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

Alright, Manuel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

As an Art Director, my role involves overseeing and guiding the creative process rather than being hands-on with artistic creation like individual artists. I find immense satisfaction in my work as it allows me to collaborate with talented artists and designers, shaping their ideas and bringing them to life in various projects.

As for wondering about having a regular job, I can’t say I have those thoughts often. Art direction is, in itself, a regular job with its own set of responsibilities, schedules, and expectations. The dynamic and ever-changing nature of the creative industry keeps me engaged and motivated.

My passion lies in the creative field, and I’m grateful for the opportunities to work with talented individuals and contribute to visually compelling projects.

Manuel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am the owner and Art Director of Pro D Signs, a full-service design and print company offering clients vehicle wraps and more since 1999. As art director, I works hands-on with clients to create high-quality design solutions in addition to supervising daily operations for the company and staff. I am responsible for all executive oversight and long-range planning, including securing staff training and certifications and maintaining company credentials such as 3M Preferred Installer status.

Brand design is among my greatest passions as a creator, and I consider the brand books I has created to be the highlight of my career. Raised by a family of artists, I recognized my talent at a young age and pursued a formal fine arts education at Colegio Universitario Monsenor de Talavera, earning an associate’s degree before going on to study graphic design. Throughout my career, I has taken on a variety of projects for clients, including comprehensive identity design, sign and logo creation, and I gained a reputation for quality and attention to detail.

I attributes my success to my communication skills and commitment to working with each client to develop a clear vision of their needs and project. I am proud to have amassed a loyal base of return clients and a strong referral business. In the coming years, I hopes to continue to expand the company by investing in employee training and credentials, and eventually open an education and training wing and teach graphics installation.

I am an Art Director that revolves around using the power of visual communication to make a positive impact on society and culture. I envision a world where art and design play a pivotal role in shaping narratives, influencing emotions, and sparking meaningful conversations. Through my work, I aspires to inspire and provoke thought, leaving a lasting impression on individuals and communities alike.

My vision extends beyond individual projects, aiming to raise the standard of creativity in the industry and foster an environment that encourages collaboration, experimentation, and artistic growth. I envision an inclusive creative space that values diverse perspectives, empowers emerging talent, and embraces the transformative potential of art.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding is the sheer joy of channeling imagination into tangible forms of expression, continuously evolving and enriching one’s sense of self.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Steal like an artist by Austin Kleon is a very motivating book, that inspire me to write my own self-help book called: Unleashing Your Creative Potential: From Inspiration to Creation

Contact Info:

• Website: https://manuelruizdesign.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manuelruizdesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100062998342350
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuel-ignacio-ruiz-henriquez-a11912119/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/pro_d_signs/