Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chuck Pebenito. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Chuck, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
There never was a linear path to my career now. But 3 important things helped establish my career today.
1. I went to school to learn the fundamentals.
2. My first job in graphic design taught me that having a good process helps me streamline my work and practice repetition.
3. All the mistakes I’ve made in my career has helped me become a stronger creative.
I think the most important skill I’ve developed is critical thinking. It’s allowed me to work on different brands and industries while helping navigate my career path.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I started working in the creative industry at a small graphic design shop in Newport Beach. I learned a lot in my two years working there. Wearing different hats and establishing a design process helped me grow as a creative. A few years later I shifted my career a bit to become an Art Director at a marketing agency in Long Beach. I was attached to the Infiniti motors account. Art Directing cars really sharpened my attention to detail and I learned how to navigate big budget projects.
My next career move after working on cars was becoming a Sr. Art Director for Taco Bell. I worked closely with talented food stylists to bring Taco Bell’s food to life. I’ve art directed countless food shoots for the brand and helped evolve the photography over the years to what it is today.
Today I’m a full time freelance photographer. I’ve always been passionate about photography but now I get to do it for a living. There’s a lot of ups and downs working for yourself. You have to stay disciplined. But I find the work very rewarding.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I’ve always been good at networking and keeping a strong relationship with people I like in the industry. It’s very important for me to always follow through with a job and never miss a deadline.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
That I get to be myself. I’ve worked in other industries before and I’ve never been as comfortable in my own skin as I am being a creative.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chuckpebenito.com
- Instagram: @chuckpea
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckpebenito/
