Today we’d like to introduce you to Gustavo Leon.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
At 19, I left my native Venezuela and a strong support system headed by my mother to come to America. During the 80’s, I took some courses in Fashion Design at F.I.T. in New York City, but decided sewing was not my “thing.” While figuring out what journey to take next, I became a personal shopper in NYC. I later moved to Boston to pursue graphic design and graduated from the New England School of Art and Design at Suffolk University.
Promptly after, I started at the Boston Herald in 1994, first as a temp, then as a Features Page Designer, Design Manager, Creative Director, until I became the Managing Editor Creative for print and web in 2010. After more than 24 successful and fulfilling years, I left the Boston Herald in April 2018, where I spearheaded a broad array of design initiatives across the paper’s print and online platforms.
In addition to overseeing redesigns of the Herald, Jobfind and Women’s Business Journal, I also created the look for the Herald’s Hot Shots, Goodlife magazine, Champions special sports publications and the innovative Herald Radio. I was encharged with the interior design of the new corporate headquarters when the Boston Herald relocated to the Seaport District.
I’m no stranger to the runway, having emceed and judged both beauty pageants and fashion shows in the New England area for many years, supporting local talent which more often than not benefits important causes. I’ve also modeled for design houses and continue to freelance as a graphic designer, fashion columnist and stylist. I have won more than 60 design awards during my time at the paper, including recognition from the International Society of Newspaper Design.
I was awarded a proclamation by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for my achievements at the Boston Herald and contributions to the fashion/lifestyle community. I also received the BIFI Boston Fashion Icon Award of 2017 and the Fashion Achievement Award at the 2017 Boston Fashion Awards.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When you are on your own as an immigrant here and don’t speak the language, it’s sink or swim. I chose to swim.
Change has played a big role in my life, from the business I’m into how I’ve shaped my career. It’s been the basis for both the biggest obstacle I’ve overcome and my greatest achievement to date.
Creativity and passion for what I do has helped me achieve so many goals, and my goals keep evolving. They should I think, or else you don’t grow. I don’t know what I might want to strive for in a year, but I know I’ll achieve it through hard work and creativity. That I believe is how to make your mark.
gustavobydesign – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The best way to describe myself and the services I provide can be summarized in 7 words: A generator of ideas on many fronts. I’ve successfully worn and continue to wear many hats: Visual Journalist, Creative Director, Designer, Host, Model, Stylist, and now Fashion Columnist. I’m extremely proud of my award-winning career, especially as an immigrant who had to learn the language and now is considered by many a local media personality.
My ex-boss, Editor in Chief of the Boston Herald Joe Sciacca said it best when he wrote:
“Gustavo’s work has spanned a broad array of subject matter. In the area of style and fashion, his work is second to none. For his media experience, extraordinary design work, progressive management ability, expertise in branding and marketing, dexterity across print and digital platforms, commitment and energy and personal leadership skills, Gustavo Leon would be a tremendous asset to any company or cause.”
That sets me apart from the rest.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The recognition and respect of my peers and the audience who I’ve had the honor to share my craft with continue to be my pride and joy. I’ve been recognized with over 60 awards national and international in many areas, across different platforms, and that speaks volumes to me. Working and lending my time to benefit important causes has become a duty which also fills my heart. But I will always remember with so much pride the first anniversary of 911 when I was given the task of coming up with a concept for the Boston Herald Page One.
I decided to take a “moment of silence” approach. Paying tribute to the victims of that fateful day, whose names I placed on the background of the page behind a red rose showing a faded American flag in one of the petals. The names were strategically placed so none would be covered. This was the first time ever, that the front page of the newspaper ran without a headline.
The afternoon of September 11, 2002, I received a note from the Boston Herald Publisher at the time Pat Purcell, Here is an excerpt from that letter: “Gustavo, once again you made the Herald shine. The calls complementing the Herald on its front page, as you know, have been astounding and entirely due to your creativity and for that, I’m especially grateful.”
The phone lines were inundated with calls from very early hours, thanking us for our respectful and touching homage by way of our Page One. Many of our readers were crying expressing their gratitude. I saved as many messages as I was able at the time.
Unfortunately, I don’t have them anymore, but they will forever live in my memories.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gustavobydesign.com
- Phone: 617-571-7675
- Email: gustavobydesign@gmail.com
- Instagram: @gustavoleonviloria
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gustavo.leon1
Image Credit:
Younes Sphinx photography, Innovation Media New York, Olga Marturana, Iggy Barskov, Monster Jazz photography, Arthur Pollock
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