Creator Spotlight: Michelangelo 🇻🇪
Although Michelangelo Petrillo studied journalism at university, he graduated, knowing it wasn't really for him. Fast-forward a few years later, and the talented Italian-Venezuelan creative found his calling in design and motion graphics. Defining himself through his extraordinary creative eye, fixation with bright, bold colours, and pure passion for the field – as well as looking cool as hell whilst doing it.
We caught up with Michelangelo, a true Vidsy creative veteran, to learn more about how he carved his unique path into the world of motion design.
Hey Michelangelo! Tell us a bit about yourself, and how you got to where you are today?
I am Michelangelo Petrillo, an Italian-Venezuelan born and raised in Maracaibo ("the land of the beloved Sun"), Venezuela. We say "the land of the beloved Sun" because in Maracaibo, during the year, the temperature generally varies from 24 °C to 34 °C; no more and no less. Living surrounded by two beautiful cultures is one of the reasons why I am grateful every day. I always had a very close relationship with open-world video games and all the songs that played on MTV in the '90s and early '00s. My favourite food is tequeños; I like mid-morning walks, and I have a panda tattoo because it is my favourite animal.
After several years in the audiovisual industry, networking, and taking advantage of the opportunities that came my way, I specialised in creating motion graphics. This has allowed me to build a very close relationship with design software, work with leading brands worldwide and has provided me with a space to express what I am passionate about and what moves me professionally.
Did you study, or are you self-taught?
I was never very clear about what I wanted to study. I ended up studying a career in journalism, specifically BA in Social Communication Audiovisual Mention. I discovered that my real passion lay in communicating ideas and helping other people or brands to transmit their voice efficiently through digital platforms and that the creative world goes far beyond having a camera in hand and recording or photographing a product.
I consider that both studying and being self-taught are positive tools to form you as a professional. There is no one better than the other; it's simply a matter of finding the method that best suits your learning style. Much of my knowledge as a designer has been the product of self-taught learning. It wasn't until I had the opportunity to work with Vidsy that I understood that motion graphics is an audiovisual format that I could identify with and feel comfortable working with. In other words, I could say that Vidsy has been a witness to my professional development as a motion graphics designer.
What inspires your creative style?
Youtube is the leading platform I use nowadays to practice and discover new knowledge or techniques. I also like to turn to Skillshare, where many courses are taught that awaken my creativity under the tutelage of influential teachers. My fixation with bright, bold colours comes from movie posters. Usually, these types of graphics feature stunning colour palettes and designs that capture the user's attention.
What’s important to maintain your mental wellbeing?
I usually work from home, surrounded by movie posters, in front of a 27-inch screen, and on an Ikea table. Sometimes I've had to work from the terrace of a coffee shop, on a park bench, or even at a friend's or family's house. I really enjoy taking mid-morning walks around the city or the park and appreciate the architecture, the streets, the people, and the atmosphere. It's activities outside of work I value the most and try to do constantly. I also find it very interesting to attend museums and exhibitions that talk about or show unusual topics. It's about balancing your work with confidence, wisdom, moments of disconnection, and happiness.
What are your ambitions for the future?
I have always been attracted to sharing my knowledge as a multimedia content creator through workshops, masterclasses, courses, or even a book.
Finally, any advice for people starting out in the creative industry?
The best advice I have ever been given was: "Take advantage of every opportunity you have to travel and get to know a new place." So from that moment until today, it is a priority to have vacations that allow me to disconnect and discover new cultures, flavours, and experiences.
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