Mariano Pagella
Mariano Pagella
Graphic Designer / Art Director / Founder of Vasty
Barcelona, ES
http://www.vasty.co
Instagram @hellovasty
Facebook
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“Inside my Vasty boutique studio, I create imagery, visual expressions and identity by combining traditional graphic design with set design and crafts compositions; with the objective to generate bold, sleek and beautiful concepts, balancing art direction, paper craft, motion design, posters, cover artworks, logotypes, typography and illustrations.”
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
After getting a degree in Graphic Design at Buenos Aires University, I worked in different studios and learned from great people of a diverse variety about the disciplines around design; doing branding, websites, print and motion graphics for a range of clients such as MTV, Stella Artois, Gatorade, Siemens, Comedy Central, Fox, Suzuki, Cartoon Network, Playboy and Electrolux. Then I co-founded a motion graphics studio where I worked for different video companies and TV channels like Norwegian Airlines and Discovery Channel.
Finally, in looking for new challenges and explorations, I decided to found Vasty, my own playground studio, with a main focus on a contemporary art direction style.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
If you had asked me this question a few years ago, I would have answered that people usually lack the initiative, but fortunately I see that this is changing around young creatives, at least the people around me look for their own projects even if they are not working on requested ones; and that is very inspiring.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I’ve just finished a paper craft project and now I’m working on some pattern designs for a new fashion brand, a identity for a DJ and on a personal project: a city poster series that were inspired after a big trip I just did around Paris, Barcelona, Berlin and New York, where I’m still at this moment.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I love exploring different tastes and techniques, looking to a fresh and contemporary style, even if it’s a digital design, a tactile one or a combination of both. I try to look for new aesthetics daily.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I consider myself as a multidisciplinary designer, so I use to work for different industries, whatever is fashion, music, lifestyle, beauty or tech; my main focus is on creating contemporary imagery even if there will be applied on a visual identity, on products or unique images. Also I'd love to participate in more artistic projects.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
The time! Because I've got too many personal and experimental projects in mind. So I have to prioritize the client's ones that don't always allow me to explore new techniques and aesthetics. Although, I’ve got to say that lately I see clients taking some new risks in the requests, and that's positive!
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I’d like to spend more time creating and less time scheduling, answering emails and seeking new clients, so maybe it'll be that.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
A few years ago I would have said to myself to break more design rules and explore much more because that always results in new amazing solutions. Now I realize that is the way I enjoy working, I generate a fresh balance between that with a consistent and polished concept.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Probably an artist agent to negotiate my fees higher and seeking new clients so I can focus more on getting the creative work done. Also with someone in the print and fashion industries process, I've got a future store project in mind!
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Any kind of fresh creative project that has something to say, both paid requests and art collaborations. Some examples that comes to my mind now are event posters, music artworks, book and magazine covers, fashion ads, lifestyle identities.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
An ideal project is the one that gives me freedom for creativity, generates new challenges and has a nice purpose. A project where both the requester and I are really proud and excited about.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
I usually estimate a fee depending on the type of project, technique, complexity, timeline, etc, so the best is to drop me an email with the project information and I will shortly give it an estimate.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Just mail me to mariano@vasty.co with the project information. Also gifs always are welcome :)
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Keep eyes open; never stop exploring.
This member profile was originally published in December 2016, Updated April 2018.