Gilby VM, a multifaceted individual based in the picturesque city of Lisbon, is more than just a photographer and content creator; he is a storyteller, an advocate for the voiceless, and a passionate observer of life’s fleeting moments. Through his lens, he captures not only the vibrant soul of Lisbon but also the quiet, often overlooked narratives that shape its streets.

With a background in advertising, Gilby embarked on a creative journey that has taken him across disciplines and borders. After earning a degree in advertising in 2004, he began his career in graphic design, working within advertising agencies where he honed his eye for composition and visual storytelling. However, he soon felt the pull toward a more personal and expressive medium of photography.

Driven by a relentless curiosity, Gilby moved to London in the early 2000s to refine his craft, specializing in photo retouching while immersing himself in the city’s thriving creative scene. Yet, his thirst for reinvention led him to pursue a master’s degree in digital media from Kingston University, equipping him with the skills to navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape. This academic experience deepened his understanding of multimedia storytelling, blending technical expertise with artistic vision.

In 2013, seeking new challenges, Gilby relocated to Berlin, a city pulsating with artistic energy and entrepreneurial spirit. There, he not only continued his photography work but also immersed himself in the startup ecosystem, taking on roles as a community manager for several emerging ventures. This period was transformative, allowing him to merge his creative instincts with strategic thinking, fostering communities around innovative ideas.

Now based once again in Lisbon, Gilby’s work is deeply intertwined with the city’s essence. His photography goes beyond mere documentation; it is an ongoing love letter to Lisbon’s cobbled streets, golden light, and the characters, human and feline, that inhabit them. His portfolio spans street photography, event coverage (such as Web Summit), and intimate portraits of Lisbon’s daily life, all shared across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

As a content creator at Meer, Gilby leverages his expertise to produce engaging visual and written content, blending storytelling with a keen editorial eye. His work is not just about aesthetics but about connection, whether through a striking image, a behind-the-scenes glimpse, or a thought-provoking caption.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Gilby has dedicated himself to a deeply personal mission: caring for Lisbon’s stray cats. Since 2020, he has been actively involved in feeding, rescuing, and advocating for the city’s feline residents, particularly in two parishes where he has formed close bonds with several cats. His compassion for these animals is not just a side project but an extension of his belief in storytelling as a force for empathy and change.

In November 2024, this commitment took a new form with the release of his self-published photo book, Cats of Lisbon, a visual narrative chronicling the lives of some of Lisbon’s stray cats. The book is more than a collection of images; it is a testament to resilience, companionship, and the quiet dignity of these often-overlooked creatures. Through striking photography and poignant vignettes, Gilby invites readers to see these cats not as strays but as individuals with their own stories, struggles, and moments of joy.

Gilby further extends his creative voice through his Substack photography newsletter, Visual Media Overlord, where he shares insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and curated visual essays. The newsletter is a space for deeper dives into his work, whether discussing the technical aspects of photography, reflecting on the intersection of pop culture and visual media, or offering glimpses of Lisbon’s hidden corners.

Subscribers are taken on a journey through his perspective: from the energy of major tech conferences to the serene beauty of Lisbon’s beaches at dusk. What sets Visual Media Overlord apart is Gilby’s ability to weave together personal anecdotes, cultural commentary, and stunning imagery, creating a rich, immersive experience for readers.

Gilby’s journey is one of constant evolution, a blend of artistic exploration, professional reinvention, and heartfelt advocacy. His work is driven by a desire to uncover beauty in the mundane, to give voice to the unseen, and to connect with others through shared stories.

Whether through his photography, his writing, or his dedication to Lisbon’s stray cats, Gilby VM embodies a rare combination of creativity and compassion. His story is a testament to the power of art as a means of understanding the world and, in turn, leaving it a little brighter than he found it.