Iván Willenberg

Where did you study and what were some of your first jobs?

I got my Bachelor's degree in Advertising at the Universidad Empresarial Siglo 21, in Córdoba, Argentin. My first jobs were personal projects, mostly illustrations about musicians and music bands that I liked at that time. These types of projects then helped me to get into the local radio station business, and they also gave me the opportunity to work with different musicians and bands in the art process of their albums.

When did you fall in love with design and how did you get started?

As a boy I always liked to draw, which made me admire the graphic design of skateboards and clothing brands. I studied Advertising which is related to graphic design, but the degree didn’t give me the right tools and knowledge that a designer requires.

My first internship while I was in University, was as an editor in an advertising agency. I felt inspired by watching the designers work. The idea of not being able to carry out my own ideas by myself, for lack of knowledge in the programs, helped me realize that I wanted to be a graphic designer.

I developed and improved my skills in a self-taught way, observing professionals work in different areas, such as illustration, branding, advertising, 3D, etc, and by a deep experimentation in both digital and traditional design media.

What does a typical working day include for you right now?

My day begins with preparing something to drink for breakfast, which could be mate that is a traditional Argentinian infusion or just a coffee. I sit in front of the computer and play music based on my mood at that moment and organize my day according the work that I have to do.

When I need a break from my job I try to do different activities in order to clear my head, such as playing the bass, or going for a walk. These activities allow me to return to work more focused.

At the end of the day I like to go out for a drink with friends, listen to music, or just stay at home watching a movie. I also try to save some time every day to look for new sources of inspiration within the design field and other areas. I think this is very important to nourish the brain!

What do you look for in a great client?

What I value the most in my clients is the trust that they give me and the ability to get involved in the project with an open mind in order to try different things.

I think it is very important that clients value and appreciate your work and recognize the time when they should just let you do your thing. I like clients who do not fear creativity and are capable of being driven enough to do things differently than the way they were used to.

Basically I like when we can create a co-worker environment with my client, more than a designer and client only relationship.