Juanma is an Alumni of the Degree in Graphic Design at the European University of Madrid. He is a photographer, and this year, the well-known brand Uniqlo used two of his photographs to capture his designs on T-shirts.
Please tell us when you studied and which faculty and campus you were at. What has your journey been like since completing your studies at Universidad Europea?
Hi! I studied the Graphic Design degree at Villaviciosa de Odón. I finished university about 7 years ago and I’ve been working ever since.
I've always tried to dedicate my time to something related to what I studied, which is why I chose this degree, as it could help me get to where I wanted to be. Today I work in Photography and Project Management with fashion brands and Social Media. Honestly, I’m living the dream I had when I was at university, and being able to make it come true is what makes me happiest.
Tell us a little more about your work. What do you enjoy the most? What challenges do you face on the daily?
The audiovisual and fashion world is one of the most complicated out there. It’s incredibly competitive and so many people are trying to get into the same thing. I think the best advice would be something as cliché as just be yourself. At the end of the day, the people who stand out are those who have something unique to offer and whose discourse resonates with their followers.
What I like most about my job is inspiring people and meeting people who are really creative. There’s nothing better for personal and professional growth than to travel and meet people from all over the world. I’ve been lucky enough to travel a lot for work and leisure, and honestly, it’s what has led me to grow the most.
At what point did you realise that your photographs could have a certain impact?
I think the moment a person writes to you to ask for help with their educational and professional future, that’s when you realise that your work is helping creative young people. It makes me feel almost giddy when someone asks me something so important and I barely know them, but that’s why I went into education, to help each student with their future.
It really motivates me and I think my past students can confirm that. I love helping them and seeing how they can accomplish their goals by putting in the effort.
Tell us about the moment Uniqlo contacted you to print your photos on their brand. Has your life changed since then?
It was a dream come true. I really didn’t believe that one of my photographs was going to be on a T-shirt in the shop on Gran Vía, Madrid. When my parents sent me a photo of what it looked like and of them looking at it, I think it was one of the happiest moments of my career.
Since then, I think my mindset has changed and it has helped me to believe that any project is possible.
What inspires you to take photos?
I think it’s the way it allows me to express my thoughts and feelings to the world. I’ve always been a pretty shy person and thanks to photography I’ve been able to relate to others and open up.
It has also been a means of escape during hard times. Being able to escape during those times and get lost in the city was a way to disconnect and be happy again.
Have you got a favourite photo?
I always tell the same story, but it’s the photograph I took of Michael Jordan in Paris almost 10 years ago. I was super young and didn’t really know much about photography, but I went with 25gramos.com to a brand event where we could meet him during one of his talks. At that time I didn’t really value what I was living that much, and now that I’m older, I think it has been one of my top moments, both professionally and personally.
Could you tell us the top 3 places in Madrid to take photographs?
I don’t know if they’re the best, but they’re my favourites.
The whole of Gran Vía is an explosion of stimuli that makes it a very powerful spot to take photographs. I love walking up and down trying to capture a photograph that transmits something special to me.
The second I would say are the viewpoints on the outskirts of Madrid. My partner and I love discovering new viewpoints where you can see the city skyline. Those moments with her and the camera are some of the most fulfilling.
And finally, I’d say that any rooftop with views out over the city. When you're overlooking everything and you decide to capture that moment permanently are unique.
Do you have any references?
I think in terms of photography it has always been my friend, Marcos (Selector Marx). He was the one who gave me my first job opportunity and I’ll always be grateful for that. His work has had a significant influence on my style, and above all, on the values and respect for photography.
What is your best memory from Universidad Europea?
Definitely the teachers. We were so lucky that the teachers are working professionals themselves. I was able to learn so much from them in class, internships and events we were invited to.
I also have fond memories of the facilities on campus. I made the most of my time on the university set and took advantage of the equipment available, renting lenses or cameras whenever I could to practice and try out any ideas I had in mind.
Last but not least, my classmates. One of the things I looked forward to most about going to University was learning from my peers and seeing what they were up to. I’m very competitive and always enjoy trying to outdo myself, and I loved to see how far they pushed themselves. From a good and healthy point of view of course.
What advice would you give to a prospective student?
I think the best advice I can give is to make sure that they work hard and keep learning. As soon as I began my degree I tried to keep my eyes peeled for internships wherever I could, so I quickly realised what I liked and disliked.
Time at university flies by and there are so many opportunities you should make the most of.
