A Look Into A Creative’s Mind: How Graphika Manila 2022 Shone New Perspectives on Self-Reinvention
Last February 5, Graphika Manila, one of Asia's premier creativity conferences, has opened its doors again to design professionals and artists to showcase the craft and influence of some of the world's top creative minds. Among the hundreds of participants who attended the one-day virtual event was Omni's Creatives Department.
With speakers whose expertise ranges from concept design to content creation, game direction, graphic design, and illustration, the event introduced limitless possibilities and new perspectives to our Creatives Team.
Keeping the arts alive in times of crisis
When the pandemic started, many of us found ourselves stuck in a loop of anxiety and isolation. Every day was filled with uncertainty on what today might bring, what tomorrow would look like, or if there would even be a tomorrow at all. During those times, one of the things people hold onto to keep themselves "sane" is art, be it through the creation or the consumption of it, or both.
For Omni Brand Studio's Creative Specialist, Toni Jalandoni, the importance of art lies in helping people connect in times of crisis. "It has the ability to create a visual mythology of power," she added. "Art IS essential. We're adjusting to a new reality, and we have to find solutions to support one another to make art alive."
Finding the light within
Not every creative process is driven by inspiration and motivation. Sometimes, you need to dig through the deeper, inner parts of yourself to bring out something.
Illustrator and Concept Designer Ross Tran highlighted this in his Graphika Manila talk, saying, "In the darkest of moments, we look within to find our light." For Creatives Specialist Gabriel Arcega, his 'light' comes from his friends and dreams. "It's the ounces of inspiration I get from my artist friends and my ambitions for own my art career," he shared. "I'm very blessed to be surrounded by talented and skilled people that they alone make me want to push through with my works whenever I harbor self-doubt."
Seeking inspiration to create
Marysan Mateo, Creatives Specialist from Omni's Brand Studio, shares how she can spark her creativity during her creation process. "I love listening to music while designing. It's like music awakens my creativity. And browsing through different artists' designs inspires me to work hard."
Seeking inspiration from other works of art and her surroundings has also been the practice by Creative Specialist Hannah Reyes to find her drive to create. "It's also refreshing to take a breather once in a while, to give time to reflect, and recharge my creative juices," she added.
Rules for creativity and life
Campbell Walker, Illustrator, Designer, and one of the speakers for Graphika Manila 2022, discussed his rules for creativity and life at the conference. We asked our own Creatives Specialist about their own "rules," and here's what they have in their list:
- Create designs that complement ideas
- Take criticisms
- Create visual concepts that inspire and captivate people
- Have patience
- Cultivate curiosity to cultivate deeper creativity
- Embrace natural imperfections
- Pursue learning
- Have fun always
- Don't do anything you don't want to do
- LET YOUR MIND WANDER
- Toni
Paying it forward
Reflecting on the pieces of advice and wisdom of the speakers from the event, it is time for our own Creatives Specialists to pay it forward and say what their words are for their fellow young professionals in the industry.
Marysan M. highlighted that there are many possibilities for young creatives to pursue today, which should serve as avenues for them to discover the artist in them further. "Just enjoy it and don't stop learning. Always be open to new ideas. Explore your creativity. There's a lot of opportunities waiting for you."
Hannah R. added, "Everybody starts somewhere. Instead of comparing yourself to others, be inspired and enjoy the process. Don't be afraid to have fun."
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