Alanna Frattaroli
Alanna Frattaroli is a Creative Director and Brand & Web Designer with over 18 years of experience helping brands bring clarity, heart, and strategy to their creative work. Her journey began in small agencies in Pittsburgh, where she learned the value of collaboration, craft, and rolling up her sleeves—principles that continue to shape her work today.
Her career grew into senior creative roles across retail, healthcare, and consumer brands, including Art Director positions at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Global Brand Manager at Mylan, leading the Creative Department at Hydralyte in Boston, and overseeing digital art direction for multiple product lines at SharkNinja. Along the way, Alanna deepened her passion for user-centered design, earning a certificate in Human–Computer Interaction from MIT and reinforcing her belief that the best creative work starts with empathy and a true understanding of people.
Today, as the founder of AlannaCo., Alanna partners with both global brands and small businesses to bring ideas to life through thoughtful branding, digital design, and creative direction. She is equally passionate about mentorship and community, having volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters in Boston and continuing to support mission-driven organizations like Barnabas Horse Foundation through pro bono design work.
When she’s not designing, Alanna enjoys traveling the world with her husband (most recently to Tokyo), lifting weights, running, and doting on her two kittens who have completely stolen her heart.
• Bachelors of Science in Graphic Design
• Human-Computer Interaction Design from MIT
• Art Institute of Pittsburgh - B.S.
• CUPPIE Award
• AIGA Boston
• Big Sisters of Boston
• Barnabas Horse Foundation
What do you attribute your success to?
For me, success has always come from staying curious and leading with empathy. Managing projects and expectations is part of the job, but real magic happens when people feel seen and understood. When you can laugh together—even at yourself—the work just works better.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was to really know the people around you—your clients, your manager, and your team. Understanding your clients deeply, treating your manager like a true partner, and knowing the strengths and challenges of your team makes it easier to lead with clarity and care. That advice shaped how I show up as a leader and changed the way I approach every project.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
“Just keep going.” You don’t have to have it all figured out—showing up, staying curious, and moving forward is often enough.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, the biggest challenge is balancing speed with substance. New technology and tools can be incredibly powerful, but without empathy and clarity, the work can quickly feel disconnected.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
At the heart of my work and my life is a deep value for understanding and connection. I believe meaningful results come from listening first, building trust, and leading with care. Whether I’m working with a client or spending time with the people I love, those values guide how I always try to show up.
Locations
AlannaCo.
Murrbellsinlet, SC 29576