Javier Osorio

Interview by Visual Collaborative
July 2020 4 min read

Javier Osorio is a freelance Creative Director and Writer based in Chicago, Illinois. He explores new ways to create narratives that connect brands with their audiences, in any language, length, channel, format, and shape. As a feature in our Amplified interview series, Javier shares insights on his approach to creation, collaborations, and discusses valuable work that diverse audiences can expect in the future.

(VC) Outside all your accomplishments and awards, who is Javier Osorio?

(Javier) Over time, I finally learned not to worry about things that I cannot control. That defined who I am today. I’m just a man who makes his own rules and values and spends most of his time doing the things he likes with the people he loves while ignoring the things that don’t give him pleasure.

(VC) Some designers outside of work hours of the corporate industry are unable to switch off, due to obsessive-compulsive sorting habits, do you find yourself arranging things and spaces in your regular life?

(Javier) My search for ideas never stops, the secret is to learn how to keep the creative radar always on, in a way that feels as intuitive and seamless as breathing.

(VC) The rapid re-emergence of AI and now Design Thinking is a mixed bag of reality and a saturation of buzzwords. What is one educational approach you use to justify these services to older and seasoned clientele?

(Javier) Big Data helps us understand the cultural and mental context in which our messages will live. But technology can never replace the sensibility needed to create messages that connect with the human fiber profoundly.

(VC) A perfect world does not exist, but if one did what core values ​​would you make a staple in your immediate community?

(Javier) I would love to live in a world founded on truth. I believe that most of the damage humanity has suffered is because of lies. I would love to live in a more honest and transparent society.

Physical distance gives us more flexibility to manage our time, but at the same time, it takes away the intimacy we need for not being afraid to say something stupid. No one wants to say something stupid on a Zoom call. And sometimes, we need some stupidity to create significant and beautiful ideas

(VC) Many organizations, like the media, shape society’s perceptions about awareness, what does self-awareness mean to you?

(Javier) Self-awareness is having the confidence to take advantage of your strengths and the humility to accept your weaknesses.

(VC) How has the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic affected your outlook on life as it relates to your creative collaborations and partnerships?

(Javier) Physical distance gives us more flexibility to manage our time, but at the same time, it takes away the intimacy we need for not being afraid to say something stupid. No one wants to say something stupid on a Zoom call. And sometimes, we need some stupidity to create significant and beautiful ideas.

(VC) Some mention different historical times as a period they admire for affluence or culture. If you can time-warp to any era to collaborate with its culture, what time would it be?

(Javier) Definitely the Renaissance. I find it fascinating how art, at that time, came to play the role that technology plays today.

(VC) In your quiet or noisy moments, how do you get inspired? What makes you work the way you do. Do you seek religion or spirituality like others for inspiration?

(Javier) I love music. Both to listen to it and to study it. I like to take songs apart and see how they were created and built. Find the magic ingredient on them. The power of a song to generate emotions is fascinating. I also love riding my bike. It feels like pure freedom and also takes me back to my childhood.

(VC) What kind of work can the world expect from Javier within the next two years?

(Javier) Lately, my work is more focused on giving added value to the brands I work for, rather than impressing my peers. I have already proved to myself that my creativity can be entertaining and surprising. Now I want to discover how I can use it to solve more complex and fascinating communicational puzzles.

In other words, expect less flash and more substance.