Conversations with Alonso Silva

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alonso Silva

Hi Alonso, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us. To start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

Absolutely. I started as a creative director working with some of the top agencies around the world, but after years of building brands for others, I wanted more creative freedom. So in 2016, I started Dealer, a home where design-forward clients could bring their ideas to life.

At first, everything was word-of-mouth. No website, no Instagram, just my phone number getting passed around. It felt like getting access to something rare. That’s how the name Dealer came to be.

Something that sets us apart is that we are selective about the projects we take on. If a client doesn’t value design or embrace creative risk, it’s usually not a match. We prefer to work with those who see branding as a way to tell a story and create something meaningful, rather than just checking a box with a logo.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story. Has it been a smooth road, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?

For the most part, it’s been a smooth ride, but like any business, there have been challenges. In the early days, running a studio with just one other partner meant wearing a lot of hats, some that didn’t quite fit. Learning the business side, contracts, operations, client management, was a crash course, but when there’s no safety net, you figure things out fast.

Lately, navigating social media has been another challenge. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of constant content, but the key has been finding a balance: staying visible without losing sight of the work itself.

Thanks. So what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I’m always learning. I don’t sit still. In the past few years, theatre has been a huge part of that. I had the chance to do a full acting degree in France while also running the agency, and it reshaped how I see creativity. It has influenced how we think about storytelling at Dealer, not just visually, but viscerally.

Recently, I’ve also been learning piano and trumpet. It’s humbling to start a long journey from scratch, but it’s a reminder that creativity isn’t tied to one discipline. Whether it’s branding, theatre, or music, the goal is the same, to create something beautiful that moves people.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?

Passion—cliché as it may sound—has been a key driver. It’s the combination of setting a high bar for the final outcome while truly loving the process. That energy is contagious, inspiring both our team and clients, and it’s reflected in every project we bring to life.

Another defining trait is our personal approach to clients. They’re never just another account; they’re people who have trusted us with their vision. We take that seriously, immersing ourselves in their ideas to create something meaningful and transformative.

And lastly, we take big creative risks, and push our clients to do the same. The best work happens when you step outside your comfort zone, embrace the unknown, and trust the process. That boldness is at the core of everything we do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bydealer.io
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bydealer.io/
• Other: [email protected]