Deer Designer blossomed into a thriving 7-figure enterprise in three years, embracing a clientele from over 20 countries and boasting collaborations with more than 3000 brands. Behind the impressive statistics is a story of grit, passion, and the indomitable spirit of its founder, Thiago de Carvalho—a Latin American immigrant who became a successful businessman in the UK.
Echoes of a Unique Ethos
The Deer Designer ethos stands unique in the vast landscape of design services. It's not just about the creation; it's about the connection. While many competitors operate impersonal assembly lines of design, this firm prioritizes nurturing enduring relationships between its clientele and dedicated design teams. Thiago de Carvalho remarks, "It's not merely about churning out one-off designs. It's about providing a personalized journey where clients feel their very own design team stands by them."
Such a commitment transcends mere aesthetics. De Carvalho, a Brazilian entrepreneur, envisions a multilingual future for the company, expanding its wings to cater to various linguistic markets. This approach and the firm's dedication to assisting agencies in serving their clientele are evidence of Deer Designer's multifaceted growth strategy.
From Humble Beginnings to Design Dominance
The path to Deer Designer's success is a tale of tenacity, growth, and self-belief. De Carvalho's journey began in 1999, spurred by Yahoo's acquisition of Geocities. With a degree in IT, his intrigue led him to the domains of design and development. A self-taught entrepreneur, the founder's early ventures included a design agency and an advertising magazine in Brazil.
However, the spirit of entrepreneurship wasn't innate. He recalls, "My grandparents, from a modest Brazilian state, managed to nurture my mother and our family. The notion of entrepreneurship felt distant in my youth." Despite challenges, including navigating the corporate realm, De Carvalho chose to shape his destiny. Moving from Brazil to the UK, he rebuilt his life, ranging from roles as an au pair to eventually spearheading creative campaigns for giants like Coca-Cola and Samsung at the Daily Mail Group.
Deer Designer took shape throughout these transitions, initially as a side venture. Today, it represents a formidable force in the design landscape.
Expanding Deer Designer to the U.S.
Behind the success lies Thiago's aspiration for the American market. The U.S., known for its business dynamism and cultural spectrum, caught Thiago's eye. His interactions worldwide highlighted American businesses' budding interest in the design subscription model. With about 90% of their clientele based in the United States, Deer Designer, which emphasizes quality and relationship-building, seemed poised for this demand.
Acknowledging this significant U.S. client base, plans are now underway to launch an arm of the company in Orlando, Florida. By catering to American companies' needs in their fast-paced landscape, Thiago envisions Deer Designer making "small look BIG." This vision received a significant boost with feedback from over 500 U.S. businesses, turning from mere customers to brand ambassadors.
Deer Designer's Vision Amidst Doubts
With all its accomplishments, Deer Designer isn't without skeptics. Some industry critics observe that while the emphasis on communication is commendable, sustained success in the on-demand design sector demands more than unique selling propositions.
Yet, the brand remains undeterred, embracing arenas often sidestepped by competitors, including web, logo, and branding designs. De Carvalho's mission, embodied in his words, remains clear: "We make 'small' look 'BIG'. Our mission is to offer affordable, tailored design services, making premium design both accessible and affordable."
This Business Model has gathered the attention of B2B clients in the United States. American companies adhered to the design subscription model and used Deer Design to offer their clients an extensive list of services.
A Glimpse Into the Spotlight
While De Carvalho typically shies away from the limelight, his contributions haven't gone unnoticed. He's been invited to speak at numerous conferences, sharing insights on entrepreneurship, automation, outsourcing, design, and marketing. However, his humility remains: "Even if we become the largest on-demand design service globally, recognition won't shift my priorities."
Reflecting on Deer Designer's trajectory and the road ahead, one can't help but appreciate its growth. The real story of the economy is often not in the numbers but in the unnoticed tides beneath the waves. With passion, innovation, and resilience, Deer Designer continues to shape the narrative of global design services.
