Meet Emilio José Arellano | Innovation Studio Coordinator & Creative Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emilio José Arellano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emilio José, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
Your success is not defined by the title you hold, but rather the person you are becoming.

As I evaluate my still young career, I realize that titles are just an addition, a result, but not a cause to follow. It is a bit contradictory in a world that teaches you the opposite. However, only through frustration and rejection, I am realizing that it is more valuable to fight for a just cause, which will undoubtedly lead you to great results, rather than being moved by a position or salary motivation from the beginning. It is valid, yes, it can be done – but that strategy is what Simon Sinek defines as the “finite game”, that “lose-win” thinking in the industry and labor competition. When you change your perspective and do some “reverse engineering”, when you start with the why, only then you realize that it is not about losing or winning, but about staying in the game.

I believe that my work has been 80% of the time behind the scenes – doing those things that not many people would want to do or that are not visible or tangible in the short term to give way to long-term results. Since my arrival in a foreign country, I have been able to carry out various roles such as waiter, dog walker, designer, coordinator, manager, student, friend, artist, etc. Many of these roles were not visible as such. However, I was driven by a just cause – the art of helping creative people connect with their artistic purpose and mission.

My just cause has been to become a people catalyst for ideas, or at least that is what I try to do. As a result, I have been able to rise and achieve good recognition (which has been thanks to the collective work of people) but most importantly, I have connected with so many creatives and their own array of stories. So when I look back, I say it is preferable to be behind the scenes many times, contemplating in silence where it is necessary to intervene and doing so with strategy and intuition. Fighting for a just cause will give you the strategy and vision to grow as a person, which is worth much more than a title or salary position.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am most excited about my current role as a Studio Academic Coordinator at Savannah College of Art & Design, primarily because of the people I get to meet every day. It’s incredibly rewarding to meet at least 10 new faces every week, and beyond that, to work on projects that create opportunities for them to connect. These include networking events, masterclasses, open studios, community walls, cultural probes, ideation sessions, design thinking workshops, and mentorship programs. It’s truly the combination of ideas and the people involved that fosters an innovation ecosystem, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.

I’m most proud of a small group of dedicated Ambassadors who have joined me in this endeavor. We’re currently working with 10 diverse students to bring these ideas to life. I take pride in their initiative in taking ownership of specific projects and working towards a shared vision. Initiative, leadership, and self-starting qualities are rare commodities in the creative industry, and it brings me joy to see these students collaborate and create together.

Within this current journey, my biggest struggle was finding my “why statement”. Many people don’t know the power of creating a personal mission statement. It can be a powerful motivator, both internally and externally. When you sit down with your thoughts and write down your goals periodically, it gives your mind a chance to rest. And when your mind rests, your thoughts change, your decisions become more intentional, your habits improve, and your lifestyle has a purpose.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The importance of having mentors, role models, and people to look up to – a benchmark to which we can aim, is a substantial need for growth and purpose. In my case, the greatest, most righteous, and fair leaders I’ve had in my life is my grandfather, who recently passed away. His passing has made me realize how valuable it is to consider what kind of person we would like to be remememberd like. We are actually not only learning how to live, but how to die; and that existential thought is only passed along by honor to those that came before us.

There is a distinction between individuals who readily share their knowledge and wisdom, and those who are more reserved. Both approaches are valid. However, sharing wisdom allows everyone to progress more quickly.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to all the mentors in my life who have supported me professionally, emotionally, and spiritually. The list is extensive, starting with my mother’s unwavering support, and my father’s invaluable lessons. Additionally, I am grateful for the mentors I found at Savannah College of Art and Design: Josh Lind, who effortlessly recognizes and affirms one’s value; Dr. Gokhan Ozaysin, whose strategic thinking evokes inspiration from movies and stories; Jon Denham, who always seems to have the perfect words at the right time; and Victor Ermoli, whose questions perpetually challenge me to grow. I am also grateful for my creative friends as sources of inspiration: Josefine Breuer, Brandon Halkitis, Paola Herrera, Nicolas Nikuradse, Aliany Iglesias, Joyce Serrano, my amazing Ambassadors crew, and all my beloved friends from my CBL masters program. This list could continue, but it is through collaboration and community that we collectively achieve our goals.

Let’s celebrate those who guide us, knowing that we will, in return, inspire others. Let this be your reminder to thank those who have supported you in your life and career.

May your life be your message.

Website: https://www.emiliojosearellano.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emlioarellano/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emiliojarellano/

Image Credits
Jason Conforti