The line up for ADC*E Festival this year is amazing! On stage will be José Miguel Sokoloff of MullenLowe Group, Laura Hunter of Futerra, Alexander Schill of Serviceplan Group, Laura Visco of 72andSunny, José María Batalla of La Casa de Carlota & friends & many more discussing creative activism! This year's theme "People for Tomorrow" celebrates the people who are already building a better tomorrow; who employ their creativity for good; who believe tomorrow’s problems will not exist if we start today. It's two days of inspirational talks, hands-on workshops and plenty of networking opportunities. To warm-up for the festival next month we had a quick Q&A with Creative Director and Founder of La Casa de Carlota & friends, José María Batalla, about the power of creativity, the diversity amongst the team, and being happy in your work.
Give us the elevator pitch on what you do.
I use the power of creativity to change people’s lifes and the planet, through a design study that is made of creatives with Down syndrome and autism as an integrated part of the team.
What are some of the best and worse parts of your job, day-to-day.
Without a doubt, the best part of my work is the interaction with the team. It is amazing to discover how a designer with Down syndrome thinks or how a design problem is solved by a team in which a person with autism. It is really fascinating. The worst part is to struggle with some clients that do not understand very well the value of inclusion in my team. Everyone on the team is here for their differentiating talent not for their personal condition.
Who are your top five design crushes globally right now?
The last five works designed by my team. They are the best in the world
What’s your take on internships? (do you take interns now?)
A fundamental part of my design team are students, because I believe that it is the best way for new generations of designers and creatives to grow and help themselves understanding the value of diversity and humility in their work. Something rarely learned at university. We admit students from all over the world.
What advice would you give students graduating in 2019?
be humble
Try to make your work change something, in your life, in people's lives or in the world
be happy in your work
2019 for you in a sentence.
Its time for a reset
Where to find ADC*E Festival online.
Website: lacasadecarlota.com
Instagram: @lcdc_bcn
Twitter: @LaCasadeCarlota
Get more insights & wisdom from José María Batalla at ADCE Festival. For general pass and full pass tickets, which include access to workshops, jump onto the ADC*E website: adceurope.org
Follow ADC*E on Instagram & Twitter to keep up to date with all the goss too!
