We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Adhemas Batista. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Adhemas below.

Adhemas, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

The most significant investment I have ever made has been in my personal growth! Rather than solely relying on formal education, I have made a point to invest my time in learning and expanding my horizons. Keeping a student’s mindset has genuinely kept me motivated and driven to achieve my goals!

Adhemas, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Looking back on my journey, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride and nostalgia for the path I’ve taken in the design and digital art industry. It all started when I was just fifteen years old in Brazil, teaching myself the ins and outs of website design and coding at a time when the internet was just beginning to take shape.

I quickly found my footing in the industry, working for small networking companies and digital design studios before eventually finding my true passion in advertising. With hard work and determination, I earned accolades and even secured my ticket to America.

After settling in Los Angeles with my wife and kids, I continued to hone my craft as a freelance designer in my garage. Over the years, I had the joy of welcoming two more children into the world while also helping advertising agencies bring their creative visions to life.

Eventually, I decided to transition back to a full-time role, and today I am the EVP, Chief Design Officer at Deutsch LA, leading an incredible team and collaborating with top-tier brands such as Walmart, Taco Bell, Petsmart, Keurig Dr Pepper and Lowe’s.

In my work as a digital artist, I’m focused on creating works about social issues through an optimistic lens. Inspired by culture, I explore the bright side of chaos through vibrant, strategic, and colorful concepts across various media.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I grew up in a neighborhood similar to the “Projects” in America, where the government built affordable condominiums with minimal infrastructure. But despite the challenges that came with living in a poor family, my parents always did their best to provide for us. My father worked as a plumber in civil construction, while my mom stayed at home to take care of us.

I was the middle child with an older brother who became my biggest influence in life. He gave me my first opportunity with a computer, which sparked my interest and passion for technology. I also have three sisters, one of whom is a highly educated teacher.

My childhood was filled with obstacles, and many of my childhood friends ended up dead or without a future due to a lack of opportunity and education. But my parents’ resilience and my own determination to change my story helped me to avoid the bad influences that were available at every corner. I took the small opportunity that came my way and turned it into everything I have today.

When I moved to America with my wife and two young children, I didn’t speak English and struggled to get by. But I refused to let that stop me from pursuing my dreams. Today, I lead an entire team, make important decisions for the company, and sit on the board. It’s been a long road, but my resilience has helped me to overcome the difficult times and achieve my goals.

My story is a testament to the power of resilience. No matter where you come from or what obstacles you face, you can succeed if you have the determination and the will to overcome them. I’m proof that difficult times are only temporary and that with perseverance, anything is possible.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I strongly believe that our current school and mentoring system needs a major overhaul. It’s outdated and fails to provide children with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive and be creative. Instead of focusing on irrelevant and boring subjects that have little application in adulthood, schools should be teaching life skills, financial literacy, and the power of creativity. Creatives often struggle with managing their own businesses and finances, but with the right education, they could excel in these areas while also having time for their passions.

Unfortunately, my own experience with creativity was stifled by my religious parents who disapproved of my drawings. I’ve heard countless stories of others who have faced similar opposition and have been discouraged from pursuing their artistic dreams. Even teachers can be unsupportive, refusing to allow kids to draw during class.

To truly support and empower the creative ecosystem, we must recognize that creatives are the future of humanity. We cannot continue to teach math for five years knowing that Artificial Intelligence will soon be able to do it for us. It’s time to revamp our education system and provide children with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the real world.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.adhemas.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhemas/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adhemas/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/adhemas

Image Credits
Adhemas Batista