We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Irene Barciela a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Irene, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I keep my creativity alive in the world of tuning, especially in the unique Rat Style and my foray into drifting, combining passion, inspiration and constant experimentation. From mechanical preparation to aesthetic customisation, my focus is to challenge the established rules of automotive tuning. I seek inspiration from motoring culture, art and street fashion, adapting new ideas to my distinctive style. Each tuning is an expression of my dedication to creating something unique and exciting, both on the road and at the heart of each vehicle.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am passionately dedicated to the world of mechanics, where I find a unique connection between technical skills and creativity. In addition to my main job as a mechanic, I spend my spare time honing my skills both aesthetically and mechanically, preparing my own cars to reach their full potential, and I base my aesthetics on the Rat Style.
Participating in motorsport events is another exciting facet of my life. The opportunity to immerse myself in an environment where innovation and speed are at the forefront is something that constantly inspires me.
On the other hand, I am also starting to drift with my Volvo 740 and really, it is a facet that fills me a lot and that really makes me very happy and feel at ease in those moments of adrenaline.
I also share my passion and knowledge through Instagram, where a community of 95,000 people share my enthusiasm for motorsport. It’s rewarding to be able to connect with people who share my passion and inspire others to explore this exciting world.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities, skills or areas of knowledge that most influenced my career path are:
1. Technical knowledge in automotive mechanics: My ability to understand the intricate mechanical systems of vehicles has been fundamental to my career as a mechanic. This knowledge allows me to diagnose and troubleshoot problems efficiently, as well as perform both cosmetic and mechanical modifications with precision and safety. I still have a long way to go but persistence and interest are the main basis for me to become a good mechanic.
2. Creativity and aesthetic skills: The ability to think creatively and visualise how to transform a car into a work of art is essential in my field. Combining technical skills with an aesthetic vision allows me to create unique vehicles that stand out in any environment.
3. Ability to build and maintain a community: The ability to connect with others who are passionate about the automotive world has been crucial in my professional development. Building and maintaining a strong community both at events and on online platforms has provided me with opportunities to learn, grow and share my passion with others.
For those who are at the beginning of their journey, my advice would be:
– Constantly research and learn: The automotive industry is constantly evolving, so it is critical to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies, repair techniques and trends in vehicle design and modification.
– Practice and experiment: Practice is essential to improve in any field. Take the time to work on personal projects, experiment with different techniques and explore new ideas. Every project is a learning opportunity.
– Build a network and share knowledge: The community you get involved in can be an invaluable source of support, inspiration and career opportunities. Participate in events, join online groups and share your knowledge and experiences with others. The exchange of ideas and collaboration can open unexpected doors in your career.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
At this time, I am always open to new opportunities for collaboration and to establish relationships with people passionate about the world of motors and automotive mechanics. If you are interested in collaborating with me, here are some details about the type of collaborations you might consider:
1. Collaborations on vehicle preparation projects: If you have experience in car modifications or a specific skill that can complement my work, I would be interested in exploring possible collaborations on vehicle preparation projects.
2. Participation in motorsport events: If you are involved in organizing motorsport-related events or have specialized knowledge that can enrich the experience of such events, I would be happy to discuss opportunities for collaboration.
3. Collaborations on digital content: If you are a digital content creator or a company, whether in the form of photography, video, writing or other media related to the world of motorsports, we could explore opportunities to collaborate on the creation of content that is relevant to my audience on social media.
If you think we could collaborate on any of these aspects or have another idea in mind, do not hesitate to contact me through my Instagram profile (@irenebarciela) or by sending me an email at [irenebarcielainsta@hotmail.com]. I look forward to hearing your ideas and exploring possible collaborations together!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irenebarciela/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@irenebarciela
