‘Tips from The Top’ - Interview with Alessio Barbarino

In today ‘Tips from The Top’ we meet Alessio Barbarino who is a graphic designer who has done extensive work on cover art and graphic logo design for many top musicians including Steven Mead.

1. Hello Alessio, I was wondering if your could briefly introduce yourself and tell us a little about your role as a graphic designer?

Graduate in graphic design and music conservatory I’m a freelance graphic designer and teacher. I love travel, photography, psychology and the sea. I started working in 2001 as a designer for many graphic design companies and communication agencies. I decided in December 2011 to become a freelancer, working for various clients in Italy, EU and Unites States. In 2017 I founded a startup called Flight window ®, a social community for travel flights, the first in the digital world. I’m not only a graphic designer... I’m also a “musician” yes. I started playing the Euphonium at the age of 13 and then graduated with the trombone at the conservatory, here in Italy. I played in orchestra, bands, marching bands and I have also taught marching techniques. I have been part of an Italian drum & bugle corps for 18 years, as baritone player, brass and marching instructor, participating in competitions around the world. Today music has remained just a passion but I can combine my work as a graphic designer with music passion thanks to the artists that I had the pleasure to meet in my career.


2. You have worked on many projects with some top musicians, I was wondering if you could share any memorable moments from these projects?

Of course a memorable moments it was when I sent my artwork cover proposal for musical cd to the top international euphonium soloist Mr. Steven Mead, with I have been working for many years now.

I worked for about 1 week looking for the inspiration for that “UFO” album cover I had been commissioned... finally I had found the right combination between the galaxy, the scenic effect and its shadow. When I was ready I wanted to present him my artwork via Facebook chat, with a shot video... and his audio comment was "ooohh woww! you are a genius my friend!!" hahaha yes, it was very funny and I was very satisfied with the work I did, in one shot! It's never easy to get into the mind of the client but that's the great thing, to put yourself in the game trying to understand perfectly what the customer expects to see.

3. You have worked alongside Steven Mead in designing the graphic art to his albums, what process do you go through when designing a new cover for a CD?

Yes, I worked with and for Steven Mead for manu artwork project, flyer, posters, letterhead, cds, web, adv, etc. The processes of making cd covers with him have always been very similar. We start with a brief, trying to understand his needs, and then I start drawing in pencil. When the idea convinces me, I try to put it into digital form, working on the computer. Once the graphic proposal is finished I organize a call, or a chat, to present my idea, trying to explain in detail all the work I've done and the concept. It’s very important have a “team work”, you never work alone (professional and client), and I've always been very comfortable with him.


 4. You have recently supported me in designing a logo and I was wondering if you could talk a little about the process we have gone through when we were designing the logo?


Yes, we worked together on our first project, your logo, almost 1 year ago. The process was similar to the others, though different of course because each work is unique and original.. Also in your case we had a brief with a video call in which you explained your needs. At the same time I explained you what my idea could be and, while we were talking, I was already imagining it. Your logo had to look like a signature, elegant and professional, as the first use was thought for an engraving on a mouthpiece. Also in this case I started with a blank sheet of paper and a pencil, digitized it, and then presented it to you., I was very pleased with our first work and hope to have the opportunity to work together again.

5. Could you share with us some thoughts about how you see the Euphonium being promoted in the near future?

The euphonium was my first instrument when I was child, was my first love, musical of course :).


I think the only way is to promote it within schools, events, competitions and with the big support of the world international artists. Here in Italy it is still hard to call it by that name, we often use "trombone" for everything, even for the “trumpet”, that's why it's important to inform and make people know the instrument since school. Also the world of marching bands / drum corps, in my opinion, has helped a lot to spread and love the characteristics of this instrument all over the world. The Euphonium is the brass with the closest sound to the human voice, it is very versatile and beautiful, so the more we talk about it the better!




Thank you so much Alessio for sharing a little small glimpse into your incredibly diverse and exciting world! I hope it will not be too long until we see some more of your projects featuring on The Brass Musicians.

Thank you very much Micah, it was a great pleasure for me answer to your questions.