He went from a career in iGaming to a creative agency founder. It all started with a poster.

Matteo Di Vita didn’t set out to become a designer. For most of his twenties, he was firmly planted in the iGaming industry. Seven years of structured work, growth, and a career that made sense on paper.

“I was good at what I did, but I didn’t love it. I always came back to design and creativity. It gave me energy.”

Design started as a quiet hobby. After work, Matteo would open up Illustrator, watch tutorials, and create designs for friends. Sometimes it was an Instagram post, other times it was a flyer. What started as a casual escape from the buzzing world of full-time employment, slowly built a curiosity that simply would not go away.

That changed the day a friend asked for help with a food truck brand. From a menu design, packaging, social media templates… a full brief and what would turn out to be Matteo’s first client.

“I had no clue what I was doing, but I threw myself in. That one project made me feel like maybe I could actually do this.”

One project turned into more. Friends started reaching out to him for their design projects, in different briefs and sizes. With time, an eager desire to learn, and extra hours after work, his portfolio began to grow. He was building something, but something was missing…

“I didn’t come from a design agency. I needed proper training to fill the gaps and validate my skills.”

Learn Graphic Design Live →

When a friend recommended ICE Campus, Matteo signed up for the Graphic Designer Associate course. It wasn’t just about learning new tools like Adobe, and Illustrator. For Matteo, this was about taking the first step to becoming a professional.

“The first time I got real feedback on my work, it changed everything. Amanda, my lecturer, helped me see how to position myself. She made me feel like I belonged in the industry.”

Matteo kept his full-time job in iGaming and studied part-time. The online format made it possible. He worked during the day, hit the gym, then tackled assignments in the evening.

“I gave up nights and weekends, but it was worth it. Every module built my confidence. Every assignment helped me build my portfolio.”

After graduating, Matteo didn’t wait around. He launched MDV Designs, a full-service creative agency offering branding, digital design, and long-term creative partnerships for Maltese brands. His early clients were small restaurants and start-ups. He said yes to every brief and focused on growing fast, with quality at the core.

“The skills I learned at ICE were practical. I could apply them immediately. I wasn’t just learning theory. I was building a real business.”

Matteo also accessed the Get Qualified scheme, which refunded 70% of his course. That financial support gave him space to take risks and reinvest in the business.

“Knowing I could claim most of the course back made the decision easier. It made it feel like a smart investment, not a gamble.”
Today, Matteo leads a growing team. MDV Designs works with brands across food, fashion, and retail. His role has evolved from freelancer to creative director, from solo designer to agency founder. It all started with a menu and a little self-belief.

 

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I didn’t wait to feel ready. I said yes, figured it out, and kept going. That’s what made the difference.
MATTEO DI VITAFounder
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