Carlos Vergara Interview(s)

What motivates you to be part of the PHNX Jury, and what do you hope to bring to the judging process?

Being a judge at festivals is always a great opportunity to learn, and PHNX offers the chance to share criteria with fellow jurors, creating a new space that minimizes subjectivity.

I look forward to seeing fresh ideas and a high level of craft in their execution.

PHNX has always been about celebrating creativity in all its forms. What new perspectives or disciplines do you think deserve more recognition in award shows today?

Beyond questioning new perspectives or disciplines, we should ask ourselves whether we are awarding beautifully crafted case studies or truly impactful ideas.

Which countries or regions do you think are leading the creative field right now? And which emerging markets should we look out for?

Colombia has redefined the Media category, consistently proving year after year that true innovation through creativity is possible.

Ecuador is an emerging market gaining significant regional prominence in festivals, carving out an important place on the global stage.

What trends or cultural shifts do you think will define the most impactful creative work this year?

Music and artists are the ones who truly drive cultural change. As creatives, we have the opportunity to capitalize on these shifts that people embrace and leverage them for the benefit of brands.

If you could give one piece of advice to agencies and creatives submitting their work, what would it be?

Study advertising, but not in an academic way, rather historically. Look at what has been done in previous years, what’s happening in other markets, and turn that curiosity into a constant habit of wanting to know and learn about the business of ideas. We get paid to think and find new ways to communicate what everyone else is already saying, but in a different way. It’s a pleasure to work in this field, and you just have to enjoy the process.

Which creative minds are inspiring you the most right now?

My biggest visual source of inspiration comes from movies, TV shows, and music videos. My inspiration also comes from stand-up comedians: Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, Franco Escamilla, and Sofía Niño de Rivera. You can find great insights in their speeches.