As part of an ongoing series highlighting young talent in the industry, Branding in Asia brings you “One Under 30: Young Creative Spotlight”, a feature focusing on up-and-coming individuals in the ad world.
This week we talk to Victor Aldabalde . A native of Brazil where he studied Graphic Design, Aldabalde is currently Art Director at Lion & Lion in Malaysia.
Something we found interesting was his answer to what he would be doing if he weren’t a creative. It’s not a reply we’ve often heard, if ever, from people working in the industry. Read on to find out. Good stuff.
The Basics
Name: Victor Aldabalde
Age: 29
Agency: Lion & Lion
Position: Art Director
Hometown: Recife, Brazil
Current Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Education: Diploma in Graphic Design at Unibratec, Recife – 2012
Seven Questions
How did you get your first break in the industry?
I would consider my first break to be after I decided to leave Brazil to join Lion & Lion. I was mostly focused on graphic and web design in Brazil, but since joining Lion & Lion, I have had the opportunity to work with brands from different industries across a wide variety of brand categories.
What is your personal mantra?
“Care about people.”
Sometimes we are so focused on delivering amazing campaigns or ideas within a short timeframe that we forget the people we are working with. To me, it is important to remember what they are going through, how they are feeling, and if they need any help, even if it’s just someone to talk to – people should always come first.
From what person, place, or thing have you drawn your greatest creative inspiration?
When I first read the book “The Laws of Simplicity” by John Maeda, I got really inspired. It opened my mind and my perception about simplicity – not only about design or being creative but also understanding the principles behind, and how I could incorporate them into my work and life.
What do you love about the job?
I love the challenge that comes with solving problems for brands. I also love the feeling of seeing our campaigns or digital products come to life and see people interact and share them.
What about your job are you not so crazy about?
Unrealistic timelines. Creating amazing work should take time, right?
What is some work you’ve done that you’re most proud of?
#CNYWhyyy was my first campaign working with Coca-Cola. We made 3 videos based on insights around the reunion dinner scenario during Chinese New Year.
Also, the Coca-Cola’s FIFA World Cup 2018 #PickYourTeam campaign. Our team managed to deliver more than 15 social videos for the whole campaign, including three in real-time.
I’m proud not only about the work that we did but also of all the people involved. It was an exceptional example of an effective collaboration between our team, agencies and the client.
If you had to choose another career what would it be?
Something completely different – I would probably be in the army.
Before I started my career as a designer, I joined the Temporary Officer-School (CPOR/R) in the Brazilian Army. It was my first contact with the concept of leadership, and where I had the opportunity to absorb a lot of knowledge and values. But since I got my first PC, working with art, design and computers have since been my passion.
Want to submit your suggestion? Drop us a line: [email protected]
