Thumbsucking

Illustration vs design in children's books

2012-02-03T03:53:00.000-08:00

Illustrations from my latest book, Mga Modernong Alamat (Modern Legends) Vol.1 published by Lampara House, stories by Segundo Matias, Jr. This book is a special edition of collected new legends. Ang Alamat ng Dugong (The Legend of the Manatee) Ang Alamat ng Ahas (The Legend of the Snake) Ang Alamat ng Mansanas (The Legend of the Apple)

Post-it Affirmation Art no. 8

2012-01-12T20:38:00.000-08:00

"Sing your heart out." var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-4598340-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s =

greetings, earthlings!

2011-12-22T08:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays! Maligayang Pasko, Milad Majid, Feliz Navidad, Selamat Hari Natal, Vesele Vanoce, Feliz Natal, Tchestito Rojdestvo Hristovo, Gun Tso Sun Tan'Gung Haw Sun, Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan, Sreten Bozic, Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok, Glaedelig Jul, Vrolijk Kerstfeest en neen Gelukkig Nieuwjaar, Hyvaa joulua, Joyeux Noel, Frohliche Weihnnachten, Kala

gravity, baby!

2011-12-21T19:59:00.000-08:00

var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-4598340-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];

visual representation

2011-11-25T20:44:00.001-08:00

A graphical representation of the coordination of my mind, hand, and mouse pointer's online research on visual representation using IO graph. A graphical representation of me blogging, tweeting, and researching on illustration. And more searching. var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-4598340-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() {

the enchanted

2011-11-24T06:44:00.001-08:00

Illustration from the book, Ang Mahiwagang Kuba (The Enchanted Hunchback) What was your inspiration for the children's book Ang Mahiwagang Kuba? How did you come up with the characters? The original version of the story was set in European monarchy. Instead of adhering to the royalty look besides making the illustrations current, I got inspiration from fantasy comics digital artists.

welcome...home?

2011-11-24T06:34:00.001-08:00

how to make children's book illustrations interesting

2011-11-24T06:28:00.001-08:00

Illustration from the children's book, Tight Times 1. Texture is everything. Texture creates personal connection to the viewer. 2. Misconception: children's book illustration has to look like drawn by kids. Most likely not everyone will appreciate kid-type drawings, children aspire to draw better than they can. It need not always be cartoony (anime/manga) or disney-like (although

pretty in print

2011-11-24T06:23:00.001-08:00

work in progress rizal's humorous sketches In the age of digital publishing, I think that any printed matter you create or receive today, should deserve and evolve into something extra special than merely an ordinary printed story or message. Just like a polaroid print, a handwritten letter, or a typewritten message, the form or packaging should generate tactile and visual

ideas in a bottle

2011-10-22T22:38:00.000-07:00

personal work/collection work in progress for an upcoming major Ang INK exhibition work in progress for a possible book project I wonder why some people get upset when they find out their work has some similarity to other's work in terms of general or universally known ideas. Similarity in terms of form and rendering - or artistic concept (borrowed term) is another story.

my visual cliche list 2

2011-08-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

My visual cliche list 2 (or things I used and will try to avoid drawing) paper hat checkered pattern paper boat, or any boata tree in fall/winterrandom or pineapple hairdot eyesskirtshortssampaguita floral pattern

Puka

2011-08-27T03:45:00.000-07:00

the sign

2011-08-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

Your Heart Today exhibit

2011-08-04T07:08:00.000-07:00

"Walang Hanggang Pag-ibig" pencil and acrylic on canvas 8"x10" Accompanying words: “When that final moment does come, let not my loved ones grieve for long. Let them comfort each other. And let them know how much happiness they brought into my life. Let them pray for me, as I will continue to pray for them, hoping that they will always pray for each other." “Let them know that

finding inner wealth

2011-07-21T07:38:00.000-07:00

the virtourist

2011-07-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

Wat Arun in Bangkok, ThailandView more of the 3D collection of the virtourist here. var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-4598340-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.

