Aitor Bigas of Modern Post on Perfection and Dedication

Drumming for punk bands as a teen sparked his creativity

Aitor is an editor for film and television. His portfolio features Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Miu Mi and Calvin Klein, as well as music videos for A$AP Rocky, Bad Bunny, Arca, Björk, Playboi Carti and Rosalía. 

Beyond film, Aitor’s pursuits include drumming, photography and art. Most recently, he released E42, the fifth photography book through his publishing house, PROGRESSO. 

We spent two minutes with Aitor to learn more about his background, his creative inspirations and recent work he’s admired. 

Aitor, tell us …

Aitor, tell us …

Where you grew up, and where you live now.

I grew up in a small town in northern Catalonia, near France, surrounded by mountains, forests and nature—a beautiful place. When I was 18, I moved to Barcelona. Last year, I spent a few months in Paris, which was an incredible experience with an amazing vibe. A few months ago, I moved to NYC, where my agency, Modern Post, is based.

How you first realized you were creative.

I’ve always had a strong connection to music. At 15, I started playing drums and singing in punk bands. I suppose that’s when I discovered my creative vision. I still play drums in post-punk and indie bands today.

A person you idolize creatively early on. 

I admire my girlfriend Gemma Penya. She is a wonderful person and a talented visual researcher working across the fields of art, fashion and culture. She delves into digital and physical archives. Gemma’s ability to fill her research with depth and emotion motivates me to pursue my own passions with the same energy.

A moment from high school or college that changed your life.

When I started the Cinema School internship at ScannerFM, where I began editing music videos.

A visual artist or band/musician you admire.

Andrei Tarkovsky. The one and only. The legend. No introduction needed. His work speaks for itself.

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A book, movie, TV show or podcast you recently found inspiring.

My dearest uncle passed away a few weeks ago. During this time, I read On Death and Dying (1969) by psychologist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. This book explores the five stages of death: denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. It uses interviews and conversations to provide a deeper understanding of how imminent death affects patients, medical professionals and families. 

One of your favorite creative projects you’ve ever worked on. 

“From Model to Marble,” directed by Manson (2020) and “This Is Not A House,” directed by me (2021). Both were projects where I had complete creative and narrative freedom when it came to editing. Those are the videos where I perfected my style, heavily influenced by rhythm and fast cuts.

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Someone else’s work that inspired you years ago.

All of Tyrone Lebon’s early video work:

Frank Ocean – Nike (2016)

Calvin Klein– #mycalvins global campaign (2016)

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“Reely and Truly” (2014):

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Someone else’s work you admired lately.

Marria Pratts, a great artist and friend. 

Your main strength as a creative person.

Perfection, perseverance and dedication are key.

Your biggest weakness.

I never feel it’s enough.

A mentor who helped you navigate the industry.

Luís Cerveró. A legendary director from Spain, founder of Canada, O Agency and Terranova Editorial. He was the one who gave me a helping hand as I stepped into the commercial world.

How you’re paying it forward with the next generation of creatives.

I hope that my work serves as inspiration for the next generation, motivating them to follow their creative passions and explore new ideas.

What you’d be doing if you weren’t in advertising.

My favorite audiovisual projects tend to be those related to architecture and product design. My younger brother is studying architecture. Watching him pursue his studies with such dedication has rekindled my interest in the field.