Graphika Manila 2010
An image is worth a thousand words. Design permeates life. It just brings communication to another level beyond writing words and capturing attention and getting whatever message across (Alain).
I talked to a couple of designers who attended Graphika Manila 2010 last weekend — that’s Alain Yap of Morphlabs and Chico Barretto of Exist Interactive, a business unit at Exist which helps global brands and marketing agencies deliver compelling web and mobile experiences. I would have wanted to attend the event, but I had other things to attend to.
Let’s take a look at what they shared to me:
What did you learn from the event? (Chico) I learned a lot about creative challenges and how to make the most of what is available. This was demonstrated by Phunk Studio, where they were able to execute on concept rather than available technology, and still have great impact. From Avid Liongoren, I learned a lot from the film making mistakes that he openly shared and the tips he learned, also freely shared. His mistakes were costly but the lessons gained are very valuable. His practice of a drawing-a-day is great. To make mistakes is alright as long as there is wisdom and practical solutions gained at the end. From Tara McPherson, I learned how important it is to be true to your expression and to dedicate one’s self to technical execution and excellence of work. From Danny Yount, I learned the value of experimentation and commitment to the craft of storytelling.
Who did you meet at the event? (Alain) The place was packed, mostly students. I sat mingled mostly with the Exist Interactive team. Chico, on the other hand, met some of the speakers, as well as other delegates from Cebu. He also met Jan Cavan, the well-known Web Design blogger.
What did you expect to learn from the event? (Chico) I didn’t have any expectations except to listen to whatever the speakers had to share. But I did expect to see a lot of great work from the speakers and it was all very inspiring.
Who are some of your creative superstars? What are some of your fave works? (Chico) If superstars from the event, they would be Phunk Studio and Danny Yount. Phunk Studio is definitely a creative storm and Danny Yount personifies achievement by working with some of the best talent and material on film/motion pictures. Alain cites Noma Bar and Stefan Sagmeister, but he typically appreciates anybody who is willing to put out their work out there.
Me? I think Alain is one of my creative superstars. Wink, wink. I’ve seen some great work done by people I’ve worked with, I’ve been inspired by comic designers but mostly the writers.
How do you find that creative inspiration? (Chico) If a design requirement is challenging enough, it is easy to produce. A project can be very inspiring in only two ways, either it is something I will do to satisfy myself or something that I would like for the end-user/viewer/audience to experience and be fulfilled.
Alain replies: By being observant and keeping eyes open to everything. A lot of the times, we skim over stuff even the things that are around us. There’s design in everything. Reading magazines and other print materials can also be stimulating.
Me? I like watching music videos, looking at print materials, whether they be calendars, posters, magazines, billboards, or newspapers.
Care to share your personal inspiring story? Or share an inspiring story from the event? (Chico)
Graphika Manila is more about the creative process, not so much about the industry and its technologies. I believe that is more important than what industry you belong or what technology you are using, because it informs you on how to approach any creative project and to learn to improve further. Any tool or technology can be learned in a week. But what and how to communicate is the core of being a Creative Professional. This was the most inspiring wisdom I took from the event.
Alain: Inspiring is hearing from all the presenters that whatever their current medium now, they all profess to the importance of drawing everyday using just paper and pencil to develop your skills and excel at the craft.
To all the creative artists out there, cheers and may you continue to inspire us all!
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