Highlight from 5+1 hosted by LaTigre

LaTigre is a design studio based in Milan, founded by Walter Molteni and Luisa Milani, both members of the Alliance Graphique Internationale.

We were welcomed at a large table filled with remarkable projects, rich in detail and color. Walter and Luisa immediately invited us to sit down, and after a brief introduction, they began sharing their journey as designers and how they built the studio—navigating between determination and uncertainty.

One of the main topics we discussed was what it means to run a design studio today, and how different it is compared to 2009, when LaTigre was founded. Back then, the context was very different: social media did not yet play such a crucial role in graphic design, and both Walter and Luisa came from two of Milan’s most influential studios, Zetalab and Leftloft.

Today, building a studio through unknown contacts—as happened with LaTigre—is much more complex. Over the years, they were often approached directly by clients, including The New York Times, without always knowing whether the connection came through word of mouth or visibility gained from collaborations such as those with Il Sole 24 Ore, for which they curated illustrations.

Illustration is another key aspect of LaTigre’s work. Interestingly, neither Walter nor Luisa originally identified as illustrators. Their distinctive, colorful visual language developed gradually, project after project—without a predefined direction or the intention of building a recognizable illustrative style, which today has become one of their defining features.

We also discussed what it means to manage a design studio. LaTigre remains a very small reality, composed of the two founders and occasionally an intern or collaborator. This structure allows them to maintain full control over their work and to engage closely with each project, focusing on what truly matters to them. Over the years, they have also taken on projects that did not fully align with their vision, but they have always approached them with respect—transforming seemingly ordinary briefs into meaningful and distinctive outcomes.

A price quotation is never denied to anyone.

This idea led us to reflect on the importance of balancing commissioned and personal projects. This balance allows the studio to evolve its style and to give freedom to intuitions and experiments—whether they emerge from ongoing work or independent exploration. It is a crucial aspect in shaping and strengthening their identity.

Finally, we touched on what was perhaps the most insightful topic: ethics.

Being a designer is not just about creating something—it is about respecting what you do. Respect goes beyond delivering a strong outcome; it means approaching every project with dedication and integrity, even when it requires personal sacrifice or involves facing contradictions.

We would like to thank our beer supplier, Birra Castello, for providing us with their excellent gluten-free beers.