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Checha Agost Carreño of Founders on Perseverance
Getting kicked out of high school was a blessing in disguise
Checha is the founder and CCO of the Founders agency in NYC.
We spent two minutes with Checha to learn more about his background, his creative inspirations and recent work he’s admired.
Checha, tell us …
Where you grew up, and where you live now.
I grew up in Buenos Aires, and I now live between Buenos Aires, New York, Miami and Mexico due to our clients, projects and offices.
How you first realized you were creative.
I realized that I didn’t fit into the structured/corporate world during high school—everything felt very boring to me. I was kicked out of high school at age 15 by the priest who ran the school, at which point I decided I wanted to pursue something more creative than math or science.
A person you idolized creatively early on.
A moment from high school or college that changed your life.
When I left college to start working at an agency (for free) as a copywriter intern.
A visual artist or band/musician you admire.
A book, movie, TV show or podcast you recently found inspiring.
Trevor Noah’s podcast is always a great inspiration.
One of your favorite creative projects you’ve ever worked on.
“DNA Discounts” for Aeromexico. A wonderful project that became part of pop culture in Mexico.
A recent project you’re proud of.
The “We Love NYC” campaign to reignite the City of New York after the pandemic is one of those projects that makes us feel so proud. It is viewed as the most successful campaign in NYC’s history, with phenomenal engagement.
Someone else’s work that inspired you years ago.
Guinness’ “Surfer.” An amazing piece of work, well ahead of its time and still relevant today.
Someone else’s work you admired lately.
I like what Mischief and Rethink are doing. Best in class in our industry and an inspiration for indie agencies like us.
Your main strength as a creative person.
Never give up.
Your biggest weakness.
Never give up.
A mentor that helped you navigate the industry.
What you’d be doing if you weren’t in advertising.
Standup comedian.
2 Minutes With is our regular interview series where we chat with creatives about their backgrounds, creative inspirations, work they admire and more. For more about 2 Minutes With, or to be considered for the series, please get in touch.
