Elisha Baliña on a Day in the Life of a Graphic Designer and Beating Creative Block

by Sun Hands Collective Staff January 20, 2024

I’m Elisha, a 25-year old graphic designer based in Manila. I’ve been designing since I was in high school, and graduated with a BFA in Information Design at the Ateneo de Manila University.

Now I’m pursuing a career in tech as a Designer, and I work on some freelance projects whenever I have the time. When I’m not designing, you’ll find me drinking coffee, at the beach, or dancing with my friends!

WHAT IS AN AVERAGE DAY LIKE FOR YOU AS A GRAPHIC DESIGNER?

My full-time job keeps me busy most days. I thankfully work-from-home, so I get to cook my meals and do some chores in between. When I need a change of environment, I’ll usually drive to a nearby coffee shop and work there. Once my day is over, I like to take walks or bike before dinner.

After that, I clean up and do my skincare (an essential!). Then I’ll most likely be working on my freelance projects ‘till I head to bed.I usually sleep in and run some errands on the weekends. This is when I have the most time for my freelance, so I work for a few hours ‘till I have to head out at night.

WHICH DESIGN STYLE RESONATES MOST WITH YOU?

I always say that I’m pretty flexible when it comes to designing–so I don’t have a particular design style. My designs are usually a reflection of what I’m into at the moment. Right now, I’m really into gradients and textures, which you can see on the design that I did for Sun Hands!

Something constant though, I would say, is the source of my design inspiration. I’m heavily inspired by anything vintage–be it postcards, magazines, and ads. I love to take inspiration from the beach as well, which is why you’d often see me incorporating flora and fauna onto my works.

HOW DO YOU GET OUT OF CREATIVE BLOCKS?

I take some time off my laptop and try to get my mind into thinking about other things. Doing mundane things like cleaning (my form of therapy) or running errands always helps. But sometimes, I try to do something active like walk, workout, or bike!

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 5 FONT PAIRINGS AT THE MOMENT?

1. Vanguard CF + HK Grotesk
  2. Sometimes Times+ Figtree
  3. Apple Garamond + MADE Evolve Sans
  4. Clash Display + Space Grotesk
  5. Pathway Extreme + Prodigy Sans

Keep up with Elisha and her art on Instagram!