Dina Giordano
Dina Giordano
Creative Consultant / Design Manager
Los Angeles, CA
www.dinagiordano.com
Instagram @visionsrealized
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I guide the creative businesses to best realize their visions.”
I specialize in working with creative businesses to strategically develop the actions that effectively realize their professional vision. My clientele are a cross-section of creative minded entrepreneurs. I have been called the “artist whisperer”. I’m ultimately looking to the future, building a connection; lasting bonds between commerce and culture is what drives me. Whether it’s managing and sourcing creative talent for larger projects or advising the CEOs and companies on how to keep their creative employees on staff.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I have worked in or with most creative industries. From fashion to art to film to architecture and more. I am fascinated and intrigued by these industries because I believe each informs the others. I am better equipped to approach any one of these creative disciplines with the skills and knowledge gained from others.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
I have a unique background of 15 years of hands-on business knowledge and the ability to work with creatives. My expertise is to create the balance for their goals and professional growth.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I’m working on a course program for architects to explore the entrepreneurial and leadership skill encompassed in education, for example, how to apply these tools to the creative economy. Also working on curating spaces in downtown LA with talented and emerging artists. As always, hustling for my clients.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I would describe my style as clean, modern, and deliberate with a touch of nostalgia. I appreciate quality and attention to detail.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I thrive in variety and reject routine. I love working with a diverse collective of high minded individuals. I enjoy testing myself with new challenges, finding the relevant adjacencies from one creative field to another. I couldn't be me if I just had "one" type of client or one kind of task or project.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
For me the most frustrating is having clients or potential clients I know I can help succeed. I can see the potential, but they won't get out of their own way to make it happen.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HOUR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Website development, copy, outreach, type emails!
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Take every opportunity that is offered to you, Dina! Be brave.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
How to manage expectations and still be successful.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Dedicated clients with interesting businesses or ideas. Opportunities to expand and grow my business/agency to other cities.
WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?
My ideal client participates equally into their business as I do. They trust and believe in my guidance because I always have their highest interest in mind.
WHAT IS YOUR RATE?
I have three tiers of service. The NOW, PLAN, and COLLABORATE sessions. The NOW sessions allow for creatives to book a 90-minute problem solving one-on-one session. This is targeted to remedy an immediate issue. To work with me for a one-on-one COLLABORATION session, I partner with the client in developing a strategic business for growth and expansion in a 90-day schedule and this can range from $4,000-$10,000. I offer a PLAN session where it’s similar to the above mentioned service. The client works independently to fulfill action lists, though here we meet twice a month to review the goals and solve problems; that can be anywhere between $1,500-$2,500. Larger projects and speaking engagements vary on venue and scope.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
If a potential client were to reach out, 1) I want to know what their business is, 2) What they hope to achieve from working together, and 3) Do they know their strengths and weaknesses as a business owner?
Also, looking for clients who are focused, hard workers, determined and know that investing early in the start-up years has more return in the long haul, than playing clean up later.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Read, watch, see what people are making and doing. I’m a museum junkie and stay open minded.
This member profile was originally published in April 2016.