A couple of weeks ago, my classmate Oliver invited me to an event for an organization he’s affiliated with, Vector X Vexel PH (VXV PH), a community of Filipino artists and enthusiasts with the mission to unite, inspire and support each other, and promote Philippine pride all over the world through the use of vectors and graphic design.
It was founded in 2010 by Rizaldy Catapang, also known as ZLDZ, who created a new group on Facebook that shares the same principles as the mission: Unite, Inspire and Support Filipino Vector Arts/Artists in the country. VXV’s name became well-known in 2011 both locally and internationally, as its core members bagged several features in various websites, print and other media.
The event included Advanced Photoshop, Computer Arts, Threadless, Graphika Manila, Vectips, Vector Tuts, and more. Other activities were design
workshops and talks that opened many doors for aspiring graphic design students.
In its two years, VXV PH garnered a member count of more than 500 vector artists from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, making it one of the largest design groups in the Philippines.
Today, Vector X Vexel Philippines thrives to pursue its vision of creating strong ties and opening more opportunities to members while enjoying what started it all, the art called vector.
The two-day event themed “Vector the Future” had its 1st grand exhibit and convention in celebration of its second anniversary on April
13-14 at La Feria En Arte, ARTS in the City, Fort Bonifacio Business District (BGC), Taguig City. They also had a grand bazaar and live art shows from WeWill Doodle and Handicrafts. The event was attended by more than 250 people.
It was really fun seeing the artworks of their members, showcasing their passion and creativity. Each had a distinct and unique style. It was like a burst of color had scattered all over the event itself, with wonderful art masterpieces posted all over the walls and doors.
Awesomeness
I definitely had fun looking at them, fascinated by their awesomeness, thinking that I could also make those kinds of artworks in the future. I was taking photos of them nonstop as I couldn’t take my eyes off them. They were also selling pins, and T-shirts, especially the VxV Army Collection Series.
The event also showcased their members’ diverse artworks and insightful discussions from speakers in the creative industry, such as Rey Esla Teo, Lulli, The Creative Dork, and Quiccs. I
enjoyed listening to the talks and remembered some of the things they told us. The first speaker, Rommel Reyes, or Rey Esla Teo, is a traditional/digital painter-caricaturist in the Philippines. I like how he used the words—proof, perseverance and product—to talk about being an artist.
He said that only you can confirm whether you’re an artist or not. What others say doesn’t matter. “We are the ones who will decide who we want to be, if we have the capabilities of being an artist,” he added. I love the part when he said, “You’re an artist if you consider yourself one.”
Robbie Bautista, or The Creative Dork, was also there, a freelance illustrator, traveller and blogger. He shared some of his experiences being a frustrated artist and gave us some quotes to remember, like “The first draft of anything is sh-t” by Ernest Hemingway. “Never settle for the first draft,” Rob said. “Always deviate.”
He also recommended always bringing a sketchpad so that we can brainstorm and draw all our ideas wherever we go. “Spend time with your craft. Never compare yourself to others,” he added.
There was also a live demo by Sonny Pagara, or “Lulli,” known for being an expert on hyperrealism in vectors. His works are mind-blowing and stunning, as they look like photos. The last speaker, Juanito Maiquez, or “Quiccs,” art director for Burnwater Art X Design studios who also loves the fusion of graffiti art and digital media, has impressive works.
Aside from these, my school, CIIT College of Arts and Technology, being one of the sponsors, had set up a booth for marketing as well as to support our very own students, Marinelle Tallan and Oliver Santiago. We had lots of brochures and stickers, all designed by them, that were distributed to the attendees. Also, we had a video about “The Making of CIIT Brochure.”
At the end of the event, there was a raffle and prizes given away, which were artwork prints by the speakers, free workshops and Wacom Bamboo Pen and Touch tablets from CIIT. The whole event was worth going to, as you could see how our fellow Filipino artists are spreading our country’s art to the world and showing what we can do in the field of arts and design. As our art industry is expanding in the global scene, we can conclude that Filipino artists have what it takes to be among the best in the world.