Herbert Hernandez – GIGIL Co-Founder Philippines

Herbert Hernandez is a man of many talents, seamlessly blending his passion for music with an impressive career in advertising. As a guitarist for the renowned bands 6cyclemind and Moonstar88, Herbert Hernandez has played a key role in shaping the Filipino music scene. Outside of his musical pursuits, he has also made a name for himself as a co-founder of the award-winning advertising agency GIGIL.

Through his dual career, Herbert Hernandez demonstrates how creativity and leadership can thrive in multiple fields, making him an influential figure in both music and advertising. The following text is an in-depth interview where Hernandez shares his experiences, philosophies, and aspirations.

The Role of Mentorship in Your Career

How has mentorship influenced your professional journey?

Mentorship has played a significant role in shaping my career. I’ve been involved in mentoring roles from a young age. In high school, I was the president of the Student Council, and in college, I continued to manage and lead teams, gaining essential leadership experience. These early experiences taught me responsibility and how to guide others, which have been invaluable throughout my career. On the flip side, being a mentee also shaped me. I was fortunate to have senior mentors during my college years who shared their expertise and industry experiences with me. Their insights allowed me to adopt techniques and shortcuts that helped me work more efficiently and avoid unnecessary pitfalls. This guidance and support became a solid foundation, especially when I transitioned into the recording industry, helping me navigate the early stages of my career with more confidence and preparedness.

Creativity and Inspiration

How do you maintain creativity and stay inspired in such a dynamic industry?

Staying creative requires being open to new experiences and constantly seeking inspiration. I often remind myself that I’m a lifelong learner. Creativity thrives on inspiration, so I expose myself to beautiful and creative things. The adage ‘garbage in, garbage out’ applies here. The quality of what you create is influenced by the quality of what you consume. Playing in a band also plays a big role in my creative process. Performing gigs in different locations exposes me to various mindsets and subcultures, which enriches my creative wellspring. Additionally, engaging in activities like reading, visiting museums, and listening to new music allows me to gather fresh perspectives, which often fuel my work. In an industry as fast-paced and ever-changing as this, keeping an open mind and constantly looking for new sources of inspiration is crucial to staying ahead.

Misconceptions in Creative Directing

What is a common misconception about being a creative director you’d like to address?

A prevalent misconception is that one must be inherently creative to succeed as a creative director. Creativity is not an innate trait exclusive to a select few; everyone begins life creatively. Over time, societal norms often box us into thinking there are right and wrong ideas. Creative directors are not the most creative individuals; rather, they are the ones who dare to choose ideas from the ‘wrong’ bin. They are unafraid to make mistakes and take risks. In fact, one of the key qualities of a creative director is the ability to foster creativity in others and guide teams toward pushing boundaries. Being creative is about being willing to explore new possibilities, even if they seem unconventional, and having the confidence to bring those ideas to life.

Taking Risks in Career

Can you share a moment where a career risk paid off for you?

I began my career in the music industry as an instrumentalist. Initially, I tried songwriting for our band Moonstar88’s first album, but those attempts were cringe-worthy. However, I didn’t give up. I took songwriting more seriously for our second album, which led to me becoming the chief writer for our band. This risk of embracing songwriting has been rewarding and an integral part of my journey in the music industry. Writing songs became a way for me to express ideas that I couldn’t articulate as a musician alone, and it eventually opened new doors for me, both within and beyond the band. It taught me that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to growth and opportunities that you might not have anticipated.

Balancing Passions and Professional Life

How do you manage personal passions alongside professional demands?

Balancing my passions with professional commitments is an ongoing effort. I adhere to a mindset of doing my best without excuses. For me, managing time is not just a concept but a form of divine intervention, which I refer to as God’s management. I’m grateful for the support of my agency’s account management and administration team, which helps in organize my schedule effectively. This team-based support is key, as it allows me to pursue both my personal interests, such as playing in a band while meeting the demands of my professional responsibilities. The flexibility and understanding of my team make it possible to excel in both areas without feeling overwhelmed.

Collaborating and Fostering Creativity

What do you enjoy most about collaboration, and how do you maintain creativity within your team?

Collaboration allows one to achieve goals beyond one’s individual capabilities. I’m not a singer, but through collaboration with my bandmates, we can create music. To nurture creativity within my team, it’s crucial that everyone is aligned with the project’s objectives. I advise against early-stage editing during the creative process, encouraging free thought, fun, and the sharing of all ideas. This approach fosters an environment where creativity can flourish. Moreover, I believe that a collaborative spirit is key to innovation, and when people feel their ideas are valued, they contribute more meaningfully to the overall success of a project.

Impactful Advice and Leadership

Has there been advice that profoundly impacted your business or leadership approach?

Absolutely. An impactful piece of advice came from Director Paul Basinilio, who said there are three types of people in the world: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who don’t know what happened. This insight motivated me to be a creator, not just a spectator. I strive to be proactive and embrace the role of a content creator. This advice also shaped the way I approach leadership, as I now encourage my team to be the kind of people who make things happen, driving projects forward with initiative and creativity.

Aspirations and Future Endeavors

What are your aspirations for the next five years, both professionally and personally?

Professionally, my goal is for everyone at GIGIL, our agency, to succeed. I dream of making GIGIL known globally to attract more honors and work for the Philippines. Personally, I hope to age gracefully, maintaining balance and fulfillment in life. I also aspire to continue pursuing my musical passions while balancing my professional endeavors, always striving for personal growth.

Authenticity and Creative Boundaries

How do you ensure your projects remain authentic while pushing creative boundaries?

Authenticity is maintained by being deeply familiar with a brand’s DNA—its voice and purpose. The better you understand these elements, the easier it is to innovate without losing authenticity. This knowledge allows for unique expressions tailored to the brand.

In conclusion, Herbert Hernandez embodies the essence of a modern-day creative powerhouse. Through his work in advertising and music, he continues to inspire and innovate. Hernandez’s journey is a testament to the power of mentorship, continuous learning, and the courage to take creative risks. As he continues to expand his influence, his story offers valuable insights and inspiration to those aspiring to make a mark in creative fields.

Original Source: https://thebossmagazine.com/herbert-hernandez-gigil-co-founder/