We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ornella Torralba a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ornella, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
Earning a full-time living from my creative work has been a rewarding journey, but it wasn’t like that from day one. My first two jobs were not related to my creative skills, but they taught me discipline, adaptability, and problem-solving, which later became invaluable. After those early roles, I shifted fully into the creative industry and have remained there ever since.
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 am a photographer and senior graphic designer with a strong background in the cosmetics industry. My journey into the creative field wasn’t linear.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working on print advertising, packaging design, and brand photography for the cosmetics industry, crafting visuals that resonate with consumers. My big break came when I entered the cosmetics industry, which allowed me to combine my design and photography expertise. Working on print advertising, packaging, and brand photography has not only been fulfilling but also gave me a niche to grow in professionally. The key to making it happen was persistence and a focus on constant improvement. I took every opportunity to collaborate with other creatives, which pushed me to refine my craft and learn new techniques. Building a strong network and showcasing my versatility as both a designer and a photographer played a huge role in establishing my career. What sets me apart is my ability to combine graphic design and photography seamlessly to tell a cohesive story. I’m not just a designer or a photographer—I’m a visual storyteller who thrives on creating meaningful connections through imagery.
I’m most proud of my ability to collaborate with other creatives and solve complex problems for my clients. Whether it’s designing eye-catching packaging, capturing the perfect shot for a campaign, or building a brand’s visual identity, I aim to produce work that not only meets the client’s goals but also elevates their vision.
One thing I want potential clients to know is that I view creativity as an ongoing process. I’m constantly learning, evolving, and staying ahead of trends to ensure my work remains fresh and impactful. My approach is rooted in listening to my clients’ needs and delivering solutions that exceed their expectations.
Every project I take on is an opportunity to push boundaries, embrace innovation, and connect with people through beautiful design and photography. It’s not just about creating something visually appealing—it’s about making an impact.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
In my view, society must place greater value on the arts and creativity, starting with education. Teaching the arts in schools is essential—not just as a creative outlet, but as a way to understand culture, history, and humanity. Art history, for example, has taught us about past cultures and civilizations, preserving their stories, values, and achievements. Without a strong foundation in the arts, we risk losing the depth and meaning that creativity brings to our lives.
Unfortunately, modern society often prioritizes trivial pursuits, focusing on trends that lack cultural or creative depth. To support artists and foster a thriving creative ecosystem, we need to shift that mindset. This means investing in arts programs, ensuring accessibility to creative education, and creating opportunities for artists to showcase their work. Governments, communities, and organizations should allocate funding and resources to public art initiatives, galleries, and cultural events that inspire connection and expression.
Additionally, society can support artists by promoting fair compensation and recognition for their work. Art is not a hobby; it’s a profession that requires time, skill, and dedication. Encouraging collaborations between businesses and creatives can also help bridge the gap between art and industry, providing sustainable opportunities for artists to thrive.
Ultimately, fostering a thriving creative ecosystem begins with valuing art as a vital part of our culture. When we invest in the arts, we’re investing in the soul of our communities, ensuring that creativity continues to inspire, educate, and connect generations to come.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the ability to build a good life for myself and my family through my work. My talent as a photographer and designer has allowed me to provide the best life possible for my son, giving him opportunities and stability. It’s also enabled me to pursue my passions, enjoy the rewards of travel, indulge in things I love, and most importantly, find peace and tranquility in my life.
What makes this especially fulfilling is knowing that everything I’ve achieved has come from my creativity and dedication. There’s something deeply empowering about being able to turn an idea, a vision, or a concept into something tangible that connects with others and adds value to their lives. Whether it’s a photograph that tells a story, a design that captivates, or packaging that brings a brand to life, I take pride in knowing that my work has an impact.
Being a creative is not just a career—it’s a way of living. It’s about constantly growing, learning, and pushing boundaries. It’s deeply personal, yet it allows me to connect with others on a larger scale. What truly fulfills me is the balance it brings: the ability to nurture my family, my craft, and my sense of self while contributing something meaningful to the world.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: ornellat_photography
Image Credits
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