Daily Inspiration: Meet Rafael Paiva

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rafael Paiva.

Hi Rafael, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Brazil, and in 2012 I moved to Los Angeles in search of a fresh start — personally and professionally. Those first years were all about learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, and finding ways to rebuild myself from the ground up.

My journey began with photography and photo editing (started in 2010) which eventually led me to manage my own Photo Studio in Hollywood for a few years. After that, I transitioned into the corporate world, working as a Senior Retoucher for Nike for over five and a half years and more recently for Apple TV with a similar role. Those experiences taught me a lot about discipline, teamwork, large scale productions, and creative precision. They also made me realize how much I needed to keep nurturing my own artistic voice.

During nights and weekends, I poured myself into creative projects — from photography to painting and later filmmaking. In 2020, I started painting with oils and other materials, teaching myself techniques that allowed me to express my inner emotions and ideas in a more personal way. Then in 2025 (after working as a videographer for a year with interviews, acting reels and shorts films) I decided to create my own vision of a story, so I wrote, directed, filmed, and edited my first Short Film, which went on to be selected and awarded at over 10 film festivals so far. Seeing my work screened and recognized around the world has been surreal — it reaffirmed that following my creative instincts, even when life felt uncertain, was the right choice.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Moving to Los Angeles from Brazil with no connections and not speaking English was one of the biggest challenges of my life. I had to start over completely – learning the language, the culture, and how to navigate an entirely new creative industry. Nothing came easy to me. Every opportunity had to be earned through persistence and long hours of work.

As an immigrant and an artist, I’ve often felt the weight of being judged – for my accent, my background, or even my style. It can be hard to feel like you belong in such a competitive environment, especially in places like LA where the creative market is overflowing with talent. But I learned that I can’t control how people perceive me – only the quality of my work.
My goal has always been to let what I create speak for itself. That mindset forces me to keep evolving, to work twice as hard, and to never settle for mediocrity, no matter how challenging the path gets.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
– Photography & Retouching: With over 14 years of experience, I’ve specialized in high-end Commercial Photography, Personal Branding and Artistic Imaging.
Photo Retouching is the last step to bring a the creative vision to life. On the corporate side of it, I have worked several years for global brands like Nike, Converse and Apple TV.
I’m known for combining technical precision with storytelling – crafting images that feel alive, intentional, and emotionally resonant.

– Painting & Fine Art:
My paintings explore themes of the mind, transformation, and sensuality through surreal and symbolic imagery. Each piece reflects a phase of my emotional or mental journey, blending detail and spontaneity in a way that feels both intimate and universal.

– Filmmaking & Visual Storytelling:
Recently, I’ve expanded into film as a writer, director, cinematographer and editor. My first short film, The Cage We Choose, has been selected and awarded at multiple Film Festivals across the globe. It represents my passion for exploring human psychology and emotion through cinematic storytelling.

My biggest passion is creating stories that can stay with people long after the screen goes dark. I’m attracted to building beautiful, intentional frames that carry emotion and meaning beneath the surface. For me, it’s not just about how something looks, but also how it connects… How it makes someone feel seen, understood, or moved in some way.

Whether it’s through a photograph, a painting, or a film, I try to capture moments that reflect the depth of what it means to be human. Each medium allows me to express a different side of that same desire – to make something honest enough to leave an imprint.
If one of my photos, paintings, or films can linger in someone’s mind or stir a feeling they can’t quite explain, then I know the work did what it was meant to do.

I am currently working on a script for a feature film, developing new partnerships and open to new opportunities. It’s a never ending evolving process, and I am all in for it!

How do you think about luck?
I think luck plays a big part in life – sometimes it’s about being in the right place at the right time or meeting someone who can open a door for you. But honestly, I’ve never really felt like I’ve had that kind of luck. Most of what I’ve achieved came from taking the long road and figuring things out the hard way. Sometimes a connection I made over the years helped, but those were rare occurrences.

I’ve had to work extra hard to stay relevant and keep moving forward, and while that can be exhausting at times, it’s also shaped who I am. It taught me that even when luck isn’t on your side, consistency and passion can take you just as far… even if a bit slower. You just can’t stop.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rafaelpaiva.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rafaelpaivaus/
• Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/rafaelpaiva.art/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-paiva-a8273253
• Other: https://www.rafaelpaiva.art/