Alune Stories: Agustina Padilla

1) What’s something that you think defines you well to someone who doesn’t know you? It can be a characteristic, a hobby, or an interest.

I think one thing that defines me well is my love for documentaries. I'm a very curious person who enjoys exploring new stories, learning about different perspectives, and understanding the complexities of the world. I’m also passionate about creativity, which plays a big role in my personal and professional life. Whether it's brainstorming ideas or solving challenges, I love finding innovative approaches to things.

Beyond that, I have a strong interest in topics like gender equality and diversity, which reflect my values and drive my commitment to making a positive impact. I enjoy connecting with people through meaningful conversations and thrive in collaborative environments where ideas can flow freely. 

2) Can you tell us a bit about your career in design?

I have been working in the field of graphic design for 8 years, with the last 5 years focused on advertising. Throughout this journey, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the creative process, from conceptualizing ideas to bringing them to life through art and design, and ensuring their successful execution. Currently, I’m an Art Director at Alva, an independent Uruguayan agency known for its dedication to sustainability, gender-inclusive communication, and diversity.

In my role, I oversee the entire creative journey, ensuring that each project transitions seamlessly from the artistic and design stages to its final implementation. I’m passionate about combining creativity and strategy to craft impactful campaigns that engage audiences while reflecting meaningful values.

I’ve also been fortunate to participate in both local and international creative festivals, which have allowed me to connect with different creative processes and perspectives from around the world. These experiences have enriched my approach to design, providing me with fresh insights and a broader vision of how creativity can drive meaningful change.

What I enjoy most about my work is the opportunity to tell visual stories that inspire action, all while contributing to causes that align with my commitment to inclusivity.

3) How would you define design? What does it mean to you?

For me, design is not just about aesthetics, it’s a tool for communication, a way to tell stories, and an opportunity to impact how people see and interact with the world around them.

Design also represents freedom—the freedom to imagine, experiment, and innovate. It’s about pushing boundaries, challenging the status quo, and turning ideas into something tangible that can evoke emotions, spark conversations, or drive change.

At its core, design is a bridge between function and emotion, combining strategy and artistry to create solutions that are both beautiful and effective. To me, it’s not just a profession, but a way of thinking and approaching the world with curiosity and intention.

4) Is there a project in your portfolio that you particularly enjoyed working on and would like to share with us?

In 2022, together with my creative partner Maite Spinelli, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the El Ojo de Iberoamérica advertising festival, where we won a Bronze award for a project called Art Stock. This idea, developed alongside Annabella Gonzales and Felipe Bustelo, aimed to create a collaborative image bank featuring posters that advocate for various social causes.

This project holds a special place in my portfolio because it was my first experience engaging with the international advertising industry. Beyond the recognition, it was inspiring to see how creativity can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and driving change. It also taught me the value of collaboration and how diverse perspectives can come together to create something truly impactful. It’s a project that continues to remind me why I’m so passionate about what I do.

5) Could you share a reference, something that inspires you or that you really admire in your field?

Currently, a major source of inspiration for me is Africa Creative, a Brazilian agency. I really admire their innovative approach and the storytelling behind their ideas. I think they are a fresh, forward-thinking agency that is making a strong impact in the region. Their work consistently combines creativity with purpose, which is something I deeply value and aspire to in my own projects.

6) As a former student at the school, could you share a bit about your experience and what you enjoyed most?

For me, taking the Art Direction 101 course was an incredibly enriching experience and a real eye-opener. It provided me with tools and perspectives that I still rely on today. Whenever I face a creative block or need to start a new project, I revisit the bibliography and materials we covered during the course—they’ve become a valuable source of inspiration.

Eduarda Nieto was also a huge influence and an incredible role model in the industry. I learned so much from her, and as we say in Uruguay, ''Está zarpada”.

Brazil holds a very special place in my heart, not only because of its culture and aesthetics but also because of its rich visual and collective imagination, which deeply resonates with me due to my family history. I feel a strong connection to its creative energy and codes, which made this experience even more meaningful.

Follow Agustina Padilla on LinkedIn, and Behance.

Keep reading in our library:

Alune Stories: Kaylee Reynolds, Artist & Designer.

A View on Design: with Victor Belinatti, Design Lead at Work&Co.

Meet Julia B. Aguiar & Carlos Bocai — instructors of the Decoding Identities course.