E aí?
I am a photographer and graphic designer based in Italy
I’m Gabriel, a 21-year-old Brazilian daydreamer. People often describe my approach to life as analytical, and according to my analysis, they are absolutely right. Alongside this, an important trait of my personality is my adaptability. I thrive in diverse environments and enjoy stepping out of my comfort zone to explore the unknown.
From a young age, I was encouraged to be creative. Growing up in Brazil, my exposure to newer technology was somewhat limited, so I developed the habit of coming up with my own entertainment, whether that meant building treehouses, catapults, or experimenting with whatever I could get my hands on. Machines, in particular, seemed almost magical to me. I was fascinated by how they worked and would take apart just about anything to find out, much to my father’s frustration, since putting things back together wasn’t exactly my specialty as a kid. Looking back, I believe these experiences not only helped me overcome boredom but also fostered my problem-solving skills and taught me to think outside the box, a mindset that continues to shape how I approach challenges today.
After completing high school in Brazil at 17, I found myself in an anxious cycle, unsure of which path to take for my future. Eventually, I decided to take a leap of faith and move to Italy, despite having no idea what opportunities or challenges might lie ahead. Arriving without speaking a word of Italian certainly made things interesting. I barely spoke during my first two months at school, but by the third I was already finding my voice, and within six months I had become fairly fluent. That decision marked a turning point in my life, opening the door to countless learning experiences and significant personal growth.
Since then, I’ve found myself doing a little bit of everything. I’ve worked as a photographer, graphic designer, automotive mechanic and technician, electrician, taking on projects ranging from residential network installations to automotive modifications. I’ve also explored welding, web development, sailing and boat maintenence among other things. Some of these interests became jobs, while others remained hobbies, but almost all began with the same curiosity that had me dismantling things as a kid. I suppose I’ve never been particularly good at sticking to just one thing.
Education
-
Colégio Curitibano Adventista2011-2023
Here, I completed elementary, middle, and high school. Looking back, I realize how much I owe to my parents for their sacrifices to ensure I had access to a solid private education, capable of preparing me for my subsequent adventures. While there, I autonomously explored various subjects that fascinated me, turning me into a jack of all trades, always curious and eager to learn.
-
Liceo Artistico Giacomo e Pio Manzù2023-2025
Despite arriving from Brazil with no knowledge of Italian, the school was incredibly welcoming and quickly became like a second home to me. There, the attentive teachers – to whom i owe a great deal – encouraged me to explore various disciplines, drastically expanding my perspective. I delved into graphic design, brand and web design, UI/UX, art history, videomaking, and photography.
Work experience
-
Freelance photographer2023-2025
I’ve honed my skills in various scenarios, often offering my services for free whenever I encountered a photographic request i was unfamiliar with.
Capturing the fast-paced action of football games taught me to shoot quickly, mastering focus racking and timing.
Shooting in clubs helped me refine my ability to work in low-light environments, using flash to bring out the mood and energy of the moment.
While shooting portraits, I studied the behavior of light in the anatomy and learned how to highlight the unique beauty in every face. -
Freelance graphic designer2023-2025
I worked on a variety of projects, including designing business cards, logos, and album covers for my clients.
Collaborating on these designs taught me the importance of clear communication with clients, ensuring their vision was brought to life while meeting their needs effectively.