Ivan Messina, a Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Visual Arts Technician at Naval Air Station Sigonella, has been doing graphic design for about 23 years.

“My first approach to the world of advertising graphics dates back to 1999,” said Messina. “I was young and inexperienced, but with a great desire to test myself. So with a few pennies in my pocket and nothing else, I decided to open a graphic studio in Catania. It was extremely hard and a lot of people gave up on me, but I knew what I was doing and lasted over 10 years.

Messina, who was born in Catania, was introduced to graphic design at NAS Sigonella by a friend in 2012 and has worked for NAS Sigonella ever since.

“Ivan Messina has been a dedicated marketing employee of MWR Sigonella for 10 years, and his dedication to this base and the marketing department of MWR Sigonella is second to none,” said Jaclyn Travis, MWR Marketing Director and Messina’s immediate supervisor. “He takes extreme care to ensure that all promotional material produced by this office is highly professional, and his artistic genius is always on display. No matter how large or small the design request, Ivan’s creative talent seems to be endless It is a great tribute to Ivan and his dedication to excellence that MWR Sigonella is able to effectively market our program and facility offerings, as his design work always tells a fascinating and inviting story. .

Messina’s day-to-day duties include working on MWR’s monthly Preview magazine and creating logos, posters and social media ads.

“Even though Sigonella is a small community, MWR offers over 100 events per month,” Messina said. “I also assist the marketing director whenever a new project comes along, such as the renovation of a facility or a marketing campaign for the most important events. Red White & Boom, Autumn Fest and Sig’s the Season are some examples.

Despite these challenges, Messina manages each day with the help of an important reminder.

“There’s a saying of Saul Bass (a famous graphic designer): ‘Design is thought made visual’,” Messina said. “I put this sentence on my desk and I read it every day because it’s exactly what excites me about my job. Regardless of my humor that day, when I start designing, I feel happy and satisfied, and it helps me develop the client’s thought into something visual.

Even in his spare time, Messina cannot leave his work and creativity behind.

“Whenever I have the chance, I go out, climb Mount Etna or visit some of the most beautiful towns in Sicily and take pictures of everything,” Messina said. “It relaxes me so much.”

One thing Messina would like to say to those stationed in Sicily is: “Don’t waste your time. Go outside! Visit Sicily! It is a land steeped in history, where you can find the most active volcano in the world. Ski on it and go swimming in the crystal clear waters of the sea or just relax on the beach.”