Ysabel Pinyol wears many different hats. Since starting at Mana Contemporary seven years ago, she is now their curatorial director and oversees all of Mana’s locations: Jersey City, Chicago and Miami. With Karline Moeller she is the cofounder of Mana Residencies which equips artists with private studio space and unlimited access to on-site resources. Prior to working at Mana, Ysabel had her own gallery in her hometown of Barcelona, Spain. On top of all of that – Ysabel is a studied and trained architect. She uses her knowledge and abilities in architecture often when curating and designing exhibition layouts. Ysabel embodies commitment to vision and delivers constantly with her gorgeous and thought-provoking exhibitions. We sit down with her for some Frank Talk here.
What is the best piece of advice you can give about working in the art world?
It’s a small world, always be elegantly kind to others but stick to your principles.
What is something you encounter often with employees that tests your patience?
They too easily reach out for extra help when it is often unnecessary.
What has an employee done that happily surprised you?
Troubleshot options before asking for help, self-sufficient employees are highly valued.
What makes a person hirable?
A person that listens and seems confident about their own skills.
What is the most frowned upon trait for an employee?
Someone that shows their stress and shows disrespect too easily.
What are things a person can do to make them stand out in the workplace?
Positivity, a good sense of humor, and of course a strong work ethic.
What are things you can do proactively to boost your CV?
Take out the fillers and present your CV in an organized way.
What does professional mean to you?
An employee who understands the responsibilities of its role in the overall picture of the company, and the consequences that come with taking on that role.
Are there any tips you can give people entering the workforce?
Be a team player, know how to listen and when to speak. Try not to refuse to help your colleagues even if it is not necessarily part of your job. Be proactive.
