Today we’d like to introduce you to RJ Guillermo.
Hi RJ, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
The probability of me pursuing a career in photography was high, but my journey to get there was more zig-zaggy than straightforward. Despite initially being admitted into the architecture program at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I ultimately declined due to my getting nauseous about math and just a desire to explore beyond California. I landed on the industrial design program at Purdue University in Indiana, learning the craft of creating everything from lounge chairs to wood spatulas with my hands. Back then, physical prototypes were painstakingly crafted without the aid of CNC routers or 3D printers; it was all about sanding foam core and maneuvering the bandsaw without injury.
Moving to nearby Chicago exposed me to a wealth of design innovation and architectural marvels. Inspired by luminaries like Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright, I somehow found myself drawn back to architecture while freelancing as an industrial designer (I was designing home kitchen range hoods at the time), particularly captivated by the blend of Post-Modern and Art Deco skyscrapers that adorn the city skyline.
Through a stroke of luck and feeding on this desire to get back into architecture, I landed an interview with an international architecture and design firm in Los Angeles, where I passed as an enthusiastic architectural designer despite lacking formal credentials in the field. I think I was still learning how to make walls in AutoCAD. I even remember phoning my boyfriend at the time in a panic because I didn’t know how to color a floor plan. But I did it. I was thrown into projects here and there and I found myself immersed in high-profile commercial projects spanning from LA to Abu Dhabi, navigating the complexities and daily pounding of architectural design without a traditional degree to guide me. However, the recession of 2007-08 took me quickly out of that bubble, leaving me among the ranks of the unemployed as construction ground to a halt.
Undeterred, I pivoted to a role in marketing at another commercial architecture firm, realizing that advocacy for the profession could be just as impactful as hands-on design work (and less stressful). Over the next decade, I honed my skills in marketing, communications, public relations, and business development and discovered a newfound passion for architectural photography. I love championing the architectural profession through both words and imagery, forging a unique path that seamlessly flexes my creative muscles with a deep-rooted appreciation for the built environment.
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?
Imposter syndrome has been my constant nemesis. A lot of it has to do with that famous line: “A jack of all trades is a master of none.” I heard it every single day in my head. But somehow it made me fall in love with the design world even on my darkest days and without succumbing to exhaustion or disillusionment. Yet, despite my colorful experiences, imposter syndrome occasionally resurfaces, challenging me during my toughest moments. Particularly because much of my professional growth was the result of being self-taught, without the formal structures of academia or structured courses. I never drafted a building blueprint in a classroom nor attended evening classes in public relations or photography. Instead, I cultivated my passion for learning independently, diving headfirst into new subjects with some type of enthusiasm. I don’t consider myself a “master,” but I have a fluent vocabulary of design and I go with it. Imposter syndrome still hits me, albeit less frequently now, I am overwhelmingly grateful for the countless opportunities that allowed me to learn, grow, and feel confident. It wasn’t until recently that I learned that the entire line read: “A jack of all trades is a master of none…but oftentimes better than a master of one.”
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
For the past several years, I’ve been focused on residential and commercial architectural photography, but I won’t shy away from intimate portrait sessions. Oftentimes, I approach commercial and residential photography differently. Commercial shoots are often asked to “reveal” – to show off design, materiality, texture, space, and environment. I tend to lean on the interplay between light and dark, space and shadow, context and story. I also have a passion for photography deeply rooted in empathy and my Filipino-American background. Being born and raised in Southern California, my growth instilled in me a profound appreciation for art, design, human experience, The Filipino-American experience. My pictures tell stories that transcend the confines of the frame. I think my experiences in design have taught me the importance of Creating for All, and I carry that ethos into my work. I hope to celebrate individuality, inviting viewers to see the world through a lens of understanding and appreciation.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’ve definitely had my share of good luck as well as bad luck. But Luck often has little to do with how I’ve perceived success or happiness in my professional career – my personal life is a different story. Everyone has a stroke of good luck here and there; even the most down-and-out person experiences luck. It really comes down to how much effort, practice, patience and time you give to something you love doing that will make you happy in life, and the same with design or whatever medium or tool you choose to pay the bills.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rjguillermo.photography/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r.j.guillermo/
Image Credits
RJ Guillermo
