We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Juan Sostre a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Juan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you take vacations? How do you keep things going – any advice for entrepreneurs who feel like they can’t step away from their business for a short vacation?

Fortunately, yes. As a Creative Senior Art Director and Street Photographer, I definitely understand the struggle of finding time for vacations, especially when deeply invested in one’s business or creative pursuits. However, taking breaks is crucial for maintaining creativity, avoiding burnout, and gaining fresh perspectives.

Here are some quick tips:

Plan ahead and communicate your availability to clients or team members.
Set clear boundaries for work during vacation time.
Delegate tasks to your team and trust their capabilities.
Automate processes to save time and reduce stress.
Prioritize self-care for sustained creativity and productivity.
Stay flexible and adapt to unexpected changes.
Practice mindfulness to stay grounded and focused.

Ultimately, finding a balance between work and vacation requires careful planning, effective communication, and a willingness to prioritize self-care. Remember that taking time off is not only beneficial for your personal well-being but also essential for long-term success as an entrepreneur or creative professional.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

With over 21 years of experience as a seasoned and visionary senior art director, I possess a natural artistic insight coupled with an unwavering passion for art direction, design, and photography. Throughout my career, I’ve consistently translated concepts into compelling visuals, earning recognition with award-winning campaigns across various media platforms including broadcast, print, and social. Notably, I’ve contributed my expertise to renowned brands such as Ford Motor, Coors Light, Coca-Cola, Gatorade, AT&T, Honda, Heineken, Unilever, Domino’s Pizza, and SC Johnson, among others.

My approach blends artistic flair with strategic thinking, enabling me to tackle new challenges with confidence. I’m dedicated to driving creative excellence and leaving a lasting impact in the design industry.

Originally from Puerto Rico, I spent six years in California following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for street photography, capturing the dynamic scenes of everyday life. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, I remained committed to my craft. As restrictions eased, I returned to the streets, now based in Florida, where I continue to document the vibrant essence of urban life through my lens, immortalizing moments and stories that define our urban landscapes.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

production projects. I prioritize going out to shoot every week because it’s a genuine passion of mine. While I primarily pursue it for personal fulfillment, I am confident that my work has the potential to offer a unique and refreshing perspective to these industries.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I’ve navigated in and out of the advertising industry, always seeking fresh and innovative avenues beyond its confines. Last February, I was let go from the agency I was with, but I’ve chosen to view it as an opportunity for growth. While continuing to serve my clients, I’ve intensified my dedication to street photography, exploring the possibility of pivoting my focus towards achieving my goals through this medium.

Contact Info:

• Website: sostreshots.com or juansostre.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sostre.shots/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juansostre/
• Other: juansostre.com

Image Credits
by: juan sostre