Meet Arpi Agdere Gaifedjian | Creative & Art Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Arpi Agdere Gaifedjian and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Arpi, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve harbored a singular passion throughout my life – the visual arts. From a tender age, I immersed myself in oil painting and drawing, gradually expanding my interests to encompass photography, film, and music. This journey led me to the Art Center College of Design, where I pursued a degree in Fine Art with a minor in photography. Within those walls, I explored every conceivable medium, broadening my horizons and connecting with fellow creatives who shared my fervor. Art has a transformative power, heightening our senses and fostering a deeper awareness of the world around us. Each space, no matter how mundane or remote, holds a unique significance, shaped by our individual and collective imaginations.

My time at Art Center was an intense period of growth and discovery. I delved into the nuances of viewing and critiquing art, learning to infuse my work with diverse perspectives and historical context. Every day brought new insights, reinforcing my gratitude for the opportunity to study and receive support for my artistic endeavors.
Following my studies, I ventured into the realm of advertising, where I’ve had the privilege of working with renowned brands. At Vans, I proudly served as the first-ever in-house art producer, laying the foundation for creative collaboration within the company.

Continuing my journey at Wieden+Kennedy, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse array of clients, including Supercell, Clash, Merge Mansion, Vrbo, Expedia, HP, Nike, KFC, Fisher-Price, Ancestry, Old Spice, Trolli, and AICF. These experiences have not only expanded my professional repertoire but have also deepened my appreciation for the power of visual communication in connecting with audiences.

Visual communication, I believe, is one of the most potent means of connection. Rather than shying away from challenges, I embrace them eagerly, seeing each obstacle as an opportunity for growth. My ambition is to continually push myself, honing my skills through diverse courses and experiences that deepen my understanding of the world.

In this journey, I’ve come to recognize the paradoxical role of forgetting in the construction of memory. Photography, in particular, serves as a tool for capturing and preserving the truth, providing tangible evidence of our experiences and perceptions.

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.
In the realm of production, challenges are inevitable. Whether it’s unexpected logistical hurdles, creative roadblocks, or last-minute changes, the ability to think on one’s feet and adapt quickly is paramount. Throughout my career, I’ve honed my skills in this regard, always ready to pivot and devise a plan B when needed.

The fast-paced nature of production demands a proactive approach and the ability to remain calm under pressure. It’s about anticipating potential issues and being prepared to tackle them head-on, ensuring that the creative vision is realized despite any obstacles that may arise.

What I want the world to know about me and my story is that I am driven by a genuine passion for creativity and storytelling. I believe in the transformative power of art and its ability to inspire, provoke thought, and evoke emotion. Whether through my work as an art producer, my involvement in the creative community, or my personal artistic pursuits, I am committed to making a meaningful impact and leaving a lasting legacy through my contributions to the visual landscape.

Ultimately, my goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity, challenging the status quo, and inspiring others to pursue their passions fearlessly. My journey is far from over, and I am excited to see where it takes me next.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you were visiting Los Angeles, and I was going to be your guide, this is how I would plan things out.

For breakfast, we can start at Square 1 Dining, Valerie’s tea house, or grab a coffee at Maru. Then, we’ll explore some local bookstores like Skylight Books in Los Feliz or Stories Cafe in Echo Park.

When it’s time for lunch, we’ll try delicious spots like Found Oyster, Petit Trois, El Condor, or Night Market. We can even do a little post lunch hike at Eaton Canyon, Elysian Park or a bike ride at the LA River. And a visit wouldn’t be complete without some thrift finds at Sleepers, Bearded Beagle and the Lucky Pig.

Afterward, we’ll visit famous attractions such as Lacma museum, Huntington Garden, the Bob Baker Theater, and The Broad. If you’re up for it, we could even take a day trip to Ojai or Joshua Tree.

In the evenings, we can catch shows at Zebulon,The Echo, Hollywood Bowl, or Non Plus Ultra, watch a film at New Beverly Cinema and maybe do some stargazing at Griffith Observatory.

And to wrap up each day, we’ll enjoy dinners at Carousel, Raffi Restaurant, Elena’s, Skafs, Anajak Thai, or Sushi Note, where we’ll sample some of the city’s best cuisine.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m deeply indebted to the individuals and organizations who have played pivotal roles in shaping my journey and supporting my growth.

Firstly, a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Vans, including Julie Warford, Ako Jefferson, Joel Vandruff, Matt Even, Renee Perdomo, Ria Jones, Amanda Mayberry, Nomi Malik, Jamie Reilly, Sarah Turner, and many others whose guidance and collaboration were instrumental in my early career development.

At Wieden+Kennedy, I had the privilege of working alongside an exceptional team, including Heather Smith Harvey, Orlee Tatarka, Christin Spagnoli, Emily Bibey, Andrea Bakacs Rosie Ollero, Marcy Smith, Amy Marsh, Nani Weinberg, Aliyah Oyemade, Beck Beck, Pierre Jouffray, Grace Tsai Petranka, Danielle Magee, Katie McCain, and Ben Howard. Their creativity and dedication inspired me to elevate my craft and storytelling abilities.

I’m immensely grateful to Katie Grinnan, my mentor at Art Center, whose guidance and wisdom helped shape my artistic vision and approach. Special thanks to George Porcari, my book connoisseur, for his insights and recommendations that enriched my understanding of literature and art.

I’m also thankful for the opportunities and support provided by organizations such as NYC Foto Works, American Photographic Artists, Workbook, AtEdge, and the Palm Springs Photo Festival, as well as the nurturing community at Thursday’s Child. Meg Wachter from Dynamic Girls and Boards for Bros, your advocacy and support have been truly appreciated.

To my parents and sister Lena whose unwavering love and encouragement have been the bedrock of my journey, and to my partner, Levon Gaifedjian, whose support and understanding have been invaluable.

Last but not least, a shoutout to my best friend, Elyn Kazarian, for her unwavering friendship and support throughout the years.

To each and every person mentioned, and to countless others who have touched my life, thank you for your contributions, guidance, and support. It is because of you that I continue to grow and thrive in my endeavors.

Website: https://www.arpigaifedjian.com/

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

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

Image Credits
Photographer Credit: Scottie Cameron, Nico Therin, Cara Romero, Ronan Gallagher, Katie Falkenberg.