Interview with Avelino Pombo

Craft. You. Interview
Avelino Pombo

Photo Copyright Joshua Thomas ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Avelino Pombo is one of those rare few who seem to have discovered the key to embracing life with absolute and unfettered joy. We are friends on Facebook and his profile pictures are always, always so delightful, funny and fun, just seeing them is like an instant blast of sunshine. Avelino is Director of Development for JOHLT Productions. He has had a hand in some of the most well known shows on cable TV as a talent scout, director, show runner and producer. He is also a talented artist and photographer with an affinity for creating beautiful and varied portraits of birds.

* Welcome to Craft. You., Avelino! It’s so exciting to get to know you a little better and to share your joie de vivre with our readers.  You have a really cool job. You’ve been involved with some of my favorite shows on cable TV. Tell us a little about what you do and how you got there.

I’m responsible for finding talent and developing television shows for national cable networks. I discovered the world of television production when I was an advertising producer right out of college and have been fortunate enough to be doing it ever since.

Copyright Avelino Pombo ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

* Did you always know what you wanted to do with your life?

I always knew I wanted to do something artistic and creative at a very young age. One of my first memories was drawing on a dresser with my moms make up pencils. I never stopped drawing, creating, crafting. My television side is another way to express my creativity and I love what I do.

* You seem to be such a happy person. That kind of happiness is truly infectious. Do you think that doing what you love informs that happiness and if so, in what ways?

Yes, I am very happy. I try to surround myself with beautiful things, hand made things and people I love. I believe that you should love what you do, do what you love. Even if your job isn’t fulfilling your creative side, look for creative things to do in the evenings or on the weekends for yourself. I love creating things for myself, for friends and family. I’ve been crafting my own greeting cards for over 20 years for example. We exchange art and photography too. I have things my friends have made for me in my house. Its the little things that make me happy.

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* Why birds? I am curious to know what drives your art and what intrigues you about birds? Is there a deeper meaning behind that topic and if so, can you share it?

I love birds! They can fly. Aside from that they are very beautiful, simple yet very detailed with feathers, textures and colors. My family is of Portuguese descent. My last name Pombo, translates to dove in Portuguese. I also grew up with dozens of cockatiels, parakeets, turpials, and love birds as pets. They have always been part of my life. I’ve been drawing them since I can remember.

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* Lots of folks want to be on TV, what do you look for when you’re casting? Is there really an x-factor and if so, what do you think it is?

When I am casting for television shows, I always look for a bigger-than-life personality. Someone who is passionate about they do. They have to be relatable, likable, super outgoing, and fun! Its easy to create a show around a mover and a shaker. Someone who would do what ever they were doing already (cooking, design, travel) in excess- even if they didn’t have cameras on them already.

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* At Craft. You., we’re all about turning lemons into tasty strawberry fizzy lemonade. What is your recipe for crafting joy in the face of opposition?

There is only one rule for me... there are no rules to art. That’s what so awesome about it. Create what YOU want because YOU love it. The rest will follow.

Copyright Avelino Pombo ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

* What’s next for Avelino? Are you working on any new shows we should look for in the future?

I’m always up to something! In my career life, I am working on a cooking show, a paranormal show, real estate show, design show, wedding show, blended family show, animal show... the list goes on and on. I am juggling over a dozen shows and networks at one time. That’s how I roll (and I love it!). In my personal life I try to create at least 5 pieces of art for myself and for friends if not more.

*Where can we find your art? 

A: . You can find my art on my Facebook Art Page: {Pombo Art}