baby send offs

2011-07-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

works in progress for an upcoming Ang INK group exhibit var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-4598340-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s =

Post-it Affirmation Art no. 7

2011-06-24T04:34:00.000-07:00

Rizal's turf

2011-06-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

progress?flybehind youpillarsflag ceremonyIn celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Rizal's birth.You are free to use these photos, provided that you don't sell them. Kindly place proper credit or link to my blog. Click on the photos for high resolution files. var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-4598340-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga =

Post-it Affirmation Art no. 6

2011-06-14T20:22:00.000-07:00

Why I love the Peacock

2011-06-13T23:39:00.000-07:00

Why I love Papa and Mama's House

2011-06-12T23:27:00.000-07:00

The Assembly

2011-06-03T18:00:00.000-07:00

Ang Pagpupulong (The Assembly)pencil and acrylic on woodMy painting for Relevant Rizal, the third annual outdoor banner project by Canvas."While Rizal's works sparked motivation and prompted reforms in the most simple yet powerful manner, I do hope that we also become real agents, more than just participants or "slacktivists," of social causes in the age of sophisticated forms of social media."

Most common questions Part 2

2011-06-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

my visual cliche list

2011-06-02T07:31:00.000-07:00

relic of enthusiasm This is my list of visual cliches in random order, some of which I'm very much guilty of and will try to avoid in future works: -mother and child in frontal pose -the female nude-in every possible pose -balloons for flying -wings and halo as representation for goodness -horns for evil -the bulb for ideas -the heart -handshake! -gears for progress -the puzzle! -the globe, maps

On pinoy progress

2011-06-02T07:25:00.000-07:00

easier said than done

2011-05-20T08:34:00.001-07:00

Sometimes it's very easy for us to say the things that we perceive as simple to do or that we can do much better at anything, than doing the work itself. Of course, nothing is impossible if we have the will to do it. But the question is, when will we get anything started?The photos above are some works in progress and my first full attempt at working with ceramics. I love working with clay and I

today, yesterday

2011-05-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

Filipino children's book illustration

2011-05-07T06:57:00.000-07:00

Pinoy illustration in "shakey" 3D stereogram effect. I'm writing my views and experiences as a Filipino children's book illustrator despite my struggles with words (I'm still learning). I write about Filipino illustration more because only few write on this aspect of local children's literature. This blog came about for the following reasons: to practice my writing, reach out to readers, and

Jose Rizal today

2011-04-26T06:12:00.000-07:00

sell out

2011-04-25T11:31:00.001-07:00

lenten visual reflections

2011-04-19T06:09:00.001-07:00

How to make a classic story look postmodern

2011-04-19T04:15:00.000-07:00

How to make 3D Stereogram or "Magic Eye" in Photoshop

2011-04-19T03:26:00.001-07:00

How to make an origami paper lantern

2011-04-19T02:06:00.001-07:00

the stylist

2011-04-18T06:37:00.000-07:00

Art vs. Craft

2011-04-18T06:07:00.000-07:00

works in progress

2011-04-18T03:47:00.000-07:00

birds, lovely creatures

2011-04-18T03:24:00.000-07:00

Noah's Pup

2011-03-06T05:44:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite scene from the book, Ang Tuta ni Noe.I am very honored to illustrate and now pleased to introduce my recent children's book, Ang Tuta ni Noe (Noah's Puppy) written by the National Artist for Literature himself, Virgilio Almario. For me, he is the Philippine's father of modern children's books because he is one of the pioneering promoters of children's literature in the country

foto me

2011-02-25T05:19:00.000-08:00

elegy for a friendgolden paperjapanese armadabeautiful toxic makerskinny dippingheroes where are thou?All postcards and prints available here.var dc_AdLinkColor = '#603913' ;var dc_UnitID = 14 ;var dc_PublisherID = 44740 ;var dc_adprod = 'ADL' ;

