Artist in Focus: Ramesh Rosillo

CEBU, Philippines - Even after winning first place in the Logo Design Contest of the forthcoming 450th Anniversary of Kaplang,

The Freeman's Ramesh Rosillo still insists on pushing the boundaries of his creative tenacity - maintaining a positive and progressively distinct body of works that is not only timely, but also indicative of the visual design space's peaks.

With more than 20 years experience in the graphic design and visual arts scene, Rosillo has earned a reputation in the telling of stories through powerful images, a feat which he consistently does without being bounded by the limits imposed by today's range of visual design platforms.

Constantly unifying the swarming panoramas of ineffably multiplied impressions that captivate his creative fancies, the artist's attention to detail remains to be a constant in his ever-growing portfolio of logos, page layouts, creative designs and art pieces.

We recently spent time chatting with Rosillo, who had effectively convinced us that a dream worth having is a dream worth fighting for, and that physical limitations or emotional inhibitions are not  hindrances that  bar anyone from attaining his or her full potential.

TF: Today, you've built a name for yourself in the creative design space, taking on  different projects - from the making of logos and decals, illustrations and page layouts. Before all that, who was Ramesh Rosillo?

Ramesh: I was born and raised in Cebu, and I've established a career as a designer here. When I was 2 months old, I got sick with meningitis, which led to my physical disability.

Though I am disabled, it never stopped me from pursuing what I love to do. Growing up, I was very buhong (indulged) with praises and encouragement from my Mama Cita, whose positive upbringing boosted by self-confidence, motivating me to take part in different on-the-spot drawing contests during my elementary and high school days.

In college, I took up Architecture in UV while working for two different companies as graphic artist. In time, I was connected with three different companies doing design-related tasks. I also made illustrations and comics strips for Banat News during these times. In 2000, I became the Editorial Cartoonist of The Freeman.

TF: As an artist, how would you define yourself? Are you more of a visual artist or are you more comfortable describing yourself as an illustrator/graphic designer?

Ramesh: I would have to say I am both, though my first love has always been the visual arts field. 

But since graphic design has significant ties with the creation of paintings and artworks, I've come to discover a side of me that's more dynamic in terms of my output in graphic design, a side that is still motivated by my love for visual arts.

TF: If you weren't in the creative field, where would you most likely be?

Ramesh: Perhaps, I would be a teacher. Since bata pa ko (Since I was a child), I've always wanted to be a teacher, but wasn't able to pursue that dream due to certain reasons. My wife, however, is a teacher. The way I see it, my dreams of being able to teach became true in her.

TF: As an editorial cartoonist, the demands of the job can be taxing, considering that newspapers are published every day. How do you deal with the stress involved in having to make timely and relevant illustrations day in and day out?

Ramesh: The opportunity of being able to create every day is motivation enough for me to do my duties as editorial cartoonist, a job which I really love. To me, if you get stressed with what you do, it means that you're no longer happy and no longer in love with your work.

TF: Every artist has a mentor or a role model. Who is yours?

Ramesh: Someone I really look up to is Mar Vidal. His work ethic, his enthusiastic way of sharing what he knows in terms of skill and technique, and his family-oriented philosophy in life truly inspire me.

TF: What's your dream project, or has that already been fulfilled?

Ramesh: My dream is to do a one-man painting exhibit someday, or perhaps come up with a book that features my work.

TF: Anything to share - some encouraging bits of wisdom, if you will - to aspiring designers reading this now?

Ramesh: Sa kalinghuron sa akong pangisip (In my young mind) before, I used to ask God why, sa kadaghang tao, he made me physically disabled. I used to think that if I were not disabled, I could have done more in showcasing the talents He had given me.

In time, I've come to learn that it was a cliché way of thinking, and that it is true that He has His own way or plan for everyone.

Just be patient and be truly honest and dedicated in what you do, and His plan for you will unfold - no matter what your circumstances are.