Bárbara Abbês
Q What do you do?
“I’m a freelance graphic designer and art director working with branding, editorial design and illustration.”
Throughout my career, I have produced work for the film, TV and publishing industries in addition to teaching design.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I’m originally from Rio de Janeiro where I got my BFA in Design. I have been working as a freelance designer since moving to New York to pursue my MFA at Pratt Institute. As a freelancer, I have worked for several design studios and companies in Brazil and in the United States, including Penguin Random House, Complex Media, The Mill, New INC, Vanity Fair, NowThis Media, NYLON magazine, and VH1. I have also taught design at Pratt Institute and Rutgers University.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Once I heard someone describe my work as juicy, so I'm going with that. ;)
Q What are you working on right now?
I'm doing the branding for a DTC lingerie company, a mini-documentary series identity, and finishing up a brand refresh for a hotel in Napa.
Q What’s your style?
Oof! Not sure if I have a style per-se but I think I try to make my work fundamentally fun.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I'd love to have more food-related clients.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Ugh! Chasing invoice payments.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Someone to send and chase invoices would be a godsend.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
"Trust your type skills." For a long time, I second guessed my type skills because of a comment.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Would love to learn more about brand strategy.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Brand identity, show packages, and editorial work.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
An ideal client is someone who trusts my work and knowledge. They hired me for a reason and they know when to push back and when to let go.
Q: What is your rate?
Roughly $100-$150/hour but open to project-based fees too. It all depends on the project.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
hello@barbaraabbes.com and here's my portfolio.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Eduardo Palma has incredible illustration, art and design work.
Hugo Faraco is an amazing director and editor.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Books, movies, random street signs, and art shows.
This member profile was originally published in March 2022.