About Pieralberto
Pieralberto has an impressive career working for world famous brands like Highsnobiety, Panerai and Brooks running. His clean yet expressive aesthetic caught our attention and it turned out he's an amazing and friendly guy that love to share his view on the creative process.
How do you define beauty in your work, and what elements do you consider essential to achieving it?
Beauty’s hard to pin down because it changes with every project. But in general, I find it in authenticity. I love images that feel honest — real people, real traits, not overly retouched or forced. I want the work to breathe. I’m also a maniac for details. Tiny things most people might overlook, like the way a fabric folds or the glance between two people. Once you see them, they add this extra layer that makes the work richer. To me, that’s where beauty often hides — not in the obvious, but in the subtle.
What rituals or routines do you follow when starting a new project? Is there something that always sparks your creativity?
I’m wired to be curious, so research isn’t just a ritual, it’s almost a compulsion. Whenever I start something new, I dive in — reading, collecting references, building moodboards. But honestly, it never stops. Even when I’m not working on a brief, I’m screenshotting, bookmarking, snapping photos on walks. I like keeping a steady flow of inspiration, so when a project comes up, my brain already has this internal library to draw from. That first messy phase — pulling ideas from everywhere — is probably my favorite part of the process.
Is there a specific piece you've created that feels like a perfect reflection of your aesthetic vision? What makes it so special to you?
It might sound like a cop-out, but truly, it’s always the next one. I love the chase — figuring out how to push things, tweak my approach, apply what I’ve learned from past projects. There’s this moment in every new piece where I see a clearer reflection of my taste and sensibility. It’s a moving target, which is actually what makes it exciting. I’m not sure I ever want to feel like I’ve nailed it completely, because then what’s left to explore?
When editing photos (or being in any other creative process), do you have a go-to soundtrack or playlist that sets the mood? How does music influence your creative flow?
Music is essential for me. I can’t really work without it. But it changes constantly — it depends on how I’m feeling, what kind of project it is, even the weather. Some days it’s dark, driving techno that helps me lock in and get meticulous with edits. Other days it’s something softer, like jazz or piano, which pulls me into a more reflective space. I love curating playlists for each mood. It’s almost like scoring a film, but for my own headspace. If you’re curious, I’d happily share my Spotify — it’s a bit all over the place, but that’s part of the fun.
What do you think makes a photograph timeless? Is there a common thread that you believe connects iconic images?
For me, it’s the realness. A timeless photo captures something human and unrepeatable — a fleeting expression, a bit of chaos, a quiet truth. It doesn’t rely on trends or perfection; it hits because it feels genuine. That’s why I’ve always been drawn to photographers like Cartier-Bresson, Doisneau, and Robert Frank. They could frame a moment so it felt both specific and universal. I think that’s the magic trick: telling a story that’s deeply personal, yet resonates with anyone who sees it.
