Kanto Vol 3, 2018 | Page 51

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. 49