From Designer to Carpenter: Simone Nicotra's Reinvention

Simone Nicotra carries the unmistakable cadence of Italy in his voice, a linguistic thread connecting him to his homeland even after decades spent in Spain. His journey from the glossy pages of women's magazines to the tactile world of wood is a story of reinvention, necessity, and enduring passion.

What began as a move to Madrid for love in the 1980s evolved into a distinguished career at the helm of leading publications. Yet, a seismic shift in the industry's landscape prompted a dramatic pivot, leading him back to a craft he first encountered in his youth.

Nicotra's professional life began in the vibrant design scene of Milan. He traded the Italian fashion capital for Madrid in the 1980s to join his then-partner, establishing a new life in a new country. His talent as a graphic designer quickly found a home in the publishing world.

He rose to prominence as a creative director, steering the visual identity of some of Spain's most successful women's magazines. For years, he was a key figure in an industry defined by glossy visuals and tight deadlines.

The landscape, however, was not static. By 2013, the economic climate and industry dynamics had shifted dramatically, setting the stage for a critical decision point in his career.

The 2013 economic crisis served as the catalyst for change. Nicotra observed a profound decline in the conditions of his field, facing a future where job security felt increasingly fragile. He was presented with a stark choice.

"The conditions had changed a lot, a huge decline began and I thought I had two options: enter somewhere else where they would give me the boot in two years or start working for myself," he recalls.

This moment of clarity pushed him toward entrepreneurship. Rather than navigating the instability of corporate publishing, he chose to build something of his own, drawing on a skill set that predated his design career.

His connection to carpentry was not a sudden discovery but a return to a foundational influence. The craft first entered his life through a formative teenage experience.

"Wood had always pleased me. My mother had a carpenter boyfriend when I was 17, and during a crisis in which I stopped studying, I learned the trade with him," Nicotra explained.

This early training provided a crucial foundation. While his professional identity was built on digital design and print media, the physicality of working with wood remained a latent skill, ready to be reactivated when the time was right.

"Wood had always pleased me... I learned the trade with him."

Today, Nicotra has fully embraced his identity as a carpenter. The transition from managing creative teams to shaping physical objects has brought a new sense of purpose and stability. His work is no longer dictated by market trends or advertising cycles, but by the material itself.

The decision to work for himself has proven to be the right one. He has found a path that offers not just a livelihood, but a sense of longevity and personal fulfillment.

For Nicotra, this is not a temporary phase but a permanent evolution. He views carpentry as a lifelong pursuit, a craft he can practice indefinitely.

"With this I can throw my whole life," he stated, expressing his commitment to the trade.

Simone Nicotra's story is a powerful example of professional resilience. By leveraging a skill learned in his youth, he successfully navigated a major industry disruption.

His journey underscores the value of adaptability and the importance of pursuing work that offers both stability and personal satisfaction. It is a testament to the idea that it is never too late to build a new future.