Yeo Kaa
“Back in college, meroon kaming plate na ‘trapunto’ na Picasso style, tapos dun ko na realise na hindi naman pala kailangan na ‘realism’ para maconsider na magaling ka
(Back in college, we had a plate on “Trapunto” that was Picasso style. And that’s how I realised that it doesn’t have to be ‘realism’ art to be considered a good artist.)”
Shane Griffin, Los York Studio
“Your best investment is yourself. So if you could put the time and energy into yourself, it’s more rewarding than putting it anywhere else.”
Michael Parker, And A Half Studio
[On starting his team’s own design studio]: “It’s not going to be easy, it’s not going to be all fluff.. But if you really want to do it, just do it. You really have to take that step.”
Justin Harder, Claus Studios
“Be true to yourself. Don’t try to be somebody else.”
Gordon Reid, Middle Boop
“For anyone who has a style, or something they want to push like an idea, just keep pushing it.. You never know what’s going to take off. Someone could just see it, and it could be your next job.”
Ivan Dixon, The Rubber House Studio
“One collaboration is a really great way to improve your skills. You have each other to be critical of each other’s work.”
Rian Gonzales
“I think it’s really nice to pay it forward. Just be kind to everyone because you don’t know — your classmate could be your art director, she could be your editor.”
Lauren Hom, Hom Sweet Hom Studios
“After a weekend like this, you’ll have so much inspiration so I think the best thing to do is to go and start creating. Even if it’s not the best thing, you just have to keep going for it.”
Anthony Francisco, Marvel
“[If you want to get into Marvel], I’d say do a lot of figure drawing, understand how to render claw, folds, metal and leather so you know how to place them. Believe that you have a style and keep on working on your own aesthetic.”
Aaron Draplin, Draplin Design
“You got to pay your bills, you got to make your money and do all that that adults do. But leave some room for some weird stuff.”
Sadly, we missed Buff Monster and didn’t get the chance to speak with him, but he’s still one of our favorites. His street art journey is definitely one of the highlights from the 1st Day of Graphika Manila.
More of our favorite Graphika Manila 2019 moments here.
