We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandra Pinto and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandra, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Over the time, I have learned that balance for me is learning how to manage the time for myself, the time for work and the time for hobbies and the time for friends and family. I started dividing everything in categories and before I start each week I write down my priorities for the self and for the work. Triple tasking doesn’t go with my way of being and the way I work. I also discovered that a way of productivity is being present at every moment of work and life, so when you tried to divide yourself in million pieces you’re also diving your energy, and not enjoying what you do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is all about creating visual harmony through geometry and color. Every time I’m on set, designing another campaign I look for three main components: rhyme, clean composition and color balance. I think what really sets me apart from others is the fact that I’m not only an art director, but a freelance designer and brand developer. The most exciting part of my job is having a different challenge everyday, and be in constant movement while keeping applying my principles of design for new emerging brands and also more stablished firms. Even though I haven’t had a rocky path, for sure getting where I’m right now haven’t been easy for me. I have worked for very long long hours to create a name in the industry, had even 3 part time jobs while living in New York when I just graduated from college and even some mistakes in the past had cost me a lot of money. I really believe that hard work pays off and creating a name in the fashion industry (like any other) isn’t easy, but also isn’t impossible. Thanks to my supportive family and friends I have overcome big challenges in my career, specially right after college when I started to become a freelancer. Another personal practices that keep me align and balanced are meditations, yoga and running. Whenever I have a very bad day at work or on set I just tried to do a step back and analyze from another perspective what’s happening and how I can plan a solution for it. Some of my favorite lessons I have learned so far is “going faster doesn’t mean you’re going further”, and I have learned this by being patience with my fashion brand, with my art direction work and my freelancer job as a fashion consultant. I want people to know that whatever I create, it doesn’t matter if it’s on set, if it’s a new design for Nodach (my swimwear brand), or if it’s a new project I’m taking on for a client I always create things with intention and love. I always invest myself fully in what I believe in and I’m sure bringing it to the picture will make others life better.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Miami is an interesting city, and even though I’m not living in the city anymore. I would for sure take one of my best friends on Friday night for lunch at carpaccio in Bal Habour and then to the beach at Sunny Isles. Then dinner would happen at KYU with their great lychee martinis and seafood appetizers. On a Saturday morning, I would go for a run around the beach (Miami Beach is always a great option) and then brunch at Pura Vida near south point park (to keep it healthy). If transportation is not a problem (you always need a car in Miami), I would suggest a walk around Merrick Park and then getting an early italian dinner at Sapore Di Mare to get their famous Cacio pepe with a white glass of wine (Italians know best). Then I would go to EAST rooftop for some more drinks and music. Finally on Sunday, to close the agenda, I would suggest going for a bike ride around Miami beach with water front view or paddle board at South Point Park and end the day with a beautiful Sunset at Purdy Avenue (Venetian Causeway) and dinner at los Fuegos with more wine (but this time red).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This shoutout goes to my family who always support my dreams and tough me how to create balance in my life. This also goes to Gaby Epelboim who became not only a business partner, a friend and a sister, but an inspiration in an out of the workplace. She’s one of the less egocentric and selfish persons I have ever met, and wherever she goes her talent and light vibrates high.

Website: https://www.mapi-nto.com/work
Instagram: @mapinto
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-alexandra-pinto-78b089108/

Image Credits
Gabriela Epelboim, Mario Alzate, Arianna Rovegno, Aliett

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