1 Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your background.

I am Gabs Samame, a Peruvian art director. I initially started my Advertising career on social media. Being inside the industry made me realize I have fond of art direction and the wide capabilities. That’s when I decided to pivot and start my journey as an art director.

2 What made you become/why did you choose to become a digital designer/artist?

I have always loved art, the way people interpret it, and how it can impact with an emotion. Being a digital designer lets me show my work and impact more people.

3 What’s your favorite kind of digital design and why?

I love good designs, no matter the kind. It could be a good UX, an online experience, a meme, an app, an image or a video.

4 To you, what makes a “good” design?

For me, a good design needs to have a porpoise, whether it helps to resolve a problem or build a story. I see designs as a way of communication.

5 Describe your design style and its main characteristics.

I believe I don’t have a style. I really try to be a chameleon in this regard. I usually see what I want to communicate, what’s the brand or intention, and then I adapt to that style.

6 Tell us about your design process.

I usually start with the ideation, design-wise I do look for inspiration around for while. After that, I do start with my mood board and try to connect all the dots.

7 Where do you draw inspiration from?

I remember in one class we had to create a typeface from a fence picture I took. I learned there that inspiration literally can come from anywhere. It all depends on how do you look at things.

8 What current trends in digital design (or really anything digital related) are you most excited about?

NFTs. It’s insane how there is a new market for digital art.

9 Congratulations! As the winner of the 2021 Vega Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?

Thanks! It’s an honor for me to win such a well-regarded international award. This award creates not only exposure but more opportunities. It’s amazing to see my work being recognized next to such amazing other winners.

10 Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2021 Vega Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?

2020 has been a difficult and different year for everyone and with the lockdown, a lot of people are feeling trap inside. A recent study found that 90% of drivers reported feeling happy when listening to music while driving. To show how Spotify plays a role in the car beyond our traditional commute, we created a Spotify Rx, a campaign that shows how listening to music while driving is like medicine for the mind.

11 What was the biggest challenge with this project?

I think the main challenge was in this case the opportunity, COVID-19. We had to think of an experience that can work while keeping everyone safe.

12 What are your top three (3) favorite things about the digital industry?

I love to use the technology for good, the innovation, and the easy access.

13 What makes your country specifically, unique in the digital industry?

I feel Peru is growing in the digital industry, cases like the UTEC Billboard that purifies air turning it into potable water makes me feel we are on a good track.

14 Where do you see the evolution of digital industry going over the next 5-10 years?

I feel that we will enter an era of hyper-personalization when it comes to content, services, products, and advertising efforts.

15 What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the digital industry?

Never give up, always learn, and find opportunities for growth. Be the person you would want to work with. And always stay humble, collaborative, and approachable. Success and recognition will follow.

16 Who has inspired you in your life and why?

I am lucky to say, my family. My mom, as a personal coach is always inspiring me to keep growing. My brother, as an innovation consultant inspires me to stay out of my comfort zone.

17 What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?

I think the key to success is learning from mistakes and keep working. Don’t let one bad moment take you away from your dream. The practice makes the master.

18 Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?

I just want to thank Vega Awards for this opportunity and for highlighting work that inspires us.

WINNING ENTRY

2021
 
Spotify Rx, Miami Ad School - Vega Website Awards Winner
Spotify

Entrant Company

Miami Ad School

Category

Digital Marketing - COVID-19-related

2020
 
Compulsive Assistance, Miami Ad School - Vega Website Awards Winner
International OCD Foundation

Entrant Company

Miami Ad School

Category

Video / Online Video (Single) - Health & Fitness

2020
 
Hit No More, Miami Ad School - Vega Website Awards Winner
U.S. Alliance to End the Hitting of Children and the National Initiative to End Corporal Punishment

Entrant Company

Miami Ad School

Category

Social Content & Marketing - Family, Parenting & Kids