Doing what you love for your career is what we all dream of. For Milton De Paul, he gets to live his dream every day. Milton has been in the creative field since 18 years old and has made his way to becoming the Art Director of Samuel & Sons. For the last five years, he has created and designed incredible pieces for each of their campaigns, using their finest and highly acclaimed trimming. Milton’s work has been featured in many publications such as Veranda, Traditional Home, and House Beautiful. Introducing this week’s Maker Monday, Milton De Paul.
This sketch came to life as it became an installation of five trimmed cakes, each paying tribute to a collection De Paul has launched every year since working at Samuel & Sons. This creation eventually won the Elle Decoration best in show.
Andrew Joseph: What’s inspiring you in life (in the industry) right now?
Milton De Paul: The world has changed so much in the last few months, and something that I find truly inspiring is the way everyone in the industry has adapted and continued being creative, working hard and as a whole, figuring out what the future will look like in terms of interiors, how we will keep our spaces beautiful and at the same time functional.
Andrew: Dream project to take on?
Milton: My dream project is to design the production of a Broadway show or Ballet. The stage, costumes, lighting, etc. I started being creative with theater and it is something I always wish I’d go back to one way or another.
Milton created these custom made match boxes with colorful fabric trim for Samuel & Sons’ March campaign.
Andrew: Vintage or new?
Milton: Vintage for furniture or accessories, and new for clothes!
Andrew: Style (or design) icon?
Milton: Alexander McQueen. I actually became a fan of his work when I was only 18 and not many people (at least in my town) knew who he was. I immersed myself with his work for years: his tailoring, details and his level of creativity, which I believe there are no words to describe, was such an inspiration and still is. I was devastated the day I found out he passed away, but I’m still a huge fan of his work and legacy.
This sheep was entirely made of pom-poms and wooden features. This was part of the “Tres Sheep” collection in January, featuring Samuel & Sons trims.
Andrew: Must have clothing item everyone should have?
Milton: A perfect fit, crisp, white button-down shirt.
About The Maker | As a youth, Milton cut his creative teeth on theater stage and costume design. Leaving his native El Salvador at nineteen, he made New York his playground, nurturing his imagination and creative vision. Formally educated in graphic design and video production, his extensive experience as an Art Director and Product Designer placed him at the creative helm of prominent companies and independent clients. He is currently Samuel & Sons Art Director where he manages all aspects branding and marketing, as well as its showrooms’ visual merchandising and events worldwide.
Andrew Joseph is a regular contributing editor for ASPIRE DESIGN AND HOME magazine. See more of his work here.
Catch Milton De Paul and Andrew Joseph in conversation on Monday, July 13th at 4:00 p.m. (EST). Click here to register!