We had the good fortune of connecting with Camilo Bejarano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Camilo, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
In my mind, you never give up, but it’s a little different from my perspective. The answer lies in the lack of answers. Instead, look at your project at hand in a flexible way. If you fall, get up and learn, but always keep going. A lesson learned can also serve as a reminder to change or evolve, leading us to explore new paths and form new connections.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve fought many battles to get where I am, starting with immigrating to the US from Colombia in the 90’s and not being able to attend a proper art school. But I did not give up. Thankfully, with support from others, I managed to learn and evolve creatively and independently, teaching myself along the way.

What sets me apart is my unique personal and professional experience. I am both analytical and creative. One can overpower the other depending on the situation, but I enjoy solving problems no matter the tool—whether it’s structure, layout, shape, type, or color. The more I learn, the more there is to learn.

My secret weapon creatively is using color over any other tool. To me, color is a powerful form of unspoken communication that can convey meaning without being explicit.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would start with sightseeing in LA, including its beaches, mountains, city life, lakes, and deserts. We would attend a show and visit record stores. For food, we should go to Joy in Highland Park and also include Indian and Mexican restaurants on the list.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are many people in my life who have trusted me to do my best, whether in support, mentorship, love, or overall guidance. My number one shoutout is to my wife, Aradhana M. Bejarano. She ticks every box, but her greatest support has been her never-ending love and strength to walk beside me in the best and worst times. My family, particularly my brother, Juan Bejarano, who shares invaluable feedback and friendship without any expectations.

Professionally, a few people come to mind quickly: Chris Leavens, Yves Saada, Hakha Manesh, and Michael McWatters. These individuals have helped, supported, and trusted me throughout my career at many different levels.

Website: https://camilobejarano.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecamiloes/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camilobejarano/

Image Credits
Camilo Bejarano

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