Newsletter
2 Minutes With … Pepe Funegra, CD at Droga5
On 'We Can Talk About It' and an obsession for simplifying creative work
Pepe is a Peruvian-born creative director. With over 15 years of experience, he has led award-winning projects at some of the best creative shops in the U.S., like Mother, CP+B, 72andsunny and Droga5.
We spent two minutes with Pepe to learn more about his background, his creative inspirations and recent work he’s admired.
Pepe, tell us …
Where you grew up, and where you live now.
I grew up in front of the Pacific Ocean in Lima, Peru. Now, I live very close to the East River in Brooklyn.
How you first realized you were creative.
A strong realization of my “creativity” happened after failing in every sport known to humanity. I sought refuge in books. And within those pages, I discovered my ability to invent stories, create new worlds and let my imagination run wild.
A person you idolized creatively early on.
Iggy Pop and Jim Jarmusch, both are deeply committed to their craft and true to themselves. Here they are, flipping the finger to the whole world during the premiere of their documentary.
A visual artist or band/musician you admire.
I always go back to Magritte. And I love the raw punk energy of Raymond Pettibon.
Your favorite fictional character.
I’ve always loved the wackiness and optimism of Special Agent Dale Cooper from Twin Peaks.
Someone or something worth following on social media.
To lose hope in humans: favetiktoks LOL. To have hope in yourself: dailystoic.
One of your favorite creative projects you’ve ever worked on.
“The Self Destructing Book” by James Patterson.
A recent project you’re proud of.
A campaign that’s very close to my heart, full of emotion and about something we’re all dealing with: “We Can Talk About It” for the Ad Council.
Someone else’s work that inspired you years ago.
Levi’s “Odyssey” by Jonathan Glazer blew my mind and allowed me to believe that everything is possible in advertising.
Someone else’s work you admired lately.
“Clash From the Past,” no doubt.
Your main strength as a creative person.
My obsession with simplifying things.
Your biggest weakness.
I fall in love with the work too much. Most likely Latino passion.
What you’d be doing if you weren’t in advertising.
I’d probably be a bad painter. Or a famous writer with permanent writer’s block after a first successful book, like Jep Gambardella from La Grande Belleza.
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.
