080 - Balancing creativity and business in Spain, with Brian Farrell (Farco)

Life on Mars - A podcast from MarsBased

The podcast is back after a much needed (albeit unintended) hiatus. For more details, listen to this episode (in Spanish) or wait until an AI translates it for you.
Until then, listen to a few of the episodes that we had recorded prior to the break, which are still of high relevance, the first of which features our friend Brian Farrell, co-founder of Farco Studio.
What if the secret to thriving in the design market lies in balancing American ambition with Spanish work-life harmony? Join us as we sit down with Brian Farrell from Farco Design Studio. Brian's remarkable journey—from spearheading digital transformation at BBVA to founding his own studio in Spain—provides a unique lens into the shifting landscape of design. We explore the shared challenges our boutique companies face in a market where retainer contracts are dwindling and project predictability is more elusive than ever.
Navigating the complexities of working with large corporations, Brian and Àlex delve into procurement processes and the cultural nuances that set American and Spanish business practices apart. We share our personal battles with imposter syndrome and discuss how past credentials can influence our professional paths. Highlighting the benefits of blending American drive with Spanish balance, we illustrate how this fusion fosters a passionate and sustainable approach to business. We also address the often overlooked yet crucial aspect of meticulous attention to detail in design—how print experiences can sharpen a digital designer’s eye for precision.
Lastly, we reflect on the challenges of transitioning from a hands-on designer to a business owner. From redefining productivity and managing new responsibilities to learning the art of outsourcing and automation, this episode is packed with insights. Brian shares his vision of promoting Spain’s incredible design talent on a global stage, encouraging listeners to recognize the diverse and vibrant creative community Spain has to offer. If you’re navigating the turbulent waters of the design market or simply passionate about creativity, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration.

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🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/

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1. 080 - Balancing creativity and business in Spain, with Brian Farrell (Farco) (00:00:00)

2. Navigating Challenges in Design Market (00:00:14)

3. Navigating Cultural Differences for Business (00:13:20)

4. Scale and Quality in Boutique Design (00:25:22)

5. Design KPIs and Retainer Relationships (00:37:22)

6. Less Hours, More Productivity (00:51:41)

7. Emphasizing Attention to Detail in Design (00:59:41)