Meet Isabel de Frutos | Art Director & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Isabel de Frutos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Isabel, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve been in “creative mode” since I can remember, I couldn’t go anywhere without my notebook and my colored pens, and I still have folders and folders of drawings dating 20 years back. I always knew I would pursue a creative career, however, I knew I didn’t want to be a so-called artist because I’ve never had a style of my own. My thing has always been to experiment, play with different styles and embrace continuous change. I found motivation on the functional side of creativity; creating something with a purpose, something that would make an impact on the audience. That’s how I discovered the designer in me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an Art Director and Designer based in Atlanta, and Givemeabrief is my personal brand. Prior to moving across the pond, I lived in Spain, where I am originally from.

I can say I’ve made the absolute most of my time in the field so far, taking part in projects ranging from brand development and strategy to interactive campaigns, web design and video post-production for clients like Sky, Movistar+, Apache Productions, LaLiga, UPS, Georgia-Pacific, Descartes and more.

However, a good designer always enjoys their creative freedom, and that’s why I started Givemeabrief. This is where I get to choose my own clients, where I can decide what projects motivate me, and where creativity and exploration has no limit.

I crave a good brief the same way my younger self would crave Nutella (yes, great product placement. Unfortunately, not sponsored). And that’s where Givemeabrief comes from — when it comes to design I don’t register ‘give me a break’ or excuses, only 101% dedication. I am a love-at-first-sight believer and a blank-page aficionado. I work with passion and drive to achieve the finest creative solutions and make instantaneous impact a reality.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh, I have so many favorite places in Atlanta.

I would start with brunch at Bulla in Midtown (try their huevos Bulla and sangría). Then a stroll on the Beltline, but let’s rent a bike and cycle through the less crowded part, starting from Krogg street to the south. That’s a more relaxed atmosphere and it will take you to EAV, a real gem. There are cool and authentic bars (The Earl, Ten All, Banshee, etc) and there’s always something going on, a street festival, a local market, a band playing outdoors, or artists painting murals. To finish the day let’s get fancy and go to The Red Phone Booth, a speakeasy in Downtown that serves really good pizzas and craft cocktails. If you still have energy after that, I would take you to Virginia Highlands and finish the night at Dark Horse, the best karaoke in town!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am dedicating my shoutout to Alison Scheel and Rachel Egger, two women that have inspired me for the past years of my career. Alison is the Founder and owner of yellobee studio, and Rachel the Lead Designer. During my time there, they would always encourage me to explore learn new skills and aim higher in my career. One day I would be creating a design system for an event, and the next I would be learning animation techniques from scratch. If I consider myself a multidisciplinary designer, it’s mostly thanks to them.

Website: givemeabrief.com

Instagram: givemeabrief

Image Credits
Personal photo credit – @yiskid Rest of the photos were all taken by me – @givemeabrief