Wishing is Powerful

2010-12-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!var dc_AdLinkColor = '#603913' ;var dc_UnitID = 14 ;var dc_PublisherID = 44740 ;var dc_adprod = 'ADL' ;From the painting,"Malayang Managinip"acrylic and pencil on canvas24"x30"Available at canvas

The style of a legend

2010-10-02T07:47:00.000-07:00

This particular style is an offshoot from my book Naku, Nakuu, Nakuu. The stories are legends, one of my favorite genre to illustrate. Ethnic textiles, patterns, fabric, and costumes inspired me to produce this. I can't wait to finish this book for Lampara. I hope to finish it soon! var dc_AdLinkColor = '#603913' ;var dc_UnitID = 14 ;var dc_PublisherID = 44740 ;var

When I was Seven

2010-09-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

"Mag-impok" (Sold)"Malaya Ka""May Pag-asa" (Sold)var dc_AdLinkColor = '#603913' ;var dc_UnitID = 14 ;var dc_PublisherID = 44740 ;var dc_adprod = 'ADL' ;"When I was Seven" was a mini Ang INK group exhibit at the Gallery 7, now moved to The Chocolate Kiss along Roces Avenue corner Sct. Tobias in Quezon City. After visiting at the Tala

Ang INK jumps into the Imaginarium

2010-09-13T19:19:00.000-07:00

"The Garden of Forgotten Happiness"So, what is it like from under the sea of unseen creatures? or beyond the intergalactic space? perhaps it looks much better on the islands of blissfulness? var dc_AdLinkColor = '#603913' ;var dc_UnitID = 14 ;var dc_PublisherID = 44740 ;var dc_adprod = 'ADL' ;Imaginary places are captured and will be

Looking forward to 2010 MIBF

2010-09-13T18:55:00.001-07:00

"Gawin ang mga dapat Gawin Ngayon" (Accomplish as much as you can Today) Sold"Nasa Isipan ang Suwerte" (Luck is only in our minds) Sold"Magpasalamat sa mga Biyaya" (Be grateful with your Blessings) Sold"Sulitin ang Oras" (Spend Time Wisely) Soldvar dc_AdLinkColor = '#603913' ;var dc_UnitID = 14 ;var dc_PublisherID = 44740 ;var dc_adprod = 'ADL' ;var dc_AdLinkColor

Real heroes among ourselves

2010-04-19T16:44:00.000-07:00

This is my painting for a very relevant group show, Everyday Filipino Heroes staged by The Center for Art, New Ventures, and Sustainable Development (CANVAS) opening this May 1, 2010 at the Vargas Museum of the University of the Philippines, Diliman, QC, and will run until May 31, 2010.The original artworks will be exhibited at the Vargas museum, while an outdoor banner printed version will be

Post-it Affirmation Art no. 5

2010-04-19T04:51:00.000-07:00

This post-it is dedicated to the upcoming May 2010 National Elections."My Vote is sacred!"var dc_AdLinkColor = '#603913' ;var dc_UnitID = 14 ;var dc_PublisherID = 44740 ;var dc_adprod = 'ADL' ;

Reading books is a challenge

2010-01-27T09:28:00.000-08:00

Getting kids interested to read books is becoming more challenging nowadays. Yes, more competition are catching the young mind's attention: gadgets, games, and stress. These distractions leave them uninterested in reading, especially books. Poor children, if they only knew the benefits and magic of reading at an early age. Perhaps they will only appreciate that when they turn into adult

Last exhibit...for 2009

2009-12-10T00:15:00.000-08:00

I'm part of this group exhibit and my last for the year 2009, and hopefully more to come next year. Hope you can drop by and see the wonderful works.Blowing Boxes Illustrators add a dash more merriment to the holiday season with Blowing Boxes, a conceptual 3D art exhibit at the 1/of Gallery at the 2nd level, Shops at Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.Imagination comes to play as 28

Big THANK YOU!

