Claudia
Aran

What led you into design?

My interest in art and design has always been alive. My mother still jokes about the countless times I asked my parents to draw suns and moons for me, long before I even knew how to hold a pencil. According to her, it was a regular request. 

As a kid, I was always drawn to anything artistic. Weekends at home meant getting hands-on with paints, crafts, colours, you name it. My sister and I would spend endless hours cutting and pasting paper cut-outs, creating our own mini-magazines. I wish I still had one of those!

With my dad being an engineer, I was introduced very early to computers and technology. I moved from Lego constructions to immersing myself in softwares like Paint. The process of designing and expressing myself creatively using digital tools became something I really enjoyed, which eventually led me into the wide world of Adobe.

Growing up in a family with many architects and designers, it felt like pursuing design was the natural path. It was a no-brainer, more of a "when" rather than an "if."

What does a typical day look like?

My daily routine has shifted a bit since I started my own design studio. While I still try to embrace slow mornings, running a company means my head is often in business mode from the start.

I still love waking up early for coffee and reading—a ritual I began during the pandemic and continue when possible. Post-reading, I always sneak in some exercise, whether it's a spin class, gym, or going for an easy run on Tibidabo’s hill to enjoy the beautiful view of Barcelona.

Though my routine has evolved, I’ve kept the night owl habits I adopted while working with US-based teams. It's a different schedule that sometimes throws me off the mainstream, but I enjoy the peaceful afternoons and evenings to focus without distractions. Plus, I love the idea of enjoying the daylight and taking the dark ambiance to work.

However, running Aran brings new challenges—some days are packed with meetings, deadlines, and problem-solving. My mornings and evenings vary based on what’s happening with the business, but I try to stay flexible while balancing it all.

What's your workstation setup?

My work setup over the past couple of years has been diverse and dynamic. I always liked working in inspiring locations—from cozy coworking spaces to cafes, and the comfort of my own home.

I’m currently in the exciting process of creating my dream workspace. We recently moved into a new studio in Sant Gervasi and we’re slowly building it up together.

One of the aspects I love about this job is the flexibility it offers, so I've been fortunate to incorporate my passion for travel into my profession. Over the last couple of years, I've spent long periods working in inspiring locations such as Biarritz, Bali, and Rio. These experiences have not only enriched my creative process but have also allowed me to draw inspiration from different cultures and environments.

Where do you go to get inspired?

Over time I've come to realise that inspiration doesn't always come from poring over design references. I find more joy in other experiences, and the emotions these evoke fuel my creativity at work. Among these, two main sources consistently inspire me: art and travel.

Many view design as merely meeting needs, but I see it as a space for personal expression, similar to art. It taps into people's emotions, and that's what I love about it. I consistently turn to art for inspiration. It's like this endless pool of ideas that allows me to bring unique solutions into my work later on.

My go-to art spot in Barcelona is Alzueta Gallery, featuring two of my favourite artists: Claudia Valsells and Richard Zinon. I dream of owning one of their artworks someday...

I also appreciate smaller yet well-crafted pieces, like Casa Cubista’s ceramics, which I discovered on a recent trip to Lisbon.

This appreciation for art and craftsmanship was solidified during my travels when I felt an indescribable connection between myself and the local art I discovered. I deeply value the essence of each project and artist—how they infuse graphic ingenuity into each creation and subtly depart from the ordinary.

From this idea, I started The Jolies Choses, where I pull from my worldly travels to bring people unique interior design pieces, boutiques, and artists from destinations around the globe. The project combines my passion for exploring the world with the design and charm of local craftsmanship. Here's a sneak peek:

What product have you recently seen that made you think this is great design?

I have a thing for lamps. My favourite store is Santa & Cole. Here’s a collection of my favourites—it includes pieces from Miguel Milá and Antoni Arola, both designers from Barcelona.

What pieces of work are you most proud of?

During my time at Flodesk as Design Director, I led its rebrand. Together with DIA and Optimo, we defined a new design strategy, which informed a custom typeface, comprehensive motion system, product art direction, and product integration. We crafted it in a way to captures the flow of Flodesk's creativity and the function of purposeful technology.

My favorite part was to see the system activated across every brand touchpoint—from the marketing site to brand communications, all the way back to where users interact with it the most (the product) creating a thoughtful and resolute brand identity. I always like fostering connections between the brand and the product to craft unique and memorable user experiences. Click here for a visual walkthrough

What design challenges do you face at your company?

Starting a new business comes with its own set of challenges. Thankfully, I've been busy since day one, which has been both exciting and a bit overwhelming.

The main challenge right now is balancing work with personal time while growing the studio at a steady pace. I must admit, I'm a little embarrassed that my own brand and website aren’t as polished as I’d like—yet. So, bear with me. There’s a lot in the works and some fun updates are on the way!

What music do you listen to while designing?

Any advice for ambitious designers?

Get experience and work for others before starting on your own. Practice, practice and practice. Change, delete, and start over!

Anything you want to promote or plug?

You can find me on instagram under @madebyaran or visit my studio website.