Meet Paul Fuentes | Fine Art Photographer

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

Hi Paul, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
– What was your thought process behind starting your own business? In 2015, I created my Instagram account, @paulfuentes_design, and quickly noticed the popularity of food photography on the platform. Taking a leap of faith, I started sharing my unique minimalist mashup creations, hoping for some feedback.

– To my surprise, my designs began to be reposted and my following grew rapidly. My work started being used in advertising, featured in blogs and magazines, and I even began collaborating with print-on-demand stores worldwide. This unexpected success made me realize that creating unconventional images of everyday food, objects, and animals was my true passion. With this newfound opportunity, I decided to take the leap and start my own business.

– What’s one thing about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware off?
Being a creative person comes with the expectation to constantly come up with new ideas. The world and social media have put a lot of pressure on creatives to constantly surprise with their work and produce new content regularly. However, creativity isn’t always easy or quick, and creating each piece of work often takes a lot of time and effort. As a result, we find ourselves working under pressure most of the time.

– Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life career?
I believe Risk is the flip side of an opportunity.
Taking risks is meant to feel scary, but overcoming this fear is your only ticket to experiencing new and exciting things. It gives me freedom in life and my career move.

– Other than deciding to work for yourself what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your succes?
I grew up in Mexico City, it’s where I started creating images for fun. Due to its success I was able to quit my job as an editor for a magazine and work for myself. Selling my designs on print on demand stores on white labled products and as artprints.

That same year I met my wife Ilse, who’ s from the Netherlands. We wanted to settle in Europe and decided to move to London, UK. Beside that this was a personal choose, we started working together and this was an important decision that contributed to the success of our business too.

London’s art scene is one of the best in the world. With world-famous museums and art galleries scattered around each neighbourhood. We work with several print stores, galleries and participate at well-known art fairs in the UK.

-What is the most important factor behind your success, the success of your brand?
I think an important factor is consistency.
By consistently taking small steps towards our goals, we increase our chances of success. Whether it’s learning a new skill, adopting healthy habits, or overcoming challenges, consistency allows us to make progress.

– What’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
One of the toughest decisions I ever faced was choosing what to study. I’ve been playing with Photoshop and editing photos since I was 15, and growing up in a creative household further fueled my passions. Photography and design were the two paths pulling me in different directions. Ultimately, I took my mother’s advice and pursued graphic design, believing it would offer a more well-rounded career.

– Work life balance, how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance?
Running your own business offers flexibility. You can set your own schedule, travel whenever you want, and tailor your workweek to fit your personal needs.

However, it does require a dedication of both time and routine. I typically work Monday through Friday, and if I’m in the zone, I may continue working into the evening. But I always make sure to take weekends off.

My wife and I work together from our home studio, and we sometimes have to remind ourselves to stop talking or thinking about work. It has become a significant part of our lives, and while it can be all-consuming, we have managed to find a balance that works for us.

Even during sleep, my mind remains active. Creativity is sparked by moments of inspiration and passion, and it can’t always be forced into a specific time frame.

-Do you have a favorite quote or affirmation? What does it mean to you/ what do you like about it?
When seeking inspiration or in the everyday life, I often find myself drawn to the past. However, dwelling on memories can have its drawbacks, leading to excessive nostalgia. To remind myself of this, I hold on to a powerful quote: “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” Heraclitus’s words serve as a reminder that moving forward is essential in both life and business.

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.

BIO

Pastels, palms, and animals – The photographic works by Mexican fine art photographer Paul Fuentes colorfully blend elements of mid-century, Pop Art, and 60s Californian glamour. The light is clear, the colors are smooth, and the atmosphere is sunny and relaxed! Paul takes his travel photographs to surreal and iconic places. Inspired by the endless summer of America. The unique Palm Springs architecture, classic cars and big cats chilling by the pool have become his signature style.
Each of Fuentes’ photographs is a multi-layer image, with elements separated and brought together to create one cohesive work of art.

Paul Fuentes, who collaborates with his wife Ilse, uses and combines his own photographs and footage from real places to create extraordinary effects. In their London studio, the artist duo creates large-scale works and Product-Pop-Mashups that reinterpret everyday objects into surreal, colorful compositions alongside fun and unexpected twists.

Fuentes has an impressive roster of commercial collaborations and has worked on campaigns with the likes of Apple, Armani Exchange, Dior, and Gucci to name some. It’s not without reason that Paul Fuentes has been awarded Hasselblad Master 2021, one of the world’s most prestigious professional photographic competitions.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Having some pints at a real English pub

Life Music: Blues Bar Kitchen- Shoreditch

Fav restaurants – Big Mama Group – Italian cuisine

Watch a CHELSEA football game

Website: https://paulfuentesdesign.com/

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

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/paulfuentesdesign