2009-09-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

I would like to say thank you to those who came and appreciated my works for "Tuwing Sabado" at the MIBF Lampara booth. How I wish I've met all of you and get to know those who brought home some artworks, I forgot to even ask your names! (especially the lady who asked how to protect her painting) Please do get in touch through my email/blog, I would love to hear from you.God bless! var

Book Signing...and doodling!!!

2009-09-16T03:51:00.000-07:00

One of the reasons why I go to the Manila International Book Fair is hunting for precious finds and getting huge discounts on it. For example, I found hard bound, designer coffee table books for less than 200 pesos! Isn't that, cool? It is also a great time to meet some of the writers and illustrators and have them sign your copies! Book signing is my favorite time

Tuwing Sabado

2009-09-12T00:40:00.000-07:00

My new children's book is out, Tuwing Sabado, a story that won Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Award for Literature by the award-winning author Russell Molina, published by Lampara Books. The original illustrations are for sale and may be viewed at the Lampara booth in Manila International Book Fair this September 16-20, 2009 10-8pm at the SMX Center Mall of Asia.Here' an animation I created.Read

You are invited!

2009-07-21T21:16:00.000-07:00

You are formally invited to an art exhibit: The Sinugdanan Bohol Artist's Summit: Pieces on passion for the nation presented by Amorita Resort and the Hulma Foundation, in cooperation with The Outlooke Pointe Foundation.Exhibit will feature works by Sergio Bumatay III, Odette Cagandahan, Victor Dumaguing, Dexter Fernandez, Derick Macutay, Dennis Montera, Marcus

Post-it Affirmation Art no.4

2009-07-07T19:51:00.000-07:00

"Live each day like tomorrow's your last."var dc_AdLinkColor = '#603913' ;var dc_UnitID = 14 ;var dc_PublisherID = 44740 ;var dc_adprod = 'ADL' ;

Post-it Affirmation Art no.3

2009-06-24T21:48:00.000-07:00

"Major and minor decisions: Do not delay!!!"var dc_AdLinkColor = '#603913' ;var dc_UnitID = 14 ;var dc_PublisherID = 44740 ;var dc_adprod = 'ADL' ;

Pambihirang Guniguni

2009-06-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

They say that a painting or art doesn't need verbal explanation. All the things that the viewer might want to know is already there on the painting itself, readily digested—visually. That is just one of the ways of seeing art or a painting, if one wants to decipher its message. My painting for the Looking for Juan banner project, on first look, seems unrelated to the specific theme relayed to

Sinugdanan Artist's Summit

2009-06-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

"May Nilaga ang May Tiyaga" "Magsumikap ang May Pangarap" acrylic on canvasSOLD I think what our people need is an inspiration. What better way to feed the soul than through art. From a sound mind and soul, every wonderful things follow: you think and do right, care for others, and strive to prosper. My work is a visual affirmation, these are illustrations that depict positive reinforcement. We

How to Sell Effectively Online

2009-05-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

While browsing some local buy and sell sites like Ebay.ph, Sulit.com, Tipidpc.com and Phadpost, I noticed most of the sellers don't place much thought to describe their items. Looks like they really don't want to sell at all. They could be wondering why they couldn't sell soon enough. The internet is one of the most effective venue for selling today, some still

ASTiG ORiG Pinoy Banners at CCP!

2009-04-16T02:57:00.000-07:00

So what does it mean to be Filipino today?I am proud not only as a Pinoy but also taking part on this very significant project from CANVAS.The original artworks from this great outdoor banner project will be on display at the CCP from May 12 through June 7, 2009. The banners will also be on view at the University of the Philippines sometime in June.var

How to Make a 3D Stereo pair in Photoshop

2009-03-29T21:42:00.000-07:00

When I was in grade school, my classmate showed me his cool book, "The Magic Eye" where 3D dinosaurs pop out from random bits of colors and shapes. At first, I could hardly see the dinosaurs he was talking about, wondering maybe he was just making a fool out of me. Until I grew up and came across Stereograms. I was so surprised to see the images in 3D, finally.It

