MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Navigating any career can be an uphill battle, especially in the creative field, and overcoming these challenges as an artist while gaining a foothold in the industry can be difficult.
During Graphika Manila’s 20th creative conference last March 01 and 02, 2025 at the SMX Convention Center, Myka Arnado, an accomplished art director and graphic designer, centered her talk, “I Don’t Know What I’m Doing, But I’m Doing My Best: Stories on Life and Graphic Design,” around what she’s learned throughout her career, and adobo Magazine jotted down three lessons from her inspiring story.
“Your ‘why’ is more important than your ‘want.’”
A self-proclaimed “metalhead at heart,” Myka stumbled upon graphic design through her love for the band Deftones in high school. She first tinkered around with MS Paint and Microsoft Word and found a knack for the medium, eventually winning a design-related Deftones fan contest.
She pursued graphic design as a result and discovered the mastermind behind Deftones’ cover art since “White Pony,” Frank Maddocks, during the pandemic. Little did she know that Frank would reach out to her to design for Linkin Park, opening many more doors for the designer.
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“Creativity needs growth. And at times, that growth comes from failure.”
It hasn’t always been a walk in the park for Myka though. There were times she’s “missed the mark” and others when creations were scrapped, but she urged the room not to lose heart. “Directions change, and there’s nothing we can do about it,” Myka confessed. “We just gotta roll with it.”
It was through those moments of perseverance that she thrived, banking collaborations with Nike, Adidas, and UNIQLO and musicians like Japanese metal band Crossfaith and Internet sensation Bella Poarch. “Let your personal work lead you to your dream work.”
“Strive to do good work and work for good.”
From fangirl to full-fledged artist, Myka has cemented herself as a creative force, but she still considers herself a never-ending work-in-progress. She isn’t exempted from self-doubt and imperfection either, but she’s sure of one thing. “I don’t know what I’m doing, but I’m doing my best. If you’re doing good work consistently, isn’t that good enough?”
Working for big brands has afforded Myka to help non-profit organizations, which she finds of utmost importance. “I just want to do good work, and work for good,” she declared.
Trying your best isn’t exclusive to one’s self; it’s also uplifting those in need along with you. Myka Arnado’s story teaches us that unwavering passion, resilience, and a commitment to doing good are the keys to unlocking your best self.
Adobo Magazine is an official media partner of Graphika Manila 2025.
