Gabriel Sweet
Gabriel Sweet
Art Director / Photographer
Los Angeles, CA
www.gabrielsweet.me
instagram @gabriel__sweet
linkedin
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m an Art Director and Photographer creating visual content for brands and organizations in both the fashion and hospitality industries.”
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I’ve been always a very visual person. I started out wanting to do graphic design and Illustration, and then moved onto photography and film. I have been working with cameras for over 10 years. I studied Film and Photography at Tufts University in conjunction with The School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and later moved to NY to work with companies such as Victoria Beckham, People en Español/Time Inc., Waldorf Astoria, The James Beard Foundation, CY&N by PI&C, Glossybox, Sylvain Labs, CurvExpo and Company Agenda
How do you stand out in your field?
I personally treat each client as my only client. I prioritize their deadlines and provide options, even if its small variations. It really goes a long way proving to your clients your dedication and work ethic. I feel like other people in my field could learn a thing or two from that... I've gotten feedback and have heard stories about how unprofessional other creatives can be. So, treat your client as if they were your last.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Besides working for high-end fashion and product brands such as Joie, Equipment, Current/Elliott and Jennifer Meyer, I've been working and collaborating with food & hospitality brands and startups, helping them develop their visual identity, and making a mark in their respective industries.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I try to develop ideas and points of view that will communicate what the Client needs, but always with a base rooted in my aesthetic sensibility, and from an honest point of view. I wouldn't say I necessarily have a style. I get inspired by many different art forms and movements, so it's difficult to pin-point a specific one. If I had to pick a specific project that best represent my aesthetic, it would have to be my most recent work involving food photography. I love food and everything that revolves around it... Talk about taste! Yum!
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I'm interested in so many things, but I’m always wary of not being "a jack of all trades, master of none".
I definitely would like to spend more time illustrating, and developing my own style and skills.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Relocation has always been a challenging factor in my life. I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina and moved to the US back in 2003. I've lived in Miami, studied in Boston, worked in NYC and most recently moved to LA. Networking when you do not know many people in the industry is a bit tough. I have finally started making good contacts and connecting with great people.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I would definitely hire a Digital Archivist to organize all my digital assets, and do some website/social media maintenance.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I wish I had told myself back towards the end of my college career, "Pay plenty of attention to your portfolio, online presence and social media outlets. There will come a time where it all revolves around followers, clicks, etc., and you do not want to fall behind it. You gotta stay on it!".
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I'd love to get some insight and learn a bit more about outreach and effectiveness on social media platforms. I'd also love to learn about 3D modeling and animation. I'd love to bring my illustrations to life.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I am always looking to work and collaborate with creative individuals, startups, institutions and brands looking to build their brand identity and presence.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I would love to be able to use most of my network of people and like-minded individuals, and all collaborate/participate in one big project. I also love finding and working with brands that support a good cause or community.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
Depending on the scope of the project, my hourly rate for photography and Art Direction starts at $150/hr.
For personal (non-commercial) portraiture work I charge between $350-$550 depending on the project and if shooting on film.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Be direct and approach me! I'm not one to beat around the bush or play phone tag. Just email me and let's get talking! I’m open to collaborate with people from all walks of life who may be interested in other things besides fashion or food. I also love film, music, drawing, as well as a bunch of other things... I’m always looking to meet talented artists of all kinds. And I can talk about food and music for hours... So let's meet over, order some food and talk about working together.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Challenging books conversations looking questioning
This Creative Profile is part of the Portrait Photographer series of outstanding creative professionals, freshly picked by the ilovecreatives team.
This member profile was last updated April 2021.