Whether you’re looking for a classic retro throwback or adorable pops of color, keep your eyes peeled for these local artists
With local art conventions and merchandise drops happening left and right, it can usually get overwhelming to narrow down your preferences when you’re dealing with such a diverse pool of talented local artists to choose from.
As someone who has been attending art conventions and buying merchandise from local artists since 2017, I’ve gone through just that. But after finally getting the hang of things, here’s one piece of advice I can offer: know what you like, but don’t be afraid to buy merchandise that comes in art styles you aren’t accustomed to.
I used to gravitate more toward cutesy stickers and keychains, but I’ve since learned to broaden my horizons. With that, here are different local artists I recommend according to their art styles:
For a Taste of Nostalgia
HEREIN/THEREAFTER
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HEREIN/THEREAFTER borrows common artifacts from Filipino culture and infuses them with bits and pieces of whatever piques his interest during his creative process. If you’re a fan of Mitski, those adorable Sonny Angel dolls, boygenius, and Phoebe Bridgers, among many others, you’ll see traces of these in his work. Luckily, his art comes in stickers and A5 prints, so whether you’d like to put it up on your wall or stick it on your laptop, he’s got you covered.
You can get your hands on his work through his upcoming pre-order event HEREIN/THEREAFTER: NAME WITHHELD, which will run from June 29 to July 6.
Awkward But Able
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We’ve probably come to view taking afternoon naps in our salas or enjoying a freshly made cup of taho in the morning as ordinary parts of any Filipino’s day. However, Awkward But Able immortalizes these mundane moments by transforming them into vibrant masterpieces. He even has his own version of Sonny Angel stickers that don iskrambol and taho headpieces, which many members of the local art community attest that he popularized!
For film and music fans, Awkward But Able also boasts an adorable set of NCT DREAM stickers, along with art prints of Taylor Swift, Mitski, Japanese Breakfast, and the 1994 Wong Kar-wai film Chungking Express.
You can purchase his art from his InPrnt storefront, or you can catch him at these upcoming conventions.
Their Fieldnotes
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In Their Fieldnotes’ art, pop culture meets the late ’90s to early 2000s Filipino culture topped off with dreamlike elements borrowed from classic retro Chinese designs. Poy-Sian menthol nasal inhalers, Good Morning Towels, White Flower, and Tiger Balm. Do those things ring a bell? If so, much of Their Fieldnotes’ creations—in the form of stickers, keyrings, prints, and postcards—center around important household staples in any Filipino’s home.
Much like HEREIN/THEREAFTER and Awkward But Able, some of Their Fieldnotes’ stickers and prints also feature Mitski lyrics and quotes from Wong Kar-wai films. They even have sticker sheets dedicated to OPM acts like Zild and Ang Bandang Shirley.
While their online shop is closed for now, you can buy their goods at SYQL’s Walk, Man! on July 1 at 123 Block in Mandaluyong City, or at Komiket Iloilo from July 21 to 23.
For All Things Cute
pomelo paints co.
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It’s cuteness overload all around at pomelo paints co. Through their art, you’ll immediately be drawn to the bright colors and adorable redraws of your favorite Sanrio characters, Ghibli characters, Animal Crossing villagers, and Genshin Impact characters. But the fun doesn’t stop there as pomelo paints co. also has sticker sheets of their original characters, like different types of food and flowers that all have the signature “meh” emoticon as faces.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a cute charm to level up a plain bag, pomelo paints co. also has tons of colorful acrylic keychains and bag accessories to choose from.
You can place an order through their Shopee store, but if you’d like to handpick your merchandise in person, you can visit their table at Patrons of the Arts from July 8 to 9 at Centris Elements, Quezon City.
Peachsoul Studio
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Bursts of pastel are what you’ll immediately see when you take a look at Peachsoul Studio’s art. They house some of the loveliest original designs. So if fluffy bears and bunnies are up your alley, this might just become your next favorite shop!
For your K-Pop toploader needs, Peachsoul Studio has alphabet stickers, too. Their vast collection of sticker sheets—big and small—has even allowed them to establish themselves as one of the Filipino bullet journaling community’s go-to stores.
You can place an order through their Shopee store or get your goods in person at Sticky Expo from August 18 to 20 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
Studio Dondon
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In the mood for a good mix of original characters and fresh takes on well-loved Studio Ghibli and Sanrio characters? You might want to check Studio Dondon’s art out. From quirky animals to food items with unamused faces, Studio Dondon has it all—whether you want these designs on mobile grips, acrylic keychains, stickers, washi tape, art prints, or even coasters.
You can purchase their adorable goods through their Shopee store, or pay them a visit at Patrons of the Arts from July 8 to 9 at Centris Elements, Quezon City.
For a Retro Throwback
Howler Supply
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Howler Supply puts a realistic vintage comic spin on their art. They can make the latest pop culture emblems look like they were pulled straight from the ’80s. Their stickers and art prints feature K-Pop groups, K-dramas, popular films, delicious food, and Filipino puns, among others.
You can shop at their Lazada and Shopee stores, or visit Common Room in Alabang Town Center, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, or UP Town Center.
Sobs Garage by Annix
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Sobs Garage by Annix releases eye-catching stickers, art prints, tote bags, pouches, caps, and shirts that take you back to the ’70s and ’80s. A handful of their art revolves around retro technology like old computers, television sets, camcorders, and stereos, marked with an original character that is uniquely Sobs Garage.
They have animals drawn in their style, too, like crocodiles, cats, and bunnies. The fun part? These characters are available as caps, shirts, and waterproof stickers.
You can place an order through their Shopee store, or catch them at the Modern Contemporary Art Festival (MoCAF) XP Art Bazaar on July 1 at Xception, The Biltmore Building, Makati City.
