We chat with Berlin-based Creative Director, Illustrator, and Designer, Daniel Ramirez Perez and hear about his typical workday—the majority of the day includes getting lost in vectors—plus we talk about being persistent and open to learning, and how the hardest thing of all is starting.
Where did you study and what were some of your first jobs?
I originally studied fashion design and my first workplace was the studio of Vivienne Westwood in London. Afterward, I worked 4 years as an Art Director at M&C Saatchi and 3 years as Creative Director for Berlin-based design studio Goldener Westen before becoming a full-time illustrator.
Did you have a plan for graduation and what actually happened?
I really enjoyed design school and I'm still glad I studied fashion - our course was really artsy and creative, but at the job, I began to understand that I didn´t want to work in the clothing industry and started to become aware of possibilities in the world of graphic design. It was around that time when I first discovered some cool illustrators and work I really liked so I got inspired to do my own - and I haven´t stopped for 9 years.
Give us the elevator pitch on what you do.
I'm an Illustrator, Designer, and Creative director. I run my own studio in Berlin and work on Illustration, Design, Branding and Motion Projects for international clients in Advertising, Music, Tech, Culture and much more. My style is versatile but recognizable and has got an upbeat, colorful, fun vibe to it most of the time.
Talk us through a typical working day include for you right now.
I wake up and usually have a coffee in bed or on my balcony and get right into answering e-mails on my phone. Some of my clients are in different timezones so there are always a bunch of new e-mails in the morning. When I finally move over to my kitchen table (with an amazing view over Kreuzberg) I switch the device to iPad and start scribbling out new concepts if I have to develop any. Around all this work I get ready and have breakfast and do some work on my MacBook so even though I start to work right after opening my eyes this is a pretty chill procedure which I really enjoy :)
Then I leave the house and go to my studio 4 blocks down, plug my MacBook to the BIG screen and get lost in vectors for the rest of the day.
Don´t listen when people tell you beforehand it's "hard" or "unachievable“ - Learning is usually easier than you expect and the hardest thing is to start.
What’s your take on internships? (do you take interns now?)
I don´t have regular internship positions but I'm always happy when young designer mail me their portfolios and definitely keep them in case something comes up. In general, I think internships are great opportunities but should be in any case PAID - it shouldn't be easier to get into Design only for people who can afford to work for free.
What's the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I think the most standard advice is the truest ones. Obviously don´t compare yourself with others, that's a game you can only lose. Focus on your work and be persistent - just because you don´t have the kind of work you want NOW doesn't mean your work is not good enough to get these gigs. And also: Don´t listen when people tell you beforehand it's "hard" or "unachievable“ - Learning is usually easier than you expect and the hardest thing is to start.
Where to find Daniel Ramirez Perez online.
Website: danielramirezperez.com
Instagram: @daniel.ramirez.pere
