building trust and genuine business relationships. Trust is the cornerstone of my sales strategy, and it’s a commitment that goes beyond transactions. Establishing trust requires humility, letting go of ego, and entering interactions with a willingness to listen and understand. I strive to deliver original and thoughtful work that actively addresses client needs, while maintaining a personable and approachable demeanor.
Word of mouth has played a pivotal role in our client acquisition. This organic endorsement is a testament to the positive experiences my clients have had. I’ve been fortunate to connect with individuals who not only appreciate the quality of our work but also believe in the value we bring. Their referrals have been instrumental in expanding our client base.
In essence, my strategy revolves around being more than just a service provider—I aim to be a trusted partner. This has not only led to the growth of my client base but has also resulted in lasting relationships built on mutual respect, transparency, and a shared commitment to success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.verso-creative.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/versocreative_la/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-larosa-verso/
- Other: https://dribbble.com/madebyverso
Image Credits
I took all photos – and I made all the artwork. ;)