Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlie Mainardi.
Charlie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Although I graduated as an architect very young, I started working with my father in his studio almost at the end of my studies. I worked for a while at what is now BBDO, which at that time was just David Ratto, and after a few months I joined the studio permanently, first as a lab technician, then as an assistant, and finally as a photographer.
Shortly after, my father left the studio, and from then on, I led the way, transforming us into the largest photography production company in Buenos Aires in the early 2000s, with several photographers, post-production specialists, and in-house production. Around that time, I also began directing for Toyota, winning awards in Mexico and opening doors to representation in Miami by Letca and in various other locations around the world.
We won awards in Argentina and around the world, we photographed and filmed “Coca for Everyone,” a commercial that went global, and together with Renault and Agulla & Baccetti we created campaigns that are still remembered today.
I continue to take photos for various brands, editorials for automotive magazines, and I’ve returned to my roots as an architect, working as one in real estate for the past couple of years.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Honestly, it would be ungrateful of me to complain. Looking back, while it was common in those days to start from the very bottom and earn every step of the way up, working alongside my father and continuing his legacy was a challenge, but it wasn’t hard or thankless at all. We grew from a studio with just my dad, an assistant, and a lab technician to a production company that produced not only photos but also commercials. We eventually had more than 20 people working there, and it was through everyone’s effort and the support of our loved ones that we achieved our success.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As I told you, I trained as an architect and practiced very little. In fact, one of my first projects was expanding my first studio in the Boedo neighborhood, and by the time I was 20, I had already started working in advertising. Today, I continue to take photographs, doing productions for clients and editorial work, and some fine art photography for classic car collectors. But I would say that my time is mostly focused on real estate. I work by connecting with people of very diverse styles and opinions, helping them with their life and investment projects, and that gives me a lot of satisfaction.
I once said that as a photographer/director, you’re a kind of midwife who brings other people’s babies into the world—the babies of other creatives. To give birth in real estate, it’s different, but you help bring your clients’ dreams into the world.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I’ve always loved art, ever since I was little. First, I drew, painted, and made pottery, and then in school I participated in photography and painting competitions, as well as the courses and workshops offered at the school.
In fact, when I finished school, I was going to study either architecture or fine arts. Ultimately, I discovered photography within that world, and it remains my passion.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://charliemainardi.com
- Instagram: charliemainardi
- Facebook: Charlie mainardi
- LinkedIn: Charlie Mainardi
- Twitter: charliemainardi
- Youtube: Charlie mainardi
