Meet Giovanni Aramendiz | Creative Director & Writer.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Giovanni Aramendiz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Giovanni, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve worked several types of jobs. From customer service, shoes salesman, to food industry. I’ve been an associate producer and I’ve been a quality control editor for Univision. I’ve answered phones and I’ve even been a telemarketer. But in each job I found myself beginning to suffocate always around the year mark. The more my personal creativity got put on hold or on the back burner, the more I found myself suffocating and feeling claustrophobic in my own head. I create because I feel like that is what I was designed to do. When I’m not, it feels like I’m holding my breath. After a while I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue a career doing that which I love. Honestly, I create because I have no choice. I’m an artistic and creative person deep down in my bones. The biggest challenge is learning how to monetize off of something that comes so naturally to me as breathing. Making money for other people with my creativity with very little return began to tire me out and so I figured, despite how tough the road might be doing it for me, it was well worth it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It’s really hard to say what I personally think it is that sets me apart but if I had to say, I’ll go with the “why?” In every project I do, there has to be a reason for me to open my lens or begin writing. Sometimes it’s simply because there’s a little tingle in my gut that tells me this story needs to be told, other times it starts with a simple “what if?” But mostly, I create for me. If it’s something I like, or I would personally be a fan of, I am all the more excited to dive in and explore where the creative lane may take me. I try to be as authentic as possible in everything I do. When it comes to work for clients, my main goal is to ask as many questions as possible to get a feel for who they are above all else and how that translates into the vision they’re sharing with me. I’m convinced as a whole, humans are creatures of fellowship. And for as far back as you look, stories have always brought people together. Whether around a camp fire by an elder or in the dark in front of a screen surrounded by strangers all sharing in the same sense of suspended disbelief. Stories permeate everything from our laws to our religions. Stories are at the core of humanity. My hope is to use my gift of expression to add to canon of human storytelling in such a way that leaves us asking a questions or making statements that push us forward together. All while leaving art behind for others to study and appreciate.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being that I just moved to Georgia over a year ago, I feel like I’m going to be a major disappointment with this answer. However, let’s say they were visiting in the summer. My first place would be to take them to Tribble Mill Park. Near the field there is this walkway that leads to this beautiful waterfall-like area that you can swim in. That is where I would take them first as well on the actual trail itself. I’m a sucker for a good nature park and Gwinnett county has some of the best parks, hands down. As far as where we would go out to eat, without a doubt they would HAVE to try either The Peachtree Cafe, Urban Trend Cafe and Flavor Rich Restaurant; it used to be a food truck. If we ate at Urban Trend Cafe, immediately after we would have to visit the Young Black and Gifted bookstore next door. Unless we were eating there during an open mic night. That’s a whole other experience everyone should try at least once. Otherwise, if they’re looking for flavor but a quick bite, then it would have to be Caribbean Fiesta. Their Caribbean Cheesesteak Sandwich is unlike anything you’ve ever had before.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
That’s a tough one. There are so many people that have played crucial roles in my life, and still do. To my “tribe,” they know who they are, Thank you! I’m grateful for friends like Alex F, Renzo M, John and Barbara P who mentored me during my early adulthood in my spiritual journey. I’m grateful for my best friend and life partner Brittney whose been a rock and support when it comes to me following my vision. And because I know I’m leaving so many people out, I will say to anyone who’s played an active role in me getting where I am today, they know who they are, and thank you!

Instagram: @geeoh8

Other: linktr.ee/dadsofthedale (fatherhood podcast)