Meet illustrator from the Philippines, Soleil Ignacio.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi, I’m Soleil, my name means Sun in french—I’m not french though lol— 100% Filipina, born and raised in the Philippines! I do illustrations, working mostly within the fashion and beauty industry.

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

It’s… something, lol. I live in Metro Manila, specifically in Mandaluyong City. I love where I live since we’re right in the middle—in a city known for its crazy traffic—for me this is the perfect spot. It also has the right amount of busy and relaxed city living.

Another great thing living here in the Philippines is that we always have easy access to beautiful beaches! This is very important to me being a typical Cancerian/water/moonchild 🌙

Manila is… Manila. It’s crazy, chaotic, but we all love it—there are so many great things and surprises it can offer if you just take the time to know the city.

Manila is… Manila. It’s crazy, chaotic, but we all love it—there are so many great things and surprises it can offer if you just take the time to know the city.

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

Best and worst for me would be the pace of living.

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

Challenging (both good and bad); Frustrating (at times); (but still very) Hopeful

How did you start your career in art?

I’ve always been into drawing since I was a kid, but never really thought of it as a career. When I was in high school though I got very into The Sims haha and thought of taking up Interior Design for college. But then my mom pushed me to take a Fine Arts course at The University of the Philippines—being a state university, tuition was subsidized by the government and it was a huge help for us. I ended up taking Visual Communication, and there I got back into drawing and realized I can do it as a career.

When I was in high school though I got very into The Sims haha and thought of taking up Interior Design for college. But then my mom pushed me to take a Fine Arts course at The University of the Philippines

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

Very!

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

To be able to work on a global campaign where my work could reach more people, and hopefully inspire or just make their day brighter when they see it on the streets or wherever they are.

To be able to work on a global campaign where my work could reach more people, and hopefully inspire or just make their day brighter when they see it on the streets or wherever they are.

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

I’m still on a James Jean high from recently visiting his biggest exhibit to date in Seoul, so him!

How would you describe the women around you?

Well, my mom is the feistiest woman I know! She will not back down from anything haha. I’m also lucky to be friends with independent, progressive thinking, and very creative ladies. They’re a huge help whenever I need some inspiration.

I’m also lucky to be friends with independent, progressive thinking, and very creative ladies. They’re a huge help whenever I need some inspiration.

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

Hmm, thinking back, I had aunts and a cousin who was great at drawing! I always saw their works and copied them. So I guess they were part of the reason I became an illustrator!

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

Luckily I haven’t had many troubles myself. The only thing I hate is whenever I paint a mural in a construction site and I have to climb ladders or scaffolding, I always hear men comment patronizing stuff about me. Or they think they’re being sweet, but really they’re not.

Give a firm handshake! Be confident, assertive, and speak up.

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

Give a firm handshake! Be confident, assertive, and speak up.

Photos courtesy of Soleil Ignacio.