From the Connecticut River Valley to Dribbble’s Creative Community
Greg Grigoriou is a designer whose work beautifully blends the timeless craftsmanship of illustration with modern digital design. With over twenty years of experience in various creative fields, Greg focuses on typography and illustration from his studio in the Connecticut River Valley. His journey from a fine arts background to a well-respected freelance career proves how dedication and a unique perspective can create a distinctive place in the competitive design world.
A Humble Start: The Evolution of Greg’s Design Journey
His design story began with a deep love for illustration. After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration from Sheridan College in Canada in 2001, he was immediately drawn to the tactile and immersive nature of the craft.
“Drawing and painting were second nature to me, and I spent countless hours refining my techniques. They stayed with me and influenced every single one of my designs.”
However, Greg’s early career didn’t follow the traditional corporate design path; he dove headfirst into the freelance world, figuring things out independently without the safety net of corporate design processes. While this may have slowed him down in terms of figuring out some methods, it allowed him to develop his distinct style. “Because I didn’t have the typical career at a design firm, I had to learn everything myself,” Greg explains.
Entering Dribbble: Building a Community, Not Just a Portfolio
Greg joined Dribbble during its early years around 2015-2016, when gaining an invite to the platform was still a coveted challenge. “Back then, Dribbble wasn’t the social media superstar it is today. Because it was invite-only, it was more about invited designers showcasing exceptional work,” he says. Initially, Greg didn’t take it too seriously, as he was still working through his design process and refining his skills. But as he started to find his footing and get into a groove, the platform became a powerful tool for growth.
Dribbble allowed Greg to share his work and engage with other designers, which he hadn’t experienced with traditional freelance platforms. “Dribbble made it easy to interact with others who had similar interests. It wasn’t overwhelming like Adobe or other, more corporate platforms. The community aspect was essential,” he notes. As Greg’s experience grew, so did his following, but it wasn’t just the likes that mattered to him. “I focused on following designers with experience, those who were on the pulse of what was trending and who had a deep understanding of design,” he shares.
The Impact of Dribbble Projects
As Greg’s freelance business expanded, one of the standout features that helped him streamline his work was Dribbble Projects. Before Dribbble introduced Projects, Greg managed all aspects of his business through ad hoc methods like PayPal and email. “It was chaotic,” he admits. “Clients often delayed payments, and I had to chase them down for communication. It felt like I was running the business by myself.”
But his workflow was transformed once Dribbble introduced Projects. “Having a management system behind me feels like I now have an agency supporting me,” Greg says. Dribbble’s system finally allowed him to manage projects more efficiently, with his portfolio, specifications, and client agreements in one place. “Now, I feel like I can present myself more confidently to clients as a business, not just a freelancer,” he adds.
Greg is particularly fond of the transparency that Dribbble’s tools offer. “In my earlier career, talent agents would help, but the industry changed, and they aren’t really a ‘thing’ anymore.” He notes that having everything in one place allows him to focus more on his creative work and less on administrative hassles.
The Design Approach: Vintage Meets Modern
Greg’s design style is uniquely his own, shaped by his background in illustration and his love for blending old-world charm with modern sensibilities. “I spent years drawing and painting, and I think that tactile craftsmanship comes through in my digital work,” he says. His style incorporates vintage aesthetics, particularly with typography and illustrations, but it’s grounded in modern digital tools and techniques.
Living in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, has also influenced Greg’s design style. The New England setting—a blend of nature, history, and contemporary culture—has infused his approach. “When I lived in the city, my style was cold and geometric. But being in New England has made me combine the old with the new. The antique markets and old architecture around here inspire me,” Greg reflects.
He tries to keep his designs grounded and relatable, drawing inspiration from his environment and personal experiences. His work with brands like the PGA Tour and collaborations with companies like Vlog Squad’s Kramoda Coffee, by Zane & Heath, have allowed him to experiment with different styles while staying true to his roots. “It’s all about combining typography with illustration, which I think is rare today. The PGA loved my approach because it was something they hadn’t seen before.”
Building a Distinctive Brand Identity on Dribbble
One of the ways Greg continues to stand out on Dribbble is by sharing nearly everything he’s working on. “I like to keep my followers updated on what I’m doing, whether it’s a new project or a rough sketch. The transparency builds trust and allows me to engage more with the community,” he explains. This openness has helped him create a very specific brand identity that resonates with his clients.
Of course, his style has evolved over time. Greg has continued to draw inspiration from various cultures and historical references while experimenting with modern trends. He’s not afraid to mix traditional techniques with contemporary design trends, creating a style that is both timeless and forward-thinking. His studies of traditional illustration are definitely a welcome addition here.
The Value of Dribbble for Freelancers and Clients
Greg sees Dribbble as a safe and efficient space for freelancers and clients to connect. “Dribbble offers a more organized and streamlined process compared to other platforms. Clients know they can find quality work quickly, and designers have the security of knowing their contracts and payments are taken care of,” he says.
For Greg, Dribbble isn’t just about getting exposure; it’s about building long-term relationships with clients who appreciate his style and expertise. “Dribbble lets clients find designers based on their needs without wasting time sifting through endless profiles. Instead, they can reverse-engineer their search by finding designs they like and connecting with the creator afterward. It’s a great system that works for both sides.”
Future Goals: Expanding into Sports Design and More
Greg plans to continue expanding his work in the sports design field, an area he’s recently explored with the PGA Tour. “I’m excited to continue working with brands in the sports world and explore how I can bring my unique blend of typography and illustration to that space,” Greg says. He’s particularly interested in working with high-profile brands in the tennis, F1, and golf industries. He hopes to push creative boundaries by helping large brands bring accessible and relatable designs to their audiences.
Final Thoughts: A Designer Who Embraces Craftsmanship and Technology
Greg’s design journey illustrates the importance of combining craftsmanship with expertise. While rooted in traditional techniques, his work is still very much a part of the modern world. Using tools such as Dribbble Projects has allowed him to be more efficient and professional while focusing on what he likes: creating! He advises emerging designers to embrace new trends and technologies while finding platforms or systems that fit their needs.
💭 Here’s what clients have to say about working with Greg:
“Gregory was amazing from start to finish, he took my vision and put his own twist on it which made it so much better, he was very quick with the entire process and communicated effectively throughout and addressed any questions and changes I had. 10/10 would recommend”
“Fantastic work… very responsive and easy to work with!”
“Awesome experience! Extremely talented and professional.”
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