Today we’d like to introduce you to Fabio Barros.
Hi Fabio, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started my career 18 years ago in a small town in Brazil called Sorocaba, one hour from Sao Paulo. I loved comic books, and I had a dream to become an illustrator. Back in college, in Corel Draw classes, I found myself an Art Director and started to read more about advertising agencies and how I could merge my love of art with creativity.
I did internships in almost all advertising agencies in my town, and after college, an agency in Sao Paulo called me to work there as Junior Art Director. After some years in this agency, I received an offer from McCann Erickson Sao Paulo to work as an Art Director, and after three years there, I decided to sell all my stuff. I made my first international travel and stayed in New York for four months, taking English when I was 30.
Back in Brazil, in 2014, I received an offer to work in Ogilvy Doha in Qatar, and in 2015, I moved to Dubai, where I worked with agencies such as Publicis, Wunderman Thompson, and M&CSaatchi, where I got my first award in Dubai Lynx with the project: “Women of Change” for Maggi.
In 2019, I received an offer to work at 247/ Laundry Service agency in Dumbo/Brooklyn. After that, I went to Area23, changing a little bit from the consumer side and going to the pharma side of advertisement, where I got my first Cannes Lions and most of the awards festival trophies, even a Grand Prix in Clio Awards with the project: “Inevitable News.”
Today, I am stationed at R/GA New York, combining craft, creativity, and strategy with simple and powerful storytelling that resonates with audiences and reflects the culture. I aim to create meaningful and memorable experiences that inspire and engage people.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Working with creativity can be quite challenging as it requires a consistent and continuous effort to come up with fresh and innovative ideas. This demand for constant creativity poses a significant obstacle in various creative fields such as writing, design, art, and problem-solving.
Imagine you’re a designer tasked with creating a new logo for a company. Initially, you might have a surge of creative ideas, but as time goes on and you’re required to consistently generate new concepts, it can become mentally taxing. Each day, you must engage your brain to explore new angles, unique approaches, and out-of-the-box solutions to keep your work fresh and captivating.
Learning a new language is another endeavor that requires persistence and adaptability. It took you 8 years to feel very comfortable speaking English. This illustrates the gradual process of language acquisition. Learning a language involves not only grasping grammar and vocabulary but also understanding cultural nuances, expressions, and idioms. Moreover, if you’re using this new language in a foreign country, you must adapt to the local customs and communication styles, which can add an extra layer of complexity.
In essence, both working creatively and learning a new language share common challenges. They demand consistent dedication and the willingness to push through periods of difficulty. Just as creativity requires continuous brainstorming and idea generation, language learning requires ongoing practice and exposure to different contexts.
Over time, your efforts accumulate, leading to improved proficiency and a deeper understanding of the craft or language you’re working with. So, both in creative work and language acquisition, perseverance and adaptation are key to overcoming obstacles and achieving a high level of comfort and skill.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an Associate Creative Director focused on the art side, your primary role is to generate and deliver exceptional ideas to your managers. You’re responsible for leading creative campaigns that bring innovation and impact to the table, driving both business outcomes and societal change.
In collaboration with your team, you brainstorm and refine ideas that align with project goals. Your artistic expertise adds a unique perspective to the creative process.
Your main objectives are twofold: crafting innovative campaigns that stand out and creating solutions that achieve business objectives. Your creativity helps your campaigns capture attention and leave a lasting impression while also contributing to tangible results like sales growth or brand recognition.
Equally important, your role involves leveraging creativity for positive social change. Your campaigns can shape perceptions and behaviors, making a broader impact on society. In essence, you’re a driving force behind impactful and innovative creative endeavors that go beyond aesthetics, bridging artistry, strategy, and meaningful change.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Please visit my book: www.fabiobarros.com and my illustrations IG page: @flashmoustache and feel inspired.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fabiobarros.co
- Instagram: @fabio.barros3 @flashmoustache
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabiobarros3/
