Kesa Obcena on Creating Art Amidst a Pandemic
Kesa and her Dog
I’m Kesa, a graphic designer + illustrator with a background in Print and Paper. As I child, I used to collect and make my own stationery. It’s no wonder I landed a job as an artist for a Print and Paper Company, doing graphic design and other creative work for 5 years.
I then transitioned to being a full-time freelance artist where I help individuals and small businesses build and design their brands. I joined the corporate world again after 6 months while still accepting limited commission works on the side :) In my free time, I usually just hang around, watch movies and play fetch with my dog!
I then transitioned to being a full-time freelance artist where I help individuals and small businesses build and design their brands. I joined the corporate world again after 6 months while still accepting limited commission works on the side :) In my free time, I usually just hang around, watch movies and play fetch with my dog!
Inspired by a Philippine Summer
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ART STYLE?
My art style, I can say, is very organic. Most of my works are done digitally but are inspired by the textures and organic details of traditional art.
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR ART?
I’ve always been inspired by anything and everything! I’m easily fascinated, even with the most mundane and littlest of things. So when you look at my portfolio, it is basically a collage of anything that catches my attention, ranging from food, a person, an object, a song, or a certain lifestyle.
Kwento Case
HOW HAVE YOUR EXPERIENCES AS A FILIPINO TRANSLATED INTO YOUR ART?
Since my art is mostly inspired by anything under the sun, I get to insert bits and pieces of our culture into it– whether it be relatable experiences, sceneries, or just overall lifestyle!
Moodboard for local brand, Cassidy PH
Moodboard for local brand, Cassidy PH
HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC AFFECTED THE WAY YOU CREATE?
I used to create more for myself pre-pandemic. Since I was hired at the start of the pandemic + was still accepting limited freelance projects, being busy was my way of coping up. When my day job ends, my freelance work starts. I was never not working. But when I do have time to create art, I noticed that my subjects are mostly centered on the things I used to do or if not, the things I relate to now in the new normal.
Tattoos designed by Kesa
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 5 FAVORITE FONTS?