MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Just one more week until Graphika Manila 2020 opens its doors to thousands of creatives, designers, and students eager to learn about the latest trends and happenings in the graphic design industry. The conference is bringing in 12 local and international speakers to share their creative journey and process. From graphic design, character development, and 3D animation, it’s sure to be a jam-packed weekend for art enthusiasts all over. In the middle of all this is one of our local faves, Raxenne Maniquiz.
Raxenne Maniquiz is a graphic designer and illustrator with a fascination for flora and fauna which often influences her work, brought to life by using vivid colors and textures. She has done both design and illustration work for local and international clients.
Her signature ‘botanical’ style has brought her around different parts of the world, with her works published in Computer Arts (UK), Illustrado (Dubai), Kult (Singapore), and La Peste (Mexico), to name a few. Some of her clients include Charles & Keith, Cole Haan, Dr. Martens, Guess, Honda, and Toblerone.
adobo Magazine was lucky enough to catch up with Raxenne, who happens to be the sole female in this year’s conference for some quick questions.
Can you share how you started your creative journey?
I graduated with an advertising degree from the University of Santo Tomas. I thought I’d be in advertising but I ended up doing graphic design and later on illustration. I’ve been working for 9 years and now I’m on my fourth job at Plus63 Design Co. While working full-time, I’m also actively freelancing as an illustrator (and even as a designer sometimes) in which I work with different local and international brands.
Give three words to describe your signature style.
Intricate, vivid, lush.
Who/What would you consider your creative inspiration?
I’m inspired by Philippine native and endemic flora, Dutch still life paintings, old botanical drawings, contemporary florists like Hattie Molloy, Doan Ly, and Simone Gooch, and magazines like The Plant, Pleasure Garden, and Gather Journal.
You currently work under Plus63 Design Co. and have also worked with brands like Uniqlo Philippines, Charles & Keith, Cole Haan, Dr. Martens. What has been your most memorable project so far? Why?
Under Plus63 Design Co., I’ve worked on two memorable projects which are Theo & Philo Chocolates and Uniqlo Philippines. Theo & Philo is really close to my heart since it’s one of the first projects I have worked on when I started at Plus63 six years ago. I also love the illustration work I did for Uniqlo Philippines Manila flagship store opening last year. We at the studio are tasked to create four illustrations using our different styles, and it’s one of the most challenging illustrations I’ve done in my career. I love how it turned out. As a freelancer, one of the most memorable was Bratpack’s catalogs in 2012 and 2013, which I think jumpstarted my career, I think it was a turning point. And then Charles & Keith in 2017, because I think it was the first big client I’ve had as a freelancer, and it was really amazing working with the brand.
What lessons can we anticipate in your session for this coming Graphika Manila 2020?
I would like to show my process, my history, and how I got here.
For more, check out Raxenne’s website, Facebook and Instagram!
Graphika Manila 2020 is happening this coming February 15 & 16 at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Ticket claims/registration opens at 10:30AM. Gates open at 11:30AM. Event proper starts from 1:00PM to 7:00PM. For more information, visit www.graphikamanila.com
adobo Magazine is an official media partner of Graphika Manila 2020.
