Almost two decades ago I moved to London from Brazil, on a British Council scholarship, which I had gotten as a result of my nude drawings.(not of myself)
When I got to the UK though I realised quickly I didn't have what it took to be a painter. Panic ensued for a couple of weeks, until I fully committed to Graphic Design. I could only apply to CSM, otherwise I'd lose my scholarship, so there was no back-up plan.
Somehow I got in. For the first years of Graphic Design I wanted to be a typographer. Advertising wasn't even on my radar. Then towards the end of my second year I realised that I wouldn't be able to stay in London unless I got a job. But getting a full-time job as a typographer, straight out of college, was impossible. It's a freelance industry. And freelance wasn't going to cut it for a visa.
Just like that, advertising became my only option.
So I went to the head of my course and said "I want to switch to advertising". Her response? "You will never make it in advertising, here". Bluntly. Astounded I asked "why?", to which she clarified "Because you're a foreigner, you just won't get it". Again "Why?" Response "because you'll never truly understand the nuances of British life and culture".
Despite the words of discouragement I gave it a go, but was filled with sudden doubt that no matter my talent or work ethic I was doomed to fail regardless, because I was Latin. In the coming years I did manage to get a job as a creative, and then rose up the ranks at W+K and Mother. I formed an unlikely partnership with the lovely John Cherry. The Newcastle-Rio duo. People made more fun of his accent, than they did of mine, and he always took it with a smile. John was the one who told me that maybe I should try directing. I took his advice.
The journey into directing eventually took me back to Brazil. Now, 8 years after starting to direct, the moment has come to open my own production company both in Europe and Brazil, alongside my loyal producer Phie Hansen. It's aptly named, Immigrant. We have a roster of talents from all over. We don't fucking care about where the director was born, as long as they are talented.
@immigrant.studio
Here to take your jobs.
