We are pleased to introduce you to Gab Ficano, our talented Interactive Designer. Our team is full of interesting creatives, so we like to share a little bit about each person’s individual background and interests on our blog.
What led you to Trillion?
Before joining Trillion, I had worked across a range of design roles, freelancing, working at both small and large creative agencies, and in-house positions. As a result of all of those experiences, I realized that a smaller, more intimate creative environment was the best fit for my interactive design career. Trillion’s wide variety of clients was especially appealing; it offered more creative freedom and opportunities to explore new brands. I also liked the idea of working beyond strictly interactive projects and collaborating across a mix of design disciplines.
How did you become a designer?
I like to think it’s been in my DNA since childhood, and I credit my grandfather, who was a high school art teacher, for inspiring that path. He had his own studio in the house. His instinct was to teach and mine was to play, so I spent many summer breaks immersed in art lessons with him. From an early age, I couldn’t imagine doing anything other than being creative, which ultimately led me to pursue my undergraduate degree in graphic design.
What do you wish people knew about interactive design?
The most important part of design isn’t necessarily what you see; it’s how the experience helps users achieve their goals. Interactive design is such a natural part of our day that we often don’t even notice it. There’s so much more involved than visuals alone: the conversations, the structure, and the intentional decisions that guide someone through a page.
Sometimes people land on a site and think, “I don’t even know what to do here.” Our job is to prevent that. Whether it’s something as simple as buying a product online or something far more serious, like helping someone quickly access childcare resources or complete a domestic violence application, interactive design has the power to affect our lives in a myriad of ways.
What are your favorite types of projects?
I really enjoy working on more intricate applications and creative projects. My favorite projects are those that are genuinely useful, like client portals or tools people rely on to communicate, find information, or solve real problems. I especially like projects that stand to make a big impact on people’s lives.
I also love seeing how a brand evolves. Even when a site’s structure stays mostly the same, a rebrand can completely change how the site looks and feels. Watching that transformation and how it reflects a company’s growth is always exciting.
How do you relax during time off?
Outside of work, I’m a professional bodybuilder (IFBB). It’s definitely not the most relaxing hobby; it’s very time-consuming, but it’s incredibly rewarding! I love seeing the progress and thinking of it as creating a “work of art,” while also challenging myself to grow as a person.
I competed the summer before last and won my pro card. I hired an online coach who guided me through the entire process, which is intense. It involved months of training, strict dieting, and discipline, but it was completely worth it. Beyond bodybuilding, I also enjoy walking, swimming, and spending time outdoors whenever I can.
How do you stay creatively inspired?
I subscribe to a lot of newsletters and often start my mornings reading through them. Medium Digest is a favorite. Social media can also be a great source of inspiration, and Pinterest is always helpful. I like Hi-Fructose magazine, which spotlights artists across many different media. UX and UI are constantly changing, so staying curious and exposed to new ideas is essential.
I also get inspired by everyday experiences. If I’m booking a flight or going through an onboarding process and see something interesting, I’ll take screenshots and save them for later. Those small moments often spark great ideas.
Where did you grow up?
I lived in Barcelona when I was very young. I even went to preschool there for a bit before returning to the States. I’m surprised by how much I still remember, from our backyard to my school. I haven’t been back since, but it’s a special part of my early life.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Helping people, without a doubt. I remember working on a project where the end user might be in a real-life crisis and need to act quickly, and the only way forward would be through an online application that I would help design. Knowing your work can directly help someone in that moment is incredibly powerful.
Of course, seeing a project go live is always exciting, watching how it interacts, moves, and exists in the real world. But the most rewarding part is hearing feedback and seeing how the design has improved a company or a user’s experience. When you solve a problem and see it actually working, that’s the best feeling.
