Get To Know Us – Maurizio Cattaneo

We work hard to create original creative designs for our clients, and our Italian Graphic and Web Designer, Maurizio, definitely accomplishes that with his work. Not only does he design the graphics for Sayvee social media, but he also creates a wide variety of branded materials. In an interesting twist, both our designers are named ‘Mau’. Our other hardworking graphic designer is Maurits who is Dutch. So as you can imagine, when soccer (or football, to our European colleagues) season starts, there’s some overt team rivalry.

Maurizio brings his own unique take to each design and looks to tell a story with every creative piece. Clients know and respect his work, and, like Maurits, you can find his stand-out designs in publications, magazines, and on billboards in Kelowna, BC, Canada, and the US, in addition to websites across the internet.

He brings a fun, outspoken, and honest attitude to the workplace that often brightens our days. His new Bernese mountain dog takes up a lot of his time, but when he’s not trying to raise a furry child he enjoys playing soccer (sorry, football) with his two kids, spending time with his family, and enjoying authentic Italian cuisine whenever possible. You’ll often find him scribbling new designs during moments of inspiration to add to his library of personal ideas.

So Maurizio, why did you choose to work at Sayvee?

Basically, I’ve been working as a private contractor all my life, so when I decided to look for an agency to work with, one of my priorities was the type of people I would be collaborating with. In that sense, it was immediately clear to me the people at Sayvee were great people and I wanted to be a part of their team. The rest is history.

In ten words or less can you describe your favourite part of your job?

Almost any task can be an expression of creativity.

If you could write your own job title for what you do here what would it be?

Visual problem solver—I really like coming up with designs that tell a story and have a unique look.

Alright now we get into the real questions. First up: if you could have any superpower what would it be and why?

Reading minds… but I already kind of have that superpower and I’m considering giving it up because after a while it gets boring.

What would be on your ideal hamburger?

A simple good and crunchy bread to replace the bun to start. I find that hamburger buns typically taste kind of cheap so I’d prefer to have something that tastes a bit higher quality. In terms of toppings, I would add a touch of olive oil (I’m Italian after all), a touch of salt, and a few pieces of lettuce. In Italy, the goal with meat-focused dishes is to bring attention to the meat, not to “cover it up” with condiments like ketchup and mustard which is why my choices might seem a bit strange.

Surprise! The hamburger was a ruse and you’ve been challenged to a duel, what would be your weapon of choice if it was a fight to the death?

That’s an easy choice: a lightsaber since it is so graceful, and it cuts effortlessly through everything. Plus lightsaber battles are amazing, the way they sound when clashing together would make the battle that much more awesome.

On a less challenging note, what’s one of the top five movies you’ve ever seen?

Such a difficult question, there’s so many to choose from. I would probably say A Monster Calls which I watched only recently because of the really misleading title and promotion. Despite that, it turned out to be a masterpiece that focuses on (in an extremely intense and poetic way) one of the most delicate and difficult topics of being human. It’s definitely the movie that made me cry the most, even more than Moulin Rouge which also has a place in my top five movies as well.

If you had to be trapped in a TV show, what show would you want to be trapped in?

The Orville, this show made me love sci-fi again. It’s such an optimistic and funny way to look at the future. If I was trapped in that show I’d like to be the one who designs the programs for the holodeck to create more interesting and beautiful simulations.

What would you name your sports car if you had one?

It might surprise you, but I’m really not a fan of sports cars, even Ferraris. They’re loud and expensive and, on top of that, I’m afraid to even go fast. I’d prefer something that’s more focused on comfort like the Tesla Model X. If I had one of those and really had to give it a name I would probably call it Grace since I like how graceful the car is while driving.

What did you answer as a kid when asked: “what do you want to be when you grow up?”

Honestly, I don’t remember. The answer has changed drastically throughout the years. If you asked me today my answer would be “I just want to be a satisfied and fulfilled man.” I don’t think anyone would disagree with me in saying that’s a good goal.

What’s the craziest/weirdest conversation you’ve ever had?

I have no idea for 2 reasons: first I have a really terrible memory, and second, over the years I started to find conversations like that interesting, not weird, and somehow stimulating. So whenever I get into a “crazy” conversation it no longer surprises me to the point of being memorable (as boring as that may sound). I still enjoy them nonetheless though.

Let’s switch back to marketing, what’s one of your favourite ads you’ve seen?

Years ago, my favourite soccer team bought Ronaldo. Back then, he was by far the best soccer player in the world, and his main skills were being able to dribble at speed, feints, and clinical finishing. He is Brazilian and the main sponsor of the team, was Pirelli (a company that makes car tires). The advertising campaign they designed for that was brilliant. The visual was a beautiful panoramic image of the iconic statue situated over San Paolo del Rio and instead of Jesus there was Ronaldo in the same posture dressed in his number 9 soccer jersey but showing the sole of his foot which looked like a tire grip pattern and the claim for the campaign: “power is nothing without control” with the logotype of Pirelli.

What’s one aspect of your job you’d like to see future developments for that would make it easier?

As a Graphic Designer I like to design something knowing what I see on the screen is going to be the same when printed out or put onto the internet. In the future I’d love to see a new button in the software I use, maybe just close to “Print”, that says “Web”. Clicking on that my designs would magically be transferred online without any programming involved.

Thanks for taking the time to answer, Maurizio! Look forward in the coming months to more interviews with the swell, smiling, sublime, and savvy Sayvee team!