We were lucky to catch up with Rafael Bertacini recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Rafael thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I truly believe that when you work in alignment with your own story and mission, you set yourself up for meaningful and lasting success. Some might think the biggest challenge is staying committed to your beliefs, but in my experience, the real challenge comes before that—it’s about discerning what you’ve been taught is essential from what genuinely aligns with the future you want to create. This process can only be achieved through self-awareness and self-acceptance. I won’t lie; it’s like jumping out of a plane with a parachute—terrifying, but absolutely worth it.

I began my creative journey as a photographer at the age of 15, driven by the need to prove that my vision was worthy of validation. Back then, I believed that earning others’ approval was my life mission. Over time, I realized that true success comes from aligning with a mission that is deeply personal and purpose-driven. This journey of self-discovery has shaped my mission: to merge design, technology, and storytelling to create meaningful projects that connect with people on a deeper level.

Whether it’s through photography, fashion accessories, or wearable technologies that enhance well-being, my work is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about enhancing people’s voice, embedding my creations with purpose, and challenging how we interact with the material world.

Rafael, 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?

From a young age, my parents encouraged me to express myself artistically, so I was always drawing and exploring my creative side.

At 15, I taught myself photography because I wanted financial independence and access to opportunities beyond what my parents could provide. I began photographing friends, family, and events to earn money and eventually buy my first camera. Over time, this passion led me to pursue a degree in Design, where I studied graphic and industrial design. Through this, I discovered my love for the materiality of objects and the process of making things.

While in college, I continued working as a photographer and eventually specialized in commercial photography, working with influencers, celebrities, and fashion brands. This opened many doors for me, exposing my work to a broader audience and providing incredible experiences. However, during the pandemic, I started re-evaluating my career direction. I felt a strong desire to create a more meaningful impact on people’s lives—because I believe that by improving individual lives, we contribute to changing the world.

This realization led me to explore design beyond photography. In 2022, I began a master’s program in Material Culture and Textile Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where I explored fashion from a design perspective rather than just through photography. My background in industrial design helped me merge hands-on making with fashion, broadening my creative approach.

Now, in my second master’s program in design at UC Davis, I am focusing on wearable technology and how design can enhance emotional communication through biomarker-based feedback. My goal is to create designs that help people better understand and express their emotions through technology-integrated wearables.

What I’m most proud of is the courage I’ve had to transition across different fields, step out of my comfort zone, and embrace new challenges. I never allowed myself to stay stagnant, even when I had reached a level of success that many would find comfortable. Instead, I kept pushing forward, aligning my work with my values and long-term vision for the future.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I believe resilience is not just about enduring challenges or persistently following a path no matter what. It is also about knowing when to stop and reassess. For me, resilience means having the courage to recognize when something no longer aligns with my values and being willing to explore new possibilities.

One of the biggest tests of my resilience came when I was 22. By then, I had already reached levels of success I never imagined. I was working with major brands and influential people, achieving milestones that seemed almost out of reach at such a young age. Yet, despite all of that, I realized it was not truly where I wanted to be. Admitting that to myself was difficult because, from the outside, everything looked like a dream come true. But I knew I needed to search for something more aligned with my purpose.

Not giving up on that search, despite the uncertainty, was one of the most significant acts of resilience in my journey. It led me to where I am today, pursuing deeper knowledge and refining my skills to create work with even greater meaning. Photography will always be part of me. I never truly stopped. But shifting my focus to learning, growing, and expanding my expertise has given me a new sense of direction. If my path ever leads me back to photography, it will be with an even stronger foundation.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe what helped me build my reputation in the market was my strong sense of responsibility toward my work. I understood early on that who I am as an individual could not be separated from my professional identity. In fact, that is what adds value to my work. Technical skills can be learned by anyone, but what truly sets us apart is our unique perspective, experiences, and the personality we bring to our craft.

From a technical standpoint, my commitment to delivering what I promised played a crucial role in building trust. When challenges arose, I took responsibility for finding solutions and minimizing any negative impact. Clear and honest communication has also been essential, both with clients and collaborators. I believe that for people to trust our “yes,” they need to know we are also capable of saying “no” when necessary.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://brtcn.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rafaelbertacini/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafaelbertacini/

Image Credits

Personal photo: Marco Vianna

Photo as a speaker: Haile Christofferson