Five questions for creatives

Massimo Imbastari

Massimo Imbastari is an accomplished, dedicated and highly respected graphic designer with a career spanning more than twenty years with specialised expertise in front-end web design, video and social networks. He has excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills and the ability to communicate professionally with a range of individuals. Able to work independently and as part of a productive team, demonstrating initiative, motivation and multi-tasking abilities required to meet deadlines.

Massimo is skilled in solving complex technical problems and specialises in the management and development of client relationships, identifying specific requirements and delivering value-adding solutions accordingly.

How did you get into the creative industry, and was there a defining point in your career that led you on that path?

I started almost for a joke when I was very young. I was helping a famous Italian cartoonist inking and colouring his comics; that artist was Andrea Pazienza and I was 15 years old. I worked in that editorial unit, called il Male, for almost a year and I was so excited to be a part of such talented people that when that experience came to an end I decided that this would be my future job.

I started to study at the Academy of Art to understand the base of graphics design. During this time the first computers began to take hold and instantly I realised that my mission would be to combine traditional graphic design with computers. Obviously it wasn’t easy at the beginning – computers were not been made to elaborate sophisticated graphic processes at the time, but I knew that one day, it would be possible. I bought my first Apple computer in the 1986 and it was a Macintosh Plus. I am passionate of all visual arts and I deepened my skills adding photography. I prefer portrait and still life photos.

Is there anything you would change in your current career and if so why?

No. I am just looking forward to new spaces and to combine Italian style and English liking. I am sure that a good mixture of the two elements will lead to an exciting result. Surely all my experiences led me where I belong.

Where do you see yourself, and your career in five years time?

Good question and tough one, too! I have just arrived in this country from my native one, Italy, and so am still trying to learn the English language and try to understand how this country works with respect to my own. But I definitely know that I will start my own company quite soon, and that company will be aimed at web design and all that concerns mobile devices. Graphic design is a universal language and has no borders, and I guess that this country will offer a good chance to prove it.

Are there any rules or habits that help you do your job more efficiently?

I like to work at night. It is quieter, more intimate and gives more space for my mind to fly. But my only rule is to really love what i’m doing – whatever it is, and the willing to be always updated and focused on new graphic styles and everything related to new technical developments and new technologies. Plus the ability to understand exactly what the customer wants from you and the right way to actualise this thought in a valid and concrete artwork that fits the needs and that is attractive for my target.

What tips would you give to anybody who is looking to get started in the creative industry?

Be passionate, be a little bit crazy. Never be afraid to work hard and study a lot. Trying to always be a step in front of others and, if possible, find your personal style that sets you apart from others. I mean that something that only you have and no one else could ever take away, maybe someone would try to copy it, but it will always remain yours.