Here comes the sun

MANILA, Philippines - This month’s edition of the YStyle logo is a colorful meditation on the sun, sand and surf — just in time for the beginning of summer. Designed by graphic artist AJ Dimarucot, co-founder of childrenswear line Googoo and Gaga, the new logo pays homage to Dimarucot’s idea of the perfect summer day, which involves “beach, sun, sand and fruit shakes all day with the wife and kids.” Dimarucot, who has fond memories of childhood summers spent with cousins and relatives in Laiya, Batangas, made use of elements he recalls from vacations long past: “Lots of bright colors, the beach, surf, trees, birds. Reminds me of when I spent summers in the beach as a child.”

Dimarucot, who refers to his style as “gestural” (“I mostly design on the fly and let the piece figure itself out,” he explains), is self-taught. “I (grew up) skipping college classes to learn how to Photoshop a girl’s face with my face,” he says. “Learning design is still a process I’m going through after more than 10 years.”

That learning process involves projects like his current Pacquiao pieces for Nike, and progress on his Googoo and Gaga line. “This year we are in the process of doing a trade show in Paris through our distributor in France,” he adds. “She’s a Filipina who wants to bring Pinoy products to France. We’re pretty excited for it!”

For more info on the artist, visit www.ajdimarucot.com.