Post-it Affirmation Art no.2

2009-03-29T18:54:00.000-07:00

"The internet is best for knowledge, dramas are best kept somewhere else."var dc_AdLinkColor = '#603913' ;var dc_UnitID = 14 ;var dc_PublisherID = 44740 ;var dc_adprod = 'ADL' ;

Depth of Field

2009-03-28T08:11:00.000-07:00

A friend showed me a book with a list of up-and-coming artists to watch out for, a list of creative individuals who will "define" the next wave of Philippine art. As I browsed over, they seem promising indeed. I actually know some of them, have heard of, admire, and met a few. I haven't thoroughly read the entire book and I am very much interested to know how they came up with the list.I am

Why I love Sampu

2009-03-22T07:55:00.000-07:00

cover of Sampu Pataas, Sampu Pababa leaves you grinningly smiling If there's one style of illustration and story line of children's books that I would enjoy reading - although as an adult - over and over again, Sampu Pataas, Sampu Pababa written by Russell Molina and illustrated by Conrad Raquel, is definitely one of them. Simply because it's funny and smart, aptly made for discovering

Post-it Affirmation Art no.1

2009-02-15T19:19:00.000-08:00

"I can finish a lot of things efficiently today!"var dc_AdLinkColor = '#603913' ;var dc_UnitID = 14 ;var dc_PublisherID = 44740 ;var dc_adprod = 'ADL' ;

Why I love a Keida Foto

2009-01-25T03:45:00.000-08:00

I love photography that's why I curse whoever invented it. What would life be without this technology?Ever since the digital camera shelved the analogs, anyone who has the capacity to get the latest digital camera model declare themselves a photographer. Anyone can be a photographer today, but not everyone can have the talent of seeing. You can always have the

How to Tilt Shift Miniature Effect in Photoshop

2009-01-24T06:32:00.001-08:00

The photo is not a mini-diorama or scaled down mockup of buildings. It's a real shot I took on my first boarding on a plane. I used the "tilt shifting effect" to blur some areas and mimic a fake miniature setting. The technique is not new but is very simple to do using Adobe Photoshop.Here are the steps I did:1. Select a photo that will fully simulate the miniature effect: landscapes, buildings,

How to Make a Pinhole Toy Camera

2009-01-09T22:42:00.000-08:00

Here is a creative way to recycle the excesses we had during the holiday season. A milk carton transformed into a pinhole toy camera. There are so many great ideas to do with a milk carton but this one's easy and fun to create, the results will be rewarding.A pinhole camera is the basic of all cameras: you just need a tiny hole as a lens to make a photograph. I was very fascinated how it works

The Modern Spoliarium

2008-12-11T18:47:00.000-08:00

var dc_AdLinkColor = '#603913' ;var dc_UnitID = 14 ;var dc_PublisherID = 44740 ;var dc_adprod = 'ADL' ;I'm never a fan of boxing, of humans hurting each other while the crowd curses and cheers, all in the price of entertainment. But I believe in the power of Manny Pacquiao, that he is the modern god of the Pinoys: the entire shebang, including himself is symbolical

Flaws are Interesting

2008-11-28T03:19:00.000-08:00

Among the popular sculptures besides Michelangelo's David, the armless Venus de Milo earned its popularity partly because of the curiosity that evokes the viewer why it is incomplete. Just as amazingly, Rodin's sculptures are crude and almost unfinished, perhaps a take off point from classicism's near to perfection ideals, yet spark artistic debate. In the conservative and traditional

Why I Love Lupito

2008-11-25T21:37:00.000-08:00

I finally had the guts and budget to own one of CANVAS' highly acclaimed, award-winning, international quality, Filipino made, children's book offerings. How I long to get at least a copy, the recent Manila Book Fair paved the way of owning a hard bound precious, at a lower price. I got excited to see all of those wonderful books in print and got me thinking to buy the whole hard bound series for

