We recently connected with Yoni Zilberman and have shared our conversation below.
Yoni, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?
I always wanted to be a photographer. At 14, I started reaching out to party organizers in Tel Aviv, asking if I could shoot their teen events, even though I had no experience. After a few rejections, one said yes. I shot the event for free, just happy to be behind the camera. At the second event, the producer handed me an envelope. He was impressed with my work, and just like that, I earned my first payment as a creative.
That envelope felt huge. It wasn’t just money—it was someone validating my dream.
Not long after, I began working part-time at the local newspaper while still in school. I’d photograph local events, and gradually, I was trusted with design tasks—laying out pages, creating ads, and learning the ins and outs of graphic design. It was messy, hands-on, and one of the best learning experiences I’ve had.
That first dollar wasn’t just a milestone. It was the beginning of a journey that blended my passion for photography with my growing love for design, and set the course for the creative life I’ve been building ever since.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Yoni Zilberman, and I’m a multidisciplinary creative—primarily a graphic designer and photographer—currently based in Las Vegas. I got my start early, driven by a deep passion for visual storytelling. At 14, I began photographing teen events in Tel Aviv, eventually getting paid after proving myself on the ground. That early hustle taught me two things: initiative opens doors, and visuals have power.
While still in school, I worked afternoons at a local newspaper, wearing multiple hats: photographer, layout designer, ad creator. That hands-on environment taught me how to communicate visually under tight deadlines and with real-world constraints. Since then, I’ve expanded into branding, packaging, social media design, and 3D modeling, working with clients across sectors: hospitality, government, health, cannabis, and more.
Today, my studio offers a full range of visual design services, from concept to execution. I help brands find clarity in how they present themselves, ensuring their message is felt just as much as it’s seen. I combine graphic design with a photographer’s eye for lighting and storytelling, which often gives my clients a sharper, more unified visual language. Whether it’s branding a cannabis startup, designing assets for a real estate agency, or crafting packaging for luxury goods, I focus on results: visuals that speak, sell, and stay memorable.
What sets me apart is my dual background in journalism and visual design, and my ability to blend clean aesthetics with clear messaging. I’m proud of the trust I’ve built with long-term clients, and of the fact that most new work comes through word of mouth.
What I want people to know about my work is simple: it’s not about decoration, it’s about direction. My mission is to turn visual design into a strategic tool that moves businesses forward.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I was born with a rare genetic condition, something that has shaped my experience of the world from the very beginning. It comes with challenges, both physical and emotional, and there have been times when simply navigating daily life felt like an uphill battle. But what helped me process, express, and ultimately transform that struggle into strength has always been art.
From a young age, creativity became my outlet, my way of turning pain into purpose. When words felt limiting, photography gave me a lens to express how I see and feel the world. Graphic design gave me a sense of control and clarity. Through art, I found focus, rhythm, and a way to stay grounded even during medical uncertainty or physical limitations.
What makes this journey one of resilience isn’t just living with a rare condition; it’s the choice I make every day to show up, create, and build something meaningful. I didn’t wait for things to be easy. I kept learning, kept reaching out, and kept believing that my voice had value. Art hasn’t just been my career, it’s been my therapy, my engine, and my way of taking ownership of my story.
I hope that by sharing my work and my journey, others who face invisible battles can see that creativity isn’t just decoration, it’s survival, expression, and a powerful form of healing.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is simply getting to do what I love every day. Creating isn’t just a job, it’s who I am. Whether I’m designing a brand identity, editing a photo, or building a visual experience from scratch, I feel a deep sense of purpose.
I wake up excited to bring ideas to life, to make something out of nothing. The fact that I can turn my passion into something that helps others, inspires them, or grows their business is a reward in itself. I’ve always believed that doing what you love gives your work energy and authenticity—and I think clients can feel that in the results.
There’s nothing more fulfilling than knowing I’m building a career not by chasing trends, but by following what truly moves me.
Contact Info:
- Website: yonizil.com | yonizilberman.com
- Instagram: yonizil
- Facebook: yonizil
- Linkedin: yonizil
