Meet Pablo Fink | Art Director & Designer

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

Hi Pablo, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking

I’ve never really thought of myself as a risk taker, but looking back now I realize that I am. Especially in my late 30’s, when I decided to move to the US from Argentina. I left my dream job as an art director in a multinational beauty company, where I got the chance to travel to different cities in the world to research the latest trends in design. I also got to be a part of the company’s growth journey designing all the brand identity and packaging from when they opened their first store until they hit 80 stores around the world. I had the opportunity to learn and grow as a designer. But at the time it felt very comfortable and I wanted to move forward. For me the idea to live in a different country was always in the back of my mind. It was the reason why I never gave up studying English. At the time I was traveling as much as possible to see where my future place would be in the world. Usually on my trips I was never the typical tourist, I like to live as a local. I love speaking with local people and collecting information about the way of life in the cities, opportunities and salaries. It helped me understand what it’s really like to live there.

In one of these trips, I personally met one of my clients, after working remotely for them for more than 5 years. They suggested that I apply for the Diversity Visa (Green Card). It would not be an easy process, since 50 million people from different countries apply, and not everybody qualifies, only 1% is selected. Also statistics show that the wait could be as long as 20 years, even if you do qualify, so the chances are low but my optimism kept me going. Almost a year after my first application, I was one of the people selected, but all it meant at the time was that you may have won the opportunity to apply for a green card. After a year of preparing US visa documents and many interviews, I got my permanent visa and the dream to move abroad came true.

Finally in 2017, I got rid of most of my belongings, and I left Buenos Aires, my hometown and the place I called home and decided to move to Los Angeles with the intention to expand my horizons and start a new life here. I knew little about the city but I was motivated because of the perfect weather and great opportunities. Coming to the US alone, where the language and culture is so different was a challenge. I had no friends or family and networking was extremely challenging for me. It was like reinventing myself.

Moving abroad was an amazing experience but also scary at the same time because you’re forced outside of your comfort zone. But no matter what happens, there will be many lessons and endless opportunities. After everything I’ve gone through here, I know that I made the right decision. I’ve grown so much as a person and also professionally.

I’ve definitely taken a variety of risks – big and small – but it’s all been rewarding in some way. Being proactive in pursuing my dream place to live and also pushing myself to work beyond what’s expected has hugely shaped the work I’ve created and my pathway as a designer. Taking risks is part of being creative. It involves the ability to recognize opportunities, the courage to go after them, and the confidence to stand by them. What is worse than risk? Regret.

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 am the founder of iFink, a multidisciplinary creative design studio located in Los Angeles.

I have over 20 years of experience as an art director and designer, crafting minimalist elegance and timeless style for beauty, fashion, food & lifestyle brands from all around the globe.

My work ranges from complete visual identities including developing logos, intricate packaging, print collateral, web, social media, interior and 3D design.

My company offers services for companies and individuals who:

* Are starting a business and need a beautifully designed brand to show the world who you are and what you are all about.

* Have a product based business and need cutting edge branding and packaging that cuts through all the noise.

* Are launching a physical storefront and need incredible branding and design to showcase their new space and offering.

* Previously launched their business with the very basics and are now ready for a professional rebrand.

We form specialist teams that cater to the individual needs of the clients, resulting in strong collaborations and more impactful results.

Through a process of research, concept development & design, we help businesses grow, launch products, build long-term solutions and lasting relationships with their communities.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have the privilege to live in Beachwood Canyon since I moved to LA. It’s almost shocking to discover the small town neighborhood feel of the place. It’s a great area for people who love to walk, and I am one off them ;). Hiking without direction is an amazing plan and you will see panoramic views of downtown Los Angeles, different points of view of the Hollywood Sign, the Griffith Observatory, Lake Hollywood, some castles and beautiful designed homes. Also the neighborhood has some secret staircases, which were built a century ago to make the community more accessible by foot and connect with the main street where they had direct access to schools, shops, trolleys and streetcars. It’s a beautiful historical place to visit and live. It is like an oasis in the middle of the city. As for food, Beachwood Cafe is the only place to eat and drink in the area. I definitely recommend it, all delicious!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many people… I’ve definitely grown in many different ways since I started. My family has been my biggest support, motivation and inspiration. My father used to design handbags in the 80’s so I grew up around a lot of molds, chalk, scissors, color catalogs, prototypes, etc. Also, I am the youngest of 4 brothers, and all of them are designers and work in the creative space, so I could say the design environment was always part of my life. As a child I always knew I was meant to be in design.

I also had an amazing experience in the University of Buenos Aires, where I studied and also had the honor of teaching for 7 years. I feel so honored to have been part of one of the best hispanic design universities in the world. All of the great teachers there gave me the passion to pursue my dreams and explore my creativity.

I am also very thankful for all of the bosses, colleagues and clients who trust me and give me the chance to grow and be the creative I am today.

Website: https://ifinkdesign.com/

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

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

Other: Do you have a project in mind? Let’s talk and work together helloifink@gmail.com

Image Credits
@doseofcolors @unlabeled @vzoficial @sockerbitnyc @giaoliv @andrewjmarks