"Ali Martín Filsoof's perspective on industry pace": a daily glance at the life of Ali Martín Filsoof
In an exclusive interview for the Day in the Life series, Ali Martín Filsoof, the founder of Design Dept, an LA-based creative studio specializing in brand strategy, design, and packaging, discusses his creative inspirations and the value of time for curating his craft.
Born in Tehran and later moving to Lima before settling in California at the age of seven, Filsoof's unique eye for cultural relevance is likely influenced by his upbringing in diverse cities. This rich cross-cultural perspective, combined with his education in graphic design at SDSU and experience working at agencies like Phenomenon and Cahan & Associates, shapes his distinct minimalist aesthetic that cuts through contemporary branding clutter by emphasizing nuanced, purposeful design.
Filsoof applies a systematic, cross-domain research approach that draws insights from cultural, psychological, and behavioral intersections — areas often overlooked by others — to create authentic brand stories rooted in legacy, history, and craftsmanship details. This method reflects a blend of deep cultural awareness (informed by his upbringing in diverse cities) and fresh perspectives that make brands feel distinctive and worth exploring, not just recognized.
Design Dept takes inspiration from Japanese and Swiss design, which contributes to its minimalist aesthetic. The studio's work emphasizes nuanced and purposeful design, aiming to cut through the clutter of contemporary branding.
However, the interview does not provide specific information about the inclusivity of the design industry in 2025, nor does it contain any new information about a tricky work-related challenge and how Filsoof approached it, or any new favorite tools he mentioned. Additionally, Filsoof did not share any details about his dream project or dream client, nor did he express any particular branding pet peeve, or provide any new career advice for his younger self.
Despite these gaps, Filsoof's unique approach to branding, with its cultural depth and relevance, enables him to create designs that resonate on emotional and authentic levels while maintaining elegant simplicity. His work, rooted in his diverse upbringing, offers a fresh perspective on branding that is both insightful and inspiring.
- Ali Martín Filsoof, designer and founder of Design Dept, talks about his diverse inspirations in a Day in the Life interview.
- Born in Tehran, Filsoof's cross-cultural upbringing significantly influences his unique design perspective.
- He earned a graphic design education at SDSU and worked at agencies like Phenomenon and Cahan & Associates.
- Filsoof's distinct minimalist aesthetic stands out in contemporary branding, emphasizing purposeful design.
- He adopts a research approach drawing insights from cultural, psychological, and behavioral intersections.
- Design Dept takes inspiration from Japanese and Swiss design, contributing to its minimalist aesthetic.
- The studio's work focuses on nuanced and purposeful design, aiming to cut through branding clutter.
- Filsoof's methods reflect a blend of deep cultural awareness and fresh perspectives that make brands feel distinctive.
- His design approach resonates emotionally and authentically while maintaining elegant simplicity.
- There was no new information about the inclusivity of the design industry in 2025, or Filsoof's dream project, dream client, or branding pet peeve shared in the interview.
- The interview did not include any discussion of a specific work-related challenge and how Filsoof approached it, nor new career advice for his younger self.
- Despite the missing details, Filsoof's creative approach to branding, rooted in his diverse upbringing, offers a fresh and insightful perspective.
- Filsoof is skilled in Adobe programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, and Figma, using them as creative tools in his small business.
- Filsoof's work, tied to lifestyle, small business, home-and-garden, and business careers, also expands into interior-design and entrepreneurship.
