design by lello , Alfa Romeo Show
(from thevisualdictionary.net)

From wikipedia:

Graphic design is a form of visual communication using text and/or images to present information, or promote a message. The art of graphic design embraces a range of cognitive skills and crafts including typography, image development and page layout. Graphic design is applied in communication design and fine art. Like other forms of communication, graphic design
often refers to both the process (designing) by which the communication is created, and the products (designs) such as creative solutions, imagery and multimedia compositions. Graphic design is traditionally applied to static media, such as books, magazines and brochures. Additionally, since the advent of computers, graphic design is utilised in electronic media - often referred to as interactive design, or multimedia design.

One of the keywords I would like to highlight is the two famed words - visual communication. This catch phrase has been tagged to mean a lot of things - expression, passing of a certain message, a tangible value, an impending cause - all of these things may be transmitted through the use of graphic design.

But, I must also note that Graphic design is constantly expanding in its definition - it is not limited only to anything visual, it now engages users into a different experience of connectivity.

What we are seeing now is the practice of graphic design within the Philippines transforming itself into a more progressive, innovative and cultural movement. Why is this so? And why does it seem to be happening in such a rapid speed?
Well,for one thing. Maybe speed is good. After all, graphic design, like a lot of other disciplines, is reliant on technology. Lets back track a little bit.

Historically, from the viewpoint of neighboring nations, the Philippines has been out of the radar from the international design scene. This is highly attributed to the notion of its perceived geographical location – its isolation from the highly Taoist/Buddhist/Muslim neighboring nations, and high Christian influences. Despite our tanned skin, our malay ancestors, our sheepish smiles as Asians - we were, technically colonized by Spaniards who introduced the Catholic religion. We were tailored fit to follow, rebel, and adapt all of these lessons learned from 100+ years of colonial rule.

Another reason why there was an onset of graphic design’s popularity during these contemporary times is also due to the fact that most internationally recognized artists from the Philippines are based (or have had background training) in other foreign countries. Most migrant Filipinos who bode well in international competitions take advantage of graphic design training and specialization offered abroad. Most foreign countries create better opportunities for small design firms and artists to be recognized. They prioritize design and aesthetic practice into a forefront in innovation. Which is, not to say,a far cry from what we see locally, how we scrape day to day by offering lower and lower rates, and we lose out from other cheaper competitions such as India or China.

Well, the good part is that Gone were the days when artists were confined in studios or isolated from the mainstream public. Design and art, per se, isn’t confined merely to print media or computer graphics – graphic design encompasses anything people could hold, touch or see.

Along with the phenomena of globalization, technology has become widely accessible and affordable for the common designer. Most designers are able to afford access to the internet and other forms of communication with minimal investments. The world wide web provides countless examples of training, practice, even providing international copyrights for the amateur (http://www.creativecommons.com).It has also made it possible to conduct business internationally without the costs of travel or high communication costs. I’m hoping that one day, everything will be so globalized that citizenry / race / gender will not impede you from gaining clients, regardless of where you live in this world.

Printing rates have also become more affordable for companies to take advantage of, and new media ideas are being practiced (outdoor and non-traditional advertising through the use of billboards, comfort room advertising,etc.) Sometimes, media companies like ABS-CBN or GMA 7 (the two top media channels in the Philippines) import the work of small production houses to create motion graphics and all sorts of media- taking in to consideration general design direction, style and work ethics for several themes, not limited to show’s opening and closing billboards.

Commercials, print ads, billboards, t-shirt designs, branding – even new media and installations have been on the constant rise these past few years, usually led by emerging student groups, non-governmental organizations and amateurs who want to be heard.
(Again, a testament to the notion that more and more people are understanding the importance of good design practice in the aspects of business and lifestyle.) It is undeniable that design is trickling down to all aspects of everyday life. Even candidates for local elections seem to consign designers to create striking logos for them to be identified (Joker Arroyo logo)

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The filipino culture has generally been characterized as a melting pot of sorts -a smorgasbord of flavor, influences and beliefs. Filipinos, (unlike other nations) are obsessed with flushes of color, typography, high contrasts- and a tendency to place everything together - perhaps reflective of traditional filipino norms, our closely knit family ties, the values of “pakikisama” and others. The important part of this premise is that we see it everywhere- from the MRT print ads, Bench commercials, even tv commercials which showcase common household goods.

The birth of consciousness toward graphic design could also be attributed to growing international trends in design, every effort geared towards offering the best that the industry could offer to its market. The Philippine economy is highly-consumer driven and highly-interactive, considering the fact graphic designers generate the most income from advertising and freelance work from stores in shopping malls and consumer-driven companies. And since this industry is relatively new, most graphic designers are familiar with the works of their collegues- and as always, rapidly influencing one another’s design styles. The growth of graphic design in the Philippines has allowed their art to flourish, in the most upbeat and grassroots level.

We’ve explored several design styles, from surrealism to rustic, and the traditional, this country has learned and persevered - a trademark of resourcefulness and a different kind of creativity is very much apparent.

Whats next in the rabbit hole for the Philippines? A lot.

After the recently held Graphika Manila, the first intl. graphic design convention in Manila, I’m convinced that theres a lot of promise, and yet, theres still a lot to be proved. We still don’t have everything down pat. We’re still lacking in resources. There are still skeptics out there who think we can’t compete. But I’m sure that we’re still resourceful, and we’ll find ways to ameliorate perceived problems along the way.

Theres always something new brewing in this country. Amidst the turmoil, the instability, the seeming chaos in the atmosphere- its art scene is still flourishing to be at the peak of its time.

i believe you tend to view things a little bit differently if you’re exposed to diverse experiences. Regardless whether they’re violent, political, dramatic, or emotional experiences, that mold Filipino life.