Sentinel of Freedom monument,
Luneta Park, Manila
Hello! Please introduce yourself.
Hi! I am Daniel Ansel Tingcungco, an illustrator and art
director based in Manila. I am currently an art director for
Leo Burnett Manila and a member of Ang Ilustrador ng
Kabataan (Ang InK).
Can you recall when you first got into illustration? Was
there a particular moment in the past that convinced
you that the artistic track is what you want to take?
I’ve been drawing for as young as I can remember,
influenced by a lot of books, cartoons and animation. I won
my first poster-making contest in grade school and continued
being the class artist up to high school. Never thought of it much
until my brother encouraged me to take Fine Arts in college.
I graduated from college and started working soon after. I
experienced a kind of quarter-life crisis during this period. A
lot of my friends in college seemed to have already found their
artistic style and voice, especially those in illustration. While I was
happy with my work and with how I’m drawing as a hobby, I
sought to “find myself” by taking illustration seriously. By taking
inspiration and influence from a lot of artists and styles I love,
I’ve been able to slowly develop a style I’m comfortable with. I’ve
encountered so much frustration and confusion, but I was able
to get through with the help and support of mentors, friends and
family. It’s still a long way to go, but now I’m having fun as I
keep evolving and experimenting.
Daniel Tingcungco
Your take on illustration has a nostalgic and very
traditional vibe about it; one is reminded of picture
book illustrations from the 1950s and vintage travel
posters. What influenced such a style and why do you
favor such an approach?
Growing up, I’m influenced by a lot of picture
books from my childhood, together with cartoons and
animation, then moving forward and being exposed to
various art styles and illustrators.
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