The Inspiration Behind the Design with Gabriela Pinto

CXD Studio is a women-owned content marketing agency based in Boston, Massachusetts that aids HubSpot for Startups in a number of content and design initiatives. Brazilian co-founder and designer, Gabriela Pinto, is an inspiration to aspiring Latino female entrepreneurs.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, HubSpot for Startups recently interviewed Gabriela to learn how she got her start in design, the origin of CXD Studio, and advice for aspiring designers.

An early interest in design

Hubspot for Startups: How did you get started in design? 

Gabriela: I started designing on MySpace at the age of 13. I created MySpace layouts, and instantly fell in love with graphic design.

I actually found my first design job on Craigslist—a design internship at a small email marketing company, where I ironically met my now best friend and business partner, Katherine Boyarsky.

The origin of CXD Studio

HSFS: How did you start your business?

Gabriela: Following our internships, Katherine and I were both working as independent freelancers. We started sharing clients, working together, and gaining momentum, prior to forming CXD Studio in 2017.

HSFS: What’s been the hardest part of owning a business?

Gabriela: The hardest part of owning a business is not knowing what’s going to come next, but that can also be the fun part. But, the most rewarding part for me is having the freedom to do anything, anytime, and being my own boss. 

The tools that spark creativity 

HSFS: What is your favorite tool to design in? 

Gabriela: My favorite tool to design in is Photoshop because it was the first software program I learned and it really allows me to be creative. I also like working in Generative Fill, a generative AI tool powered by Adobe Firefly that enables you to add and remove content from images using text prompts.

HSFS: What’s the hardest thing to learn as a designer? 

Gabriela: Being really precise and detail-oriented is difficult and it can be challenging to work with non-designers.

HSFS: What inspires you? 

Gabriel: I’m always scrolling in Dribble and Pinterest—two of my favorite design resources. 

“I love what I design, especially just the experimenting and testing aspect of it.” 

Advice for aspiring designers

HSFS: What’s your best advice as a creative director? 

Gabriela: It’s important to always take credit for your work, and to never let anyone else take credit for it and/or present it as their own. 

HSFS: What should small business owners focus on for 2024?

Gabriela: Always be at your best when it comes to creativity because that is what will always pay off. 

“Take whatever kind of opportunity comes your way, learn a lot on your own, and don't forget to build a portfolio, because you never know when you’re going to need it.” 

Finding inspiration 

HSFS: What’s one of your proudest accomplishments as a designer?

Gabriela: One of my proudest accomplishments as a designer was building my dream home.

HSFS: What is your next design challenge? 

Gabriela: I’m currently working on designing a new marketing product. 

Gabriela is most certainly an inspiration to aspiring female entrepreneurs. She herself is  inspired by fellow Latino business owner, Selena Gomez, and is admittedly a huge fan of her cosmetics line, Rare Beauty.

You can see samples of Gabby's work here.