Meet designer and illustrator from Manila, Jill Arteche.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m Jill, a designer and illustrator, based in Manila, Philippines. I currently work as an art director at Movemeant, Inc., and I also commit a lot of my time to freelancing. I primarily enjoy creating passion projects and working on editorial illustrations. My favorite subject includes people in everyday experiences, who are drawn in a comically grotesque way. When I’m not working, I’m probably on Netflix watching cartoons or crime mystery films.

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

Manila isn’t as scary as some people picture it to be! The people are friendly and the culture itself offers many opportunities for adventure. It’s best to keep an open mind and an enthusiastic attitude when you’re in the city, as you can’t really tell what’s coming! Living in Manila also means convenience. There are malls, parks, museums, bars, restaurants, and convenience stores just around the corner wherever you place yourself.

Manila isn’t as scary as some people picture it to be! The people are friendly and the culture itself offers many opportunities for adventure.

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

The best thing about my city would have to be its diverse culture. There are so many people coming from different walks of life that you could possibly meet here. It’s a mix of locals from different cities and provinces, and also foreign travelers. All represent an appreciation for art, fashion, food, film, and music. As a creative, it’s exciting to experience all of this as it inspires me to create my next subject. The worst thing about it would have to be traffic. It takes me 2 hours just to get to work every day, which forces me to get up so early in the morning. It really sucks.

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Busy, Colorful, Communal

How did you start your career in art?

I decided to pursue a career in art and illustration when I entered university. It started as a hobby when I was younger that turned into a passion as I got more immersed in the industry later on. It was just something I believed I was good at, so I mustered up all the courage to pursue it as a career. Every day, I would draw something in my little sketchbook until I discovered my artistic style. When I did, I took advantage of most social media platforms and posted my works without having so much expectation. Little by little, people started noticing and contacting me for illustration work… And that’s what continues to give me the push that I need to keep illustrating!

I took advantage of most social media platforms and posted my works without having so much expectation. Little by little, people started noticing and contacting me for illustration work… And that’s what continues to give me the push that I need to keep illustrating!

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

I’m lucky my family and friends were so supportive of my career decision. In fact, my parents even encouraged me to pursue it as they saw how I loved it so much. Without their support, I won’t really be where I am now.

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

My long-term goal is to be a self-employed, full-time illustrator and designer. Within the next 2 years, I plan to have a solo exhibit, an online shop, and more collaborations with more great people!

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

Oh, it would definitely have to be Gucci’s creative director, Alessandro Michele! I love the vibrancy and playfulness of his direction and work. As an illustrator, I would love to see my work on one of Gucci’s collections!

How would you describe the women around you?

Growing up, I’ve always had the most inspiring and loving women taking care of me. My mom is my biggest inspiration, and I aim to be successful to return all that she’s done for me.

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

When I was still studying, I was always inspired by Soleil Ignacio. I admire her for her works’ consistency and her courage to go full-time in illustration.

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

Today, I believe there’s more equality between both male and female, which is an empowering tool especially for the ones starting out in the industry. Regardless if you’re male or female, recognition and opportunities are granted for as long as the work and skill amount to it.

Regardless if you’re male or female, recognition and opportunities are granted for as long as the work and skill amount to it.

Do you have any advice to young women who are aspiring to work in your field?

I’ve said this many times before and I’ll still say it now: YOU DO YOU. Stay true to who you are and use it to create brilliant, honest, and original work. When you commit to doing this, everything else will follow.

Photos courtesy of Jill Arteche.