Today we’d like to introduce you to Fabrizio Scippa.
Fabrizio, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I divide my life into three big phases. My first life was in Rome, Italy, where I was born and grew up. My young years were filled with lots of studying (school is hard in Italy!) as well as lots of friends and zooming around Rome on my motorcycle. I studied Sociology with an emphasis on Mass Media and Communications at the University of La Sapienza in Rome. In 1997 I moved to the United States after meeting my first wife who was from San Diego. This second phase of my life was exciting but at the same time difficult, like starting life all over again.
I was learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, trying to make new friends and working at a local print shop. This is when I started meeting graphic designers who would come in to print jobs and I was immediately captivated. I enrolled at the Art Institute and would attend school in the evenings. After graduating from the Art Institute, I worked for a few agencies and local magazines as a graphic designer and later as a creative director before starting my own business in 2001. The next eight years, I experienced lots of growth helping businesses of all sizes create their brand identities and websites. At one point, I had two partners and a team of 6 employees working long hours and servicing clients in the USA, Mexico, and Italy.
After the financial crisis of 2009 and a big personal loss, the company was dissolved in 2011. I restarted as a solo designer and formed Fabrizio Scippa Grafica. A design studio focused on Brand/Identity design and Squarespace web design. 2011 also marked the beginning of the 3rd phase in my life when I started to date my wife Cynthia, who I had met ten years prior while working for a local design agency. Two years later we had two beautiful children and now we are a happy family of 5. Professionally, during the last eight years, I continued to work on brand design (my initial passion and training) but also became very proficient on the Squarespace platform where I have created over 50 websites. This has been the biggest change for me because I now create websites independently without relying completely on programmers.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of my biggest challenges was leaving my family and life-long friends back in Italy, although I do love San Diego and the people here. Everyone I met was so helpful and friendly and genuinely interested in my culture and background. Still, it was hard to truly connect with people who seemed so different from me. This was a big struggle for the first few years. Eventually, I was able to form strong relationships with friends not based on our like cultures, but instead on personality and character.
Another huge set back for me was losing my first wife to brain cancer. I went through some very dark years, during the same time as the ‘09 financial crisis. My mother also passed away during this time. My entire world was crumbling around me and I considered moving back to Italy. Thanks to a few close friends and starting a beautiful and loving relationship with my wife Cynthia, I started believing again in the future here in San Diego. I consider myself lucky to have this new beautiful family and successful business.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
At Fabrizio Scippa Grafica, we specialize in Brand Identity design and Squarespace website design. We also help develop content for both print and online marketing material, which means copywriting and photography.
Until five years ago, I relied on programmers to execute my designs into an online experience. Once I started using the Squarespace platform to transfer my brand designs online, it has been revolutionary for me. Since then, I’ve created over 50 websites and more and more clients are being referred to me for website design. I love Squarespace because it gives me the ability to control the design while also empowering my clients to easily make changes once the website is launched, something that was very difficult for them to do on other platforms. As a Squarespace Circle member, I can also offer discounts and have access to many features and customizations not available to the public.
What sets me apart is my minimalist design style and a “less-is-more” approach to everything. I believe simplicity in design and a focused message helps my clients to communicate more effectively with their audiences. In terms of website design, the difference from other Squarespace designers is my experience as a brand identity designer. It is a great skill that you can only master through experience.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory is being 14 and driving my Vespa through the streets of Rome with my friends. I loved it so much that I bought a Vespa here in San Diego and ride it regularly.
Pricing:
- Brand/Identity from $4800
- Squarespace Website from $3600
- Squarespace DIY Training from $395
Contact Info:
- Website: fsgrafica.com
- Phone: 619 203 6466
- Email: fabrizio@fabrizioscippa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fabrizioscippagrafica/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fabrizioscippagrafica/
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabrizioscippa/
Image Credit:
Portfolio images by: Aaron Serafino
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