Conversations with Jeff Farinosi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Farinosi

Hi Jeff, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I love stories! After all, it’s my bread and butter these days. Our modern day with consumerism demands not only a story to attach ourselves to, but to be a part of the behind the scenes. To be on Oz’s side of the curtain.

The look and feel of Tiny Beast Studio roots all the way back to my childhood days. Being read “Where the Wild Things Are,” Dr, Seuss and other imaginative stories fueled my love for the peculiar and monstrous worlds. Then I grew older and Star Wars, Pixar, Tim Burton, Guillermo del Toro and more genius creations crept into my closet. The inspiration from all these wild things manifested into what I’m doing for my own brand, to which I like to deliver brands to my clients that stem from their own passions and interests.

I have been an artist my entire life and thankful to be in this industry. As a brand designer in the freelance world, I can leap into my client’s world and develop a logo that makes them proud of who they are.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not a smooth road, but also not a road so bumpy that you need 4-wheel drive. Like many of us in career, I got comfortable with my desk job as a graphic designer. It was a great job, but it did not satisfy my appetite for making a difference in the world for people.

Then the pandemic happened. Like many, it was a sign and a gift. I was released from my 18-year cubicle (with a window) job and allowed me to decide freelance was something I was much better at. And the creative juices have been flowing ever since, being able to design for endless industries.

Struggles happen when you work for yourself, so I am definitely feeling that push and pull. The loneliness of not being on a team happens, but I having network groups and co-working space makes a difference. There’s only so much of my dog staring at me I can take when at my home office!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have an expansive offering with graphic design. I’ve done most of everything print imaginable, from stationary to directing photoshoots/developing multiple catalogs. Apparel art to billboards in Times Square. Infographics to campaign dominations in train stations. For digital, I can do the same. I have been focusing mostly on branding–building visual stories for solopreneurs and rebrands for established companies.

I’m also an illustrator by trade, so I like to incorporate the fine arts aspect to businesses as much as my clients allow me to. Branding is more than just a logo. I push for people to include mascots in their branding. It’s memorable and just plain damn fun. Even if it’s just for swag!

I have a “Choose your adventure” approach with Tiny Beast Studio. My theme is storybook and I’ll tell you why later. Four ways I can help out: 1: If you have an idea but no name or brand in sight. 2: You have an idea and name, but need branding and the basics like a business card. 3: You have a logo from decades ago and need a rebrand. Glad you noticed. 4: You have it all, but need more marketing material. Everything I offer is under my Services tab on my website.

I am most proud of my own brand creation: Tiny Beast Studio and the Yakoon. This creature is unique and I’m getting great recognition for it. Yakoon is a hybrid beast that consists of a Yak, Baboon (mandrill) and Wild Boar. He has a posse as well, and now I’m creating a book about their adventures together! Probably a 1-2 year production.

What sets me apart from others would be my artistic skills off the computer. My ability to use my imagination and that stems from years of experience. I’ve lived through many decades of trends, style and fashion. I’m not ancient, but it helps to have been through the 80’s until now. Seeing the ways our world is shaping and reshaping, etc. Seeing how consumers react to products and services. Seeing how empathic and sensitive this market is. You hear the word “woke” and it’s really no joke. There is a sensitivity we all experience whether we like it or not.

This is where my visual storytelling comes into play. With a dollop of research and a heavy dose of conceptualizing, what I offer is way more than a quick Canva/Fiverrr/Upwork gig. I can add personality and soul to anyone’s brand. They come to me because they have a problem, whether it’s disconnection with the audience or with themselves.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
Really? I have to pick just one? Okay…I’ll have to say it was in high school and was a turning point in my art career as well as self-confidence. I really blossomed in high school arts and can thank my teachers enough for that. Mrs. Kukla and Mr. Scott get the special shout out. I was also heavy into volleyball, and the day of our award ceremony for the annual art show, I could not make it due to a tournament. Instead my dad took my spot and he hit the podium six times. He said he got tired, but I know how proud he was to receive my awards (logo design, watercolor, pencil, ceramics, jewelry and sculpture.)

Pricing:

• Package deals available

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tinybeaststudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinybeaststudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tinybeaststudio
• Other: https://dribbble.com/tinybeaststudio