Meet Manuel Betancourt: International Creator, Creative Director & Entrepreneur

In the vibrant world of visual creation, Manuel Betancourt stands out as a multifaceted artist, entrepreneur, and creative director.

Manuel’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion and dedication. While his roots lie in Valencia, Venezuela, he considers Dublin, Ireland his artistic home. This article dives into creative ethos, exploring Manuel’s inspirations, artistic influences, and the driving force behind his success. As a creator he has worked with brands such as: Jameson, Zalando, 3arena, Jo Malone, Red Bull, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros among others. 

We had the opportunity to interview Manuel about his journey through creating, unique challenges as an entrepreneur, advice for aspiring creators, and more!

Where do you consider your artistic home? 

Ireland is where I truly began creating art. I consider it my second home. I have a deep love for Dublin, its people, and its traditions, and I believe these have greatly influenced my early steps in photography and creation. 

What brought you into creating? 

The way of transforming something simple into something meaningful. I fell completely in love with how a single image could express so much without needing words or a language and being able to capture a photograph, whether in front of the lens or behind it, is an incredible feeling. 

Did you go to school to study visuals? 

No, I never studied visuals, I became completely addicted to consuming content like tutorials related to photography and video, to the point where I almost lost my partner at the time due to my obsession to be better and better at photography every day. But I have no regrets otherwise, I wouldn’t be here today doing this article with you. 

Which camera do you use? 

I use the Sony a7 IV.

We all know being an artist and an entrepreneur has it’s own unique challenges. What led you to go this route? 

The ability to create and challenge myself everyday so I can share that with my clients, friends, and anyone who feels connected to my art is what drives me. I still remember seeing a completely random person wearing a hoodie from my clothing brand or the happiness of my first client with the photography/video I created for them. It’s something I’m deeply passionate about. I’ve always viewed art as what it truly is: ART, without thinking about how much money it might bring. I think that’s what has allowed things to flow in a better way.

The Fox Magazine is all about inspiration, what/who inspires you the most? 

We’re usually inspired by a character from a movie, series, or a creator on social media, but the person who has always been my main source of inspiration is my mom. I never had a father, and many times I witnessed all the things my mom had to do to raise my sister and myself. Today, I am who I am thanks to her! 

What are the elements that make a visual beautiful? 

A visual has many elements that make it beautiful, such as texture, composition, color, and rhythm. But speaking from my own creative process, I really enjoy exploring places that give a minimalist unique concept to my visuals.

 

How much artistic freedom do you like having when given a project? 

Our photography and video company, called “A Film by Two,” which I run together with my brother Why-Axis, has been characterized by producing clean, unique, and high-quality work. It’s common for clients to present a brief for their projects, but the reason they come to us is for the art we express in each of our works. This has led us to collaborate with companies such as Sony Pictures, Warner Bros, Disaronno, Carpe Omnia, Hyundai, Tia Maria, among others. 

If you had to choose one lens to use forever, which one would it be and why?

The lens that started it all: the 50mm. 

What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you? 

I’d say that not everything is reflected in my social media content. In person, I enjoy talking, connecting, and helping whenever needed. 

What’s your best advice for aspiring creators? 

START CREATING BUT START NOW! Transform that content you consume into skills and improve it every day. There’s nothing more beautiful than turning ideas into reality. 

What photography or art-related motto, quote or words to live by helps keep you inspired? 

“See the invisible, capture the impossible.”

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