A Shocking Revelation

2008-11-18T16:47:00.000-08:00

It was a happy sunny day. I had the wonderful opportunity to speak among the brightest kids of affluent parents in one of the best schools of the country today. My talk may not be eloquently delivered, but somehow stirred their interest. How amazed I was when the boys urgently fall in line, then asked questions eagerly. Flashbacks filled my thoughts-was I or my classmates as assertive like them

A Poster for Hope

2008-11-18T02:05:00.000-08:00

Last friday, Nov. 14, I went to the Philippine Trade Training Center for the awarding ceremony of The 2008 APEC ICT International Poster Competition which was held online last May. It was a short and simple ceremony but the achievement was nonetheless significant for the country.The competition and this significant project, spearheaded by the KT Cultural Foundation in Korea, unfortunately didn't

Ecstatic over the Cover

2008-11-10T02:37:00.000-08:00

Finally, my most anticipated children's book will soon be launched. After the long wait, gruesome imaginative thinking, and hard work, another beautiful baby is born.I was on a meeting with fellow INKies when Jordan Santos, the ever genius product development officer of Adarna House, surprised me with the cover proof with gold stamping on it. I was so overwhelmed

Happiness at the 2008 Ang INK exhibit

2008-10-28T18:10:00.000-07:00

Despite the heavy downpour and amidst stranded commuters, I excitedly hustled my way to Shangri-La Mall just to witness the opening of Ang INK's 17th Annual Exhibit, one of the coolest art group in the country. My drenched black pants and sneakers was all worth it, minus the pogi points. The artworks are diverse and meticulously done, the passion and hardwork are obvious. Why don't you see it for

Q&A for Thesis Students - children's book illustration in the making part 3

2008-09-10T08:45:00.000-07:00

Many students request me for a personal interview for their book illustration thesis. In order to facilitate student’s research requirements, I have compiled most common interview and research questions and posted them here. I hope what I wrote will help in some way and save their time researching. Why are illustrations important in children’s books? Children at such a young age

Manila International Book Fair

2008-09-09T01:35:00.000-07:00

Bibliophiliacs converge again at the the biggest and longest-running book fair in the Philippines on its 29th year, the Manila International Book Fair this time at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia Complex on September 12-16, 2008."With over 300 exhibitors, the MIBF showcases the largest and most varied collection of literature, textbooks, educational

Eraserheads Mania

2008-08-30T04:44:00.000-07:00

I went Quiapo (the photography, flea market, and mystique mecca of the country) today to buy some stuff needed for my yet expensive hobby, photography. I listed all the things I wanted, separated what I needed, and supposed to buy all those needed no matter what. After canvassing different stores at Hidalgo while gushing at every snippets I see around wishing I can adopt all of them, I'm left

Save the Seas Freebie no. 3

2008-08-21T06:39:00.000-07:00

var dc_AdLinkColor = '#603913' ;var dc_UnitID = 14 ;var dc_PublisherID = 44740 ;var dc_adprod = 'ADL' ;I made this design from Adobe Illustrator using the tablet for the first time. It is supposedly for an environmental project of a client, but since the design is called for a more realistic rendition, I have decided to give this design for free. At least it will be put more into important use

My Manga Face

2008-08-21T06:19:00.000-07:00

I came across this fun site where you can transform your realistic photo avatar into cool anime-manga style self portrait. You pick and adjust pre-drawn tools on a palette that matches your facial features. After 'drawing' your own face, you can now download it and use as avatar. Or, if that amazes you so much you can also buy other cool stuff or have it printed on

2008 PBBY illustrations in the making Part 2

2008-08-19T06:10:00.000-07:00

I just finished all the thumbnail sketches and the actual drawing of the illustrations. Here are some of my thoughts while doing the pencils. Illustrating children's books seem easy to do but it's actually very difficult to merge everything together: there should be lots of room for the text, the composition has to be very dynamic with one central focus of the action within the page. Revise,

Why Change Styles

2008-08-13T06:06:00.000-07:00

People often ask me why my artwork's style changes, there is no distinct or emerging signature uniquely my own. I gathered some of my past and recent works - paintings and illustrations. I observed they seem not to be related with one another, each work created by a totally different person. I tried to find any specific "signature" style that relates all my works together. If color scheme

