Louise Fili

Three James Beard award nominations, zero restaurants. That’s a seemingly impossible stat pairing for anybody but Louise Fili. Instead of just making beautiful food, Louise focuses her talents on making eateries beautiful with masterful branding. As the daughter of Italian schoolteachers, Louise has baked her heritage into her work to become one of the most successful graphic designers in New York City.  Her design prowess influences everything from menus to business cards to matchbooks and specialty food packages. And her style has set the vibe of restaurants like Picholine, The Harrison, Noche, Artisanal and Metrazur. Get a taste of Louise’s inspirational personality in her 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Eclectic. Italianate. Elegant

2. Who is your creative role model?

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
Read.

4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
Italy! Because everything looks better, tastes better and sounds better in Italian.

5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
A gardener. I love helping beautiful things grow.

6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
I like to give a bottle of wine with a label that I designed. That way all it needs is a ribbon.

7. What is your favorite object in your home?
My mezzaluna. I use it every day.

8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Get your money up front.

9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
The Daily Heller and nicolasheller.com

10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
When I can sleep through the night.