Dearest Gentle Reader,
By the time I figured out what I wanted to do, my high school and university classmates had already become doctors, lawyers, engineers, and architects. They are now living their dream careers. Meanwhile, I chose a different path—resetting my life yet again and, for the nth time, starting from zero in a new city among unfamiliar faces. While the advice "life is not a race" often rings true, it still felt like one, and I couldn’t shake the sense that I was falling behind.
This industry is new to me, and stepping into it was a risk I took willingly. I let go of the career I had begun to build—not that it was ever truly fulfilling—and jumped into the unknown. My résumé might show inconsistencies, as I’ve struggled to find my footing in past jobs. But I took this leap because I knew it was my last chance to create a life where my creative self could flourish. It took courage—courage to admit that I hadn’t yet found my path, courage to start over, and courage to get lost so I could find myself.
It’s been a long journey—ten years, four countries, seven cities, and countless sleepless nights. But through it all, I’ve discovered something invaluable: my passion for design, photography, videography, and storytelling. Yet, even as I revel in these pursuits, I often feel inadequate. My peers are more skilled, more confident, and better at presenting themselves. I’ve struggled daily with self-doubt, questioning whether I have what it takes to succeed in an industry that prizes communication skills and experience—areas where I know I fall short.
Despite this, I haven’t given up. I’ve learned to embrace my vulnerabilities and keep moving forward. Rejections have hurt, but they’ve also made me braver. They’ve taught me to trust that somewhere out there, someone will see past my imperfections and recognize my potential. Until then, I am committed to believing in myself and honing my craft.
This portfolio is my love letter to creativity. Every piece in it represents the sleepless nights and anxious moments spent pondering whether to fight or surrender. I am not where I want to be yet, but I am closer than I’ve ever been. To you, the one who has read this far, I ask for a chance. A chance to tell stories—not only my own, but also those of others. Stories that matter, stories that resonate, stories that inspire.
I might not have all the answers yet, but I bring with me an unwavering resolve, a boundless curiosity, and a deep desire to grow. I hope you’ll see the person behind the imperfections—a storyteller in search of a platform to create and thrive.
Forever seeking and dreaming,
Ivan Abille
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