Odds & Ends

Anonymous asked: Hello! I would just like to ask, how did you survive graduating with a double degree in Business AND Communication? And how long did it take? I'm a 3rd year Management student but I think my heart is in the arts yet I'm already too deep into this course so it's too late to pull out but I also want to pursue Communication if possible! When did you apply for a double degree? I'm open to having a fifth year, if ever.

Hi there! I entered Ateneo as a COM major and applied for the double degree in the second semester of my freshman year. I extended to fifth year (with a full load every summer) because I had to take a lot of MGT prerequisites before I could take the advance subjects. So I was a third/fourth year lurking in the back of sophomore Accounting and LS classes. :))

If your heart is in the arts, by the way, you should be looking at a degree in Information Design. I don’t think it’s too late to change your mind.  A double degree would be very useful too even if you have to extend. By prolonging your stay in college, you’ll meet a lot more friends and have a chance to expand your network. You’ll also have more time for discernment and thinking about what you want to do with your career.

In the end, you would rather be pursuing a career doing what you love rather than what others tell you to do. I have batchmates who took the practical path and now all they’re doing is tweeting about how much they hate their job and posting Facebook rants about their bosses. Sure, they make more money but they go home tired and feeling like something’s missing in their life. The happy ones are those who find fulfillment in what they do. Even if they pull a bajillion hours of over time, their “complaining” tweets always end in smiley faces. So think about it and do what you think is best for you.

Omg, I found a similar graphic like this for Kapitolyo! Were you responsible for that? :D It was awesome <3

Hi there. Yes I was! Thank you! More of my maps here.

Anonymous asked: Hi! Do you think it's necessary to have some sort of formal education or training in design in order to be a designer? I think I'm pretty good at editing but I need a lot of work when comes to illustration, and I'm thinking about taking another degree in [graphic] design; I'm about to graduate under business management + chemistry and everything I've learned up to this point came from asking Dr. Google :))

Hi there! No you don’t. I don’t have any myself. I graduated communication + business. School is very helpful for networking and learning at a steady pace, but if you have the drive then you can learn design or illustration on your own time. :) 

Anonymous asked: How long does it take you to finish a piece?

It depends on how “inspired” I am. My work is usually very detailed so the most it would take for a personal illustration is about two weeks (since I have work during the day). The 20,000 Leagues map took me 24 hours to make but it was during holiday and I was in a rather energetic mood. Client work takes up more time because I have to consider revisions and meetings.

Anonymous asked: I need your help :( I'm applying for an internship this summer and I'm clueless about everything. My school's gonna give out an orientation but that won't be in a few months. I kind of want to prepare everything as early as now. Can you give some advice about how to make a portfolio and creative resume? And how does the application process go?

Early preparation is best! Back in junior year, I started applying for my internships in January. First, compile a list of all your achievements and extracurricular activities. Then try to format it in as clean a way as possible. I think a creative portfolio is a good idea but try not to make it so wacky. You can always go with a magazine type, with your resume and cover letter at the front and your portfolio in the following pages. This way, the agencies have everything in one document. Always keep it readable and easy to understand. Don’t make text that’s multicolored and spiraling or anything too crazy like that.

Your cover letter must be addressed to the HR head of the agency or the head of the department. Call the office and ask for their names. This shows that you spent more effort in considering and applying to their agency. You’ll also want to include the agency’s name and specify why you want to apply to that particular agency. Maybe you admire their art directors or you were inspired by a particular campaign. Personalize it per agency.

When explaining your accomplishments, explain it in a way that’s relevant to the internship you want. Instead of just saying “Was creative director for a team”, say something like “Managed a team of designers in order to produce effective and creative campaigns”. 

And you must have a Behance or a portfolio site that they can refer to online. Make your username and email professional, best to stick to your full name (to show that you’re proud of who you are!). 

Good luck, babycakes!

Anonymous asked: Hi Kitkat, how do you choose the colors that you use in your illustrations / designs? :)

I grab a handful of Jellybeans and use whatever’s in my palm.

Kidding! I just go with my mood, which is occasionally influenced by the music I listen to.

Anonymous asked: hi kitkat! :) I just want to ask since I'm really into arts to and I want to take it up as my career path...how did you discover your personal style? and was it hard? I know how to paint, sketch, doodle, and i'm trying graphic arts too and I am really confused to which I should choose and I don't know what my style is :(

Hi babycakes! Thanks so much for the kind words. I’m afraid I can’t really answer your question because I myself am still discovering my own style. However, I do know what I like — colors and textures. And so I use them in my artwork. Who knows, this could change in a few years (I’m only in my early 20s, after all). I think the best way to discover your personal style is to go with your gut feel and keep on creating.

Since you mentioned different techniques — I think that’s great! Don’t limit yourself to just painting or just digital art. Keep experimenting. If you keep at it, you’ll eventually discover what you like best. And sometimes it’s best to switch around because certain mediums are better for a particular style or subject. You don’t have to “choose” any one medium. :)

Anonymous asked: Do you use reference pictures when you make your drawings?

Yes. And sometimes I just take photos of willing friends or use a mirror. :)

whimsy-clarie asked: i love all of your illustrations.

Haha thanks, babycakes. 

Anonymous asked: Hi! How did you start designing? How did you learn? Did you attend special programs to be that good in design? Any suggestions on where to start designing? What tools do you use? Thanks!

I think I’m better at illustration, but thank you babycakes! I started in LFC’s creative team and first dabbled in poster-making. Then I took off from there. I haven’t taken any classes but I find that music, travel, good books, and a solid crush are helpful in finding inspiration. You can also refer to online tutorials, graphic design books, and most especially, design blogs. Actually, blogs are better because they’re updated frequently and they always have the freshest content. I shall point you toward Ape on the Moon and The Fox Is Black.