Today we’d like to introduce you to David Graterol.
Thanks for sharing your story with us David. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
After graduating from high school, only knowing that I wanted to work and study something related with the music industry but having almost zero knowledge in music. My parents strongly recommended Electronic engineer and then specialize in sound. By the time I was in Venezuela still and as a third world country-specific careers in the Arts industry are almost non-existent and of-course not accepted by society because that’s what “hippies” do or the classic “you won’t find a job”. So I decided to study Electronic engineer where I spent one year unhappy. At a certain point, I stopped going to class but it was hard for me to tell my parents so I didn’t but my dad found out. Worked in a call center for a couple of weeks where I realized for the first time that I didn’t want to be an employee and that to avoid that in the future I needed to have a career. So I went and study sound engineering in a small institute. Friends and family weren’t happy of course but it was finally my decision and it felt really good to graduate with not only good grades but in less time that you’re supposed to. Before graduating, I was already working as a technician for different shows in one of the biggest radio station in Caracas, Venezuela’s capital. Worked there for over a year and at the same time started working in live sound. Started just loading trucks with equipment and within a year I was already main audio technician and producer. I had two jobs and still had time for me. But somehow it wasn’t enough.
Because of the jobs and networking got to meet people in the different fields of the industry. Filmmakers, producers, talent, musicians and so on. And one day a friend, now producer and photographer in Italy calls me and asked me for some sound recording for a couple of indie short films. I did a couple for free. Both production and post-production. I fell in love with the film industry, so I took any gig related. Not only as a sound guy but PA or runner. Anything just to be there.
After a while, I got an offer to be an audio technician in the most commercial theater in the capital so I had to quit the radio, the event production company and the film gigs because of times. While all this happen Venezuela’s politics when for bad to worse so leaving my country to achieve my goals was almost the only option in my career but also the hardest because of the economics in my country were and still really bad. Even though I was making around $500 a month (around 2012) and that was better than any other employee I met at the time. That wasn’t enough to have savings. But sold my equipment and moved to Miami to study film in the Arts Institute in 2013.
While studying, I kept working on my personal goals, opened my own company with my roommates and bought a bunch of equipment. But failed and lost a lot of money. It was like going back. Working in a bakery, and as a freelancer for events and any little gig, I could find in the audiovisual industry. From the beginning again. Carrying equipment, loading trucks. At this point, I knew I wanted to be a producer and I was capable. Studied audio and film so I got knowledge enough to know the drill. With some friends put together a team and produced Miami Live Sessions, a series of three successful events that showcased live sound, live painting, live cooking, a whole gallery, merch shop and local vendors. Had the opportunity to open our own office and studio where we worked with different musicians and artist. But I was still doing little gigs to cover expenses.
After getting married in 2017. My wife gets a job opportunity here in LA and for me it was simple math. I was putting so much effort in Miami to barely made it even though I got good clients and worked for good agencies. So I closed the office in Miami and sold my equipment again. And move to LA where I’ve been working as a freelance producer and video editor for different agencies and production companies. Last year after really knowing the industry and tired of the non-stop hard work. Together with my wife decided to open a creative agency with a purpose beyond making money. Where clients, employees and planet earth will get not only the best product but the best treatment. And with this company, we get to help others to make their voice louder for a greater good.
Great, 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 hasn’t. I would say that whole visa and paperwork situation in the US, going back to the start every time I moved and going from being a main audio technician to work in a kitchen for less than $9 an hour are the biggest challenges but at the same time the ones that taught me and really made me a better and stronger person.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Mindful Brands Creative – what should we know?
Tired of seeing the same type of studios in the industry, we decided to bridge the gap between creative services and the booming wellness industry. We aim to create a more balanced life for ourselves and our colleagues while offering mindful-oriented services for up and coming, and established wellness brands.
MindfulBrands is our creative sacred space that refuses to become just another advertising or production company. Our process, day-to-day activities and work are all based on conscious practices that ensure top quality solutions for clients who are socially and environmentally responsible.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The will to help, loyalty and professionalism. In that order.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mindfulbrandscreative.com/
- Phone: (786) 3342088
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulbrandscreative/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindulbrandscreative/
Image Credit:
Alejandro Toro, Samantha Villavicencio
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