MANILA, PHILIPPINES — At Graphika Manila 2025, the creative conference that continues to push boundaries in design and animation, Danaé Gosset took the stage to share her journey through the whimsical, chaotic, and deeply personal world of mixed media animation.
Danaé’s creative journey feels like something out of a dream—literally. From the moment she could hold a pencil, she was already sketching her way into the world of art, with her artistic endeavors beginning as early as 1998.
Her dreams were the main catalyst in igniting her creative spark. Upon entering the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York City, she found herself surrounded by like-minded creatives, a space where she could finally breathe freely. “It was like coming home,” she shared. It was here that she began experimenting with animation, drawing inspiration from her dreams to create work that was as surreal as it was captivating.
Her college projects laid the foundation for her later works, which blend traditional techniques with digital tools. After honing her skills as a designer at the renowned Sagmeister & Walsh studio, Danaé fearlessly leaped into the world of entrepreneurship, birthing her brainchild, Pencil TV. Danaé’s portfolio effortlessly demonstrates strength in versatility, from her risograph animations to her mixed media projects for global brands like Nike, Hermès, and Pitera. “I love working with fashion brands,” she admitted. “I think it suits me well.”
But here’s the thing about Danaé: her process isn’t just about creating something beautiful. It’s about telling stories—raw, unfiltered, and often unsettling ones. Her animations for Mac Miller’s Faces and Bas feat. Amaarae’s Decent are perfect examples. “Welcome to my mind,” she quipped. “It’s terrifying.” Yet, it’s this fearless approach that makes her work so compelling.
Danae’s advice to aspiring creatives is simple yet profound: “Never ever stop doing the work. Don’t overthink it. Procrastination or overthinking will be your worst enemy. Put action over reflection.” Her mixed media projects, which can take anywhere from five days to nine months, are a testament to her dedication. Using materials like pencils and Caran d’Ache pastels, she creates animations that feel alive, tactile, and deeply human.
Looking ahead, Danaé dreams of collaborating with music icons like Dua Lipa or Harry Styles, blending her love for fashion, music, and animation into new, boundary-pushing projects. As she continues to explore how AI can work with her rather than for her, one thing is clear: Danaé is a force to be reckoned with, a creator who reminds us that the only way out is through.
Adobo Magazine is an official media partner of Graphika Manila 2025.
