We had the good fortune of connecting with louis ferracane and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi louis, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?

I am the proud parent of two fantastic young men. I think the most valuable lesson I’ve taught them is that not everything is throw away. As a child myself I often made things from things I found or had access into the things I wanted or needed. About 10 years ago we bought some ranch property. The old place was rundown and had been neglected, we literally spent the first few years there picking up trash and sorting through what was useful and was not. We pulled down miles of barbed wire and were able to turn that (what would have been waste) into fundraising wreaths for my wifes non profit which fights for rights and treatment of the wild horse. Ironically another thing in the world that many people dont seem to see the use in anymore. That experience is now present in everything my sons do. They are both incredibly hard workers and it rocks me with emotion as I witness their daily activities, From how they perceive the value of new things to the way each of them seeks to fix and extend the things we’ve found or own. From old trucks and cars to fences and gates, all of the things which are the literal lifeblood of every ranch, they look at it all with respect and honor, acknowledging its past, and its value today.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a formally trained graphic designer ( which means I went to school to learn how not to cut your fingers off with an X-acto knife. A tool which my profession rarely uses today:). 25 years later I run my own small brand practice, which does all manner of design and branding work. I think what sets me apart is my work ethic. I once got to go back and speak at my design school and I was introduced as ” Jay wasn’t necessarily good, but he sure tried harder than anyone else”. I became a designer to design, Its my problem solving method. From client problem to my brain and literally out of my hands I still design everyday and the majority of the work that leaves my studio is the result of my work. Most folks in my position are managers, and have figured out that they’d rather manage people to do the work they used to do. That bores me to tears and Im happiest when designing. I look at what I do as half a trade, not unlike carpentry or welding, there is a craft to it and a function, and in the right circumstances it has an art to it. But more often than not there is just a problem that needs to be solved. I try and demystify the brand and design process for my clients, by removing a lot of the bullshit around it all so we can just get to work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

I live directly between Boulder Colorado and the gateway to the mountains. If a friend came we would hit up Cured in Boulder for a take away sandwich and some coffee, Maybe check out some bike racing on the TV at Rapha, then we’d head to Valmont Bike park, which is one of our best playgrounds. Whether you just wanted to ride bikes on swoopy trails, the pump track or ride the recently build skate park we’d tear around there for a bit. Then we’d head up some of Colorados dirt back roads and shady mountain roads just so we could come back and enjoy a beer by the firepit.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

My Family. They support in me in so many ways. My wife in encouraging me to start my own business, because she knew how hard I was working for others and it just made sense to do it for me and us. To my kids who I’m fortunate enough to be friends with, they constantly surprise me with their humor, intellect and commitment. I am truly buoyed daily by all of it.

Website: angrybovine.com

Instagram: @angrybovine

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayferracane/

Twitter: @angrybovine

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jay.ferracane

Image Credits
https://www.jimdarlingphoto.com/

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