Women in Design with Gloria Ciceri: Learning with a Curious Mind

Despite women making up nearly half of the design industry, few hold leadership positions and many still need help to be equally compensated and recognized for their work. Design is one of the few industries that offers multiple paths for entry, from earning a standard degree to being self-taught. The Women in Design series aims to highlight the unique stories and lessons of women in the design industry, across different experiences and expertise, at every stage and niche.

Childhood influences in art might have given Gloria Ciceri a solid foundation in design, but what keeps her thriving is her incredible energy for learning and exploring new things (imagine discovering over 2,000 new artists in a year). As a Senior Brand & Motion Designer at Blinkist, Gloria immerses herself in the Berlin's vibrant creative scene while taking full advantage of online inspiration.

In this interview, she shares some of her favorite platforms that fuel her growth and highlights how the rise of curated archives reflects a broader learning phase within the design community.

"I'm always diving into an ever-growing list of things to watch, read, or listen to, which keeps my creative mind constantly engaged.” —Gloria Ciceri

Can you share a bit about your journey into the design field?

Growing up in Milan, my passion for visual arts was ignited at an early age. Surrounded by creativity, whether in my mom’s handmade crafts or my own pursuits in drawing, painting, ceramics, and photography, I developed a deep love for artistic expression. This passion led me to study Graphic Design in high school and later pursue Art Direction at university. After graduating, I kick-started my career in Milan, where I gained invaluable hands-on experience. However, my creative instincts drew me to Berlin, where the dynamic design culture continues to influence and define my work today.

What inspired you to pursue a career in design?

The inspiration for my design work stems from a blend of family influence and a natural love for art. My mother, who possesses a talent for crafting beautiful handmade items, instilled in me an appreciation for finding beauty in everyday moments. I've always been fascinated by how design can evoke emotions and tell a story: the idea of blending art with problem-solving and communication has driven me to pursue a career in design. Design is a field where creativity and functionality intersect, and this dynamic aspect continues to fuel my passion for what I do.

What does a typical day look like for you in your current designer role?

A typical day for me as a designer starts around 8 a.m. with a quick check of my emails. I review the latest updates and deliverables from freelancers—whether they’re illustrators or animators—and if needed, I provide them with feedback to ensure the quality and consistency of the work aligns with our goals.

Throughout the day, I collaborate closely with product designers, offering support with animated elements or branding whenever required.I also engage with other stakeholders, including project managers, developers, and engineers. Together, we discuss the progress of ongoing projects and share insights from past experiences, making sure we’re all aligned on the path forward.

I wrap up my workday at 5 p.m., and from there, it’s time to focus on myself. Whether it's hitting a sport class or simply unwinding, I make sure to carve out time for my health and well-being.

Can you describe one of your favorite projects that you've worked on? What made it memorable?

One of my favorite projects is Album of the Week. As a passionate music enthusiast, I've always loved exploring the vast world of Spotify, but 2020 took that passion to new heights. That year, I discovered over 2,121 new artists and explored 1,090 genres, with 287 of them being completely new to me. This musical journey was so inspiring that I decided to launch Album of the Week.

Each week, I share albums that captivate me or spark my curiosity, encouraging others to discover and appreciate hidden gems and unforgettable tracks along with me. It’s memorable because it merges two things I love—design and music—into a project that connects me with other music lovers and allows me to visually express the essence of the albums I’m sharing.

How do you cultivate creativity in your work? Are there any particular sources of inspiration you turn to regularly?

To keep my creative juices flowing at work, I love surrounding myself with all kinds of inspiring things that help me come up with new and exciting ideas. Working at Blinkist, where learning is central to everything we do, has fostered a strong love for continuous learning: I'm always diving into an ever-growing list of things to watch, read, or listen to, which keeps my creative mind constantly engaged. All of this takes place in Berlin, Germany. The city's vibrant and diverse creative scene offers so many opportunities to explore fresh ideas. But my inspiration doesn't stop there:

• I regularly participate in online webinars, such as Right Aligned Workshops and Creative Mornings, which offer incredible insights from creatives worldwide.
• Podcasts like The Creative Boom and 9to5 also keep me motivated and curious, providing new ideas and creative approaches.
• Attending design conferences, like the OFFF Festival and Forward Festival, also plays a big role in keeping me inspired and connected with the latest in design.
• I love subscribing to newsletters like Dense Discovery and Brand New, which always land in my inbox filled with inspiration and updates on the creative world.
• Networking events, like Ladies Wine & Design in Berlin, are another important aspect for me—these gatherings help me connect with other creatives and keep the creative conversation alive.

What is a current design trend that you're most excited about?

One design trend that I'm really excited about is the rise of curated archives that showcase the latest and most creative work in the industry. Platforms like Daily Branding, which highlights recent branding projects from agencies and studios, Footer Design, which focuses on unique website footers, and Site of Sites , showcasing some of the most innovative websites, are great examples. Rebrand Gallery , dedicated to tracking impactful rebranding efforts, is another favorite of mine.

It feels like the design community is in a learning phase, where we’re constantly sharing and evolving through these carefully curated collections of work.

Looking back, what is one thing you wish you had known when you started your career in design?

Looking back, one thing I wish I had known when I started my design career is that imposter syndrome is something everyone faces, no matter how accomplished they are. It’s especially common for women in creative industries, where we often feel the pressure to prove ourselves constantly. In the beginning, I often thought I was the only one struggling with self-doubt, but over time, I’ve realized that even seasoned professionals experience moments where they feel like they don’t belong or aren’t “good enough.”

What I’ve come to understand is that these feelings are a natural part of pushing yourself and growing as a designer. The key is learning to embrace the discomfort and recognize it as a sign that you're challenging yourself, rather than letting it hold you back. It’s also important to remember that your unique perspective and creativity are what truly make you valuable, even when doubt creeps in.

Another thing I’ve learned is the importance of taking the right amount of time to achieve big goals. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to move fast and tick things off, but real growth comes from allowing yourself to progress at a sustainable pace. Slowing down and being kind to ourselves is key—it’s not about how quickly we get there but about making sure we’re growing and learning along the way.

What are the most rewarding and most challenging parts of being a woman in design?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a woman in design is witnessing the rise of women’s voices in the industry. We’re gaining confidence, advocating for ourselves, and pushing the boundaries of creative expression. However, it’s still challenging to navigate a field where women hold significantly fewer leadership positions compared to men—only about 11% of creative directors are women versus the overwhelming majority of men.

It's encouraging to see things changing, though. More platforms are amplifying women designers, and we’re seeing increasing representation in creative leadership. If you're interested in exploring these perspectives, I'd recommend checking out the Women Designers You Should Know podcast for more inspiring stories.

What's your (recent) favorite design tool?

One of my recent favorite resources, rather than a tool, is Brand New by UnderConsideration. It’s a platform that tracks and reviews new brand identities and rebranding efforts from across the world. If you're a designer looking to stay current in such a fast-paced industry, it’s a great way to see what’s happening in the design world and learn from recent projects.

Stay in Touch with Gloria!

Follow Gloria on LinkedIn and visit her website for more.

Discover more in Women in Design, our interview series where talented designers share their creative journeys and personal thoughts.