Today we’d like to introduce you to David Larosa
Hi David, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
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. 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.
Alright, 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?
Being a creative person is hard work. You need thick skin and a type of resilience only found in rare bacteria.
My journey was no exception. One of the biggest challenges was finding my voice in an industry where trends are constantly changing, and the need to balance creativity with clients’ commercial needs. Early on, I struggled with imposter syndrome, questioning my work and whether it was good enough.
Staying relevant with evolving design software and technologies like AI requires constant learning. But each challenge strengthened my skills and taught me resilience, shaping the designer and business person I am today.
Finally, handling external factors—like economic shifts, pandemics, or industry-specific challenges like entertainment strikes—can impact business stability, as they affect clients’ ability to invest in branding or marketing efforts. It’s hard all over right now.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
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.
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 like best about our city? What do you like least?
Los Angeles is a city of endless possibilities, at least it has been for me. Our diverse blend of cultures, industries, and creative energy make this city a great place to live and work. The food scene, art, and entertainment is unmatched, making it a cultural hub that literally offers something for everyone.
I also love the proximity to both the beach and the mountains, with easy access to outdoor activities. Growing up in Buffalo, NY, the weather is a definite plus; we have sunshine almost year-round, which creates a vibrant, active lifestyle.
Go DODGERS!
On the downside, the traffic in LA can be awful, making commutes long and very stressful. We have a serious and very broad traffic problem here in LA. We need more and better public transportation.
When I moved here more than 20 years ago the city was more affordable, but the high cost of living, particularly in housing, is also a significant challenge, impacting affordability for many families. While we love LA and this marvelous city has so much to offer, these issues can really detract from the overall quality of life for a lot of people who live here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.verso-creative.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/versocreative_la/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madebyverso/
Image Credits
All photos are taken by David LaRosa 😉