Composition is Everything

2008-08-06T06:02:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered why a photograph or an image, painting, a scene, a design or layout, an illustration, is so compelling? In addition to color harmony, the texture of the medium, or the sensibility of subject matter, there is one more element that drives the over-all aesthetic quality of beautiful images: the composition.In feng shui, generally you achieve energy balance called the chi through the

30th of July

2008-07-30T04:02:00.000-07:00

MANILA, July 30 (Reuters) - The Philippine central bank will get a $500 million short-term loan from the Basel-based Bank for International Settlements (BIS) which it will use to boost its foreign exchange reserves, the central bank said on Wednesday.Today in History0579 - Benedict I ends his reign as Catholic Pope1178 - Frederick I (Barbarossa), Holy Roman Emperor, crowned King of Burgundy1502 -

Original Art is Not Cheap

2008-07-27T06:11:00.001-07:00

I treat my works with respect, in fact I treat them like a part of myself. Creating art for me is probably comparable to the hardships of a mother giving birth to her precious child. I feel drained emotionally, physically and mentally whenever I finish an artwork. But the fruits of labor becomes priceless. This is what makes an artwork very special, at least for me. Like every artist's

Weird Ebay Item

2008-07-26T05:14:00.000-07:00

There are some things in life that are difficult to say with all honesty and sincerity combined even if you say it in the most positive way, that the best thing to deal with it is to just leave it alone or say nothing at all rather than being mean and hurting the person.Can you tell directly to a person's face he's not gifted with good looks? How can you tell a person who has dragon breath? Can

On Greener Pastures

2008-07-22T02:20:00.000-07:00

And they all thought my parents are sleeping on dollar bills.If they only knew how hard it is to earn money these days, like everyone else does. With the exception of Piolo Pascual and Marian Rivera. It does not matter whether you are in the US or here in our country.We all work hard to earn a living.We all make sacrifices if we want to achieve something.I guess it is true that your true friends

Flying Colors

2008-07-21T06:39:00.000-07:00

I used to think that when a person tells all about his achievements, he's only bragging to the world how proud and great he is. I feel envious and bitter when I read someone makes his way to success, I tend to think of dubious reasons and possibilities why he got there. In a cynic mind, like I used to, it's all about one's self. I'm not talking about, generally, politicians. Most of us want to

Today is National Children's Book Day!

2008-07-15T07:25:00.000-07:00

There's no other day much happier than today, at least for me, despite the downpour of Helen. That's because we are celebrating the joys of childhood. How I've wanted not to grow up and stay like a child: nothing much to worry about, everything seems like at play, and the joy of receiving gifts!I have received so much gifts recently. Now's my turn to share them.var

Mind Power

2008-07-14T06:23:00.000-07:00

Do you believe in the power of your mind? That whatever you can think of, if you think of it repeatedly, may turn into reality? This is how weird things happen to me. Whenever I think of a person whom I rarely get in touch with nor think about suddenly pops in my mind, or they become the subject of my recent dream, or any activity - like looking at an object associated with him/her, or read

Expensive Toy

2008-07-13T07:10:00.000-07:00

And so I got myself an anticipated birthday gift.Quite an expensive toy for quite an expensive hobby that hopefully will turn into another profitable skill. After all the hard work, the self-restraint, of missing bonding moments, the tragedies and victories, the pains of waiting, sleepless nights, and now...indulgence.And so another year, another period of working

Cool Life-Size Dolls on National Children's Book Day

2008-07-09T04:41:00.000-07:00

The National Children's Book Day is on July 15, 2008. It is celebrated every third week of July to commemorate the anniversary of the publication of Jose Rizal’s "The Monkey and the Turtle" in Trubner’s Oriental Record in London.Activities are lined-up during that day and throughout the year. Here is a schedule from PBBY.My beloved art group, Ang INK has been very