Gabriel Valdivia

Ways of Working

Two engagement models, each shaped for a different kind of 0–1 challenge. The details below outline how each engagement is structured.

01

Design Partner

I become a thought partner to the founders, bringing years of 0–1 product experience into shaping the product, its brand, and its user experience. Best for early-stage teams facing consequential decisions who want a close, ongoing creative partnership.

How it works

  1. 1I join your team’s Slack and we collaborate to define goals and deliverables each week. No scope is too large.
  2. 2Available for Zoom or in-person check-ins on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Heads-down design time the rest of the week.
  3. 3Once we reach product/market fit—typically after a year—I help hire and onboard your in-house design team.

$10,000/ week

1 available

Billed every two weeks. Cash/equity negotiable.

02

Designer in Residence

A designer from my team takes ownership of a well-defined problem and carries it through execution. Every designer has been trained by me in the intricacies of 0–1 work and consistently meets my quality bar. There’s less back-and-forth in this model and more focused, independent delivery.

How it works

  1. 1A Designer in Residence embeds with your team by joining your Slack and attending weekly meetings.
  2. 2I act as a design manager—providing direction, feedback, and coaching throughout the week.
  3. 3The Designer in Residence and I host weekly reviews to share progress and align on the next priorities.

$4,000/ week

2 available

Billed every two weeks. Three-month minimum.

Building something new? Let's talk.

To
gabe@valdivia.works