"I brought a different perspective. I wasn’t that typical fan girl who knew everything and loved everything about the sport, it was almost from an actual design perspective that I designed, not from a football perspective, so that’s what differentiates my style overall."
Humble, Hungry & Smart. These are the three virtues identified in Patrick Lencioni's book The Ideal Team Player. The book's primary focus is on building a strong team of individuals who demonstrate the attributes; Humble, Hungry, Smart.
During our conversation with Vittoria Anzelmi I couldn't help but return to the book's themes and consider how highly she performs with these virtues. Like a lot of of creative professionals, the proud Italian showed talent in early childhood with life size portraits in led pencil. Vittoria navigated school and creative tertiary education before working in print until the age of 27 where she was the first full time graphic designer at AFL club Carlton.
After thriving through the growth of the social media boom for clubland and the launch of the AFL's Women's game, Carlton's Senior Designer found a new opportunity at A-League's Melbourne Victory and while the Pantone was the same (296c) there was a lot that was very different.
We explore a lot during Vittoria's time at Melbourne Victory including some key design moments for the club. By 2024 restructures across the league meant a change of scenery where Vittoria has now landed a creative role with Tennis Australia. Still blue but at least not 296c.
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Humble
It's being self confident but not arrogant. In our chat we talk about #SerifClub; the term contrived internally when Vittoria and the MVFC team began using serif fonts in their collateral and watched as other Australian clubs followed suit. And while setting the trend locally, doesn't take a step without crediting their own European inspirations. We also dive into how she took on Victory's uniform designs. Simplifying elements, introducing a pink strip and a kit without the clubs' iconic chevron. All to a commercial success.
Hungry
The inherent desire to learn and grow as a creative just oozes from Vittoria. There is no clearer sign of a relentless desire for more than to devote your own personal time and money to the cause.
Personal trips to Europe mean investing some days to pop over and visit Macron, Hellas Verona, Genoa CFC, Juventus and Inter Milan. Connect with the teams, network, take a tour and watch the creatives in action. Or reaching out to MLS designers in the US and collaborating on some artwork to see how others work learning new ways to design and operate.
Smart
The fine balance of getting the job done and connecting with people in the best way. Like when Vittoria identified that "the wrong people were in the room" when making important decisions that were effecting the brand and navigating her way through this, becoming a voice in that room to advocate her design opinions, getting them across the line.
It's these qualities that have driven Vittoria to the personal and professional successes she has achieved to date and undoubtedly the passion will continue to reward in unexpected ways or places.
While we dive into all the details above, we also cover the day to day duties of a club creative, the importance of mentors and networking. We explore where Vittoria's inspirations come from and the advice she passes onto those wanting to get into the industry.
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