CEBU, Philippines - There’s a definitive driving force behind the aesthetic sensibilities of designer and illustrator Dan Matutina, one which yields to compelling visuals that bear sublime undertones of euphoria and ennui – an artistic feat which he does so well without falling into the pedantic pitfalls of irrelevance.
Co-founder of the design collective known as Plus63 Design Co, Matutina’s take on visual design goes beyond simply churning out eye candy pieces, with the artist inclined towards elevating spirits in combining handmade and digital design elements with a wide gamut of colors, textures and shapes in telling a story.
With a growing portfolio of local and international clients, partners and collaborators, the designer has easily earned the nods of various design communities and the general public.
Driven in extending the bounds of his own creativity, Matutina’s keen attention to detail and capacity to see beyond what is de facto sets him apart as an artist of his caliber.
The Freeman recently found the time to chat with Dan Matutina, who had effectively convinced us that discipline, dedication and determination are more than inspiring words used by orators in moving audiences and crowds.
The Freeman: Today, Dan Matutina is a designer and illustrator who had taken a hand in helping various brands establish unique brand identities, along with solid visual campaigns and strategies. Before all that, who was Dan Matutina?
Dan: I was born in Tacloban City and I spent my childhood there. I also went to grade school and high school in the province. I only moved to Manila to take up Fine Arts in the University of the Philippines. After college I worked in an advertising agency as an art director for three years, and then I started a design studio with my friends.
The Freeman: “Twistedfork†– why the alias?
Dan: Ha ha! Years ago it was “cool†to have an online name or handle. In college I was “siromâ€, after college I used “twistedfork†because of the fork-bracelet I always wore. I rarely use “twistedfork†nowadays but I just kept the name.
The Freeman: In a previous interview, you mention that you were once into film, involving yourself in film-related projects whenever you can today. Any chance of you leaving the visual design scene for a career in the movie scene at this point and time?
Dan: I don’t know if I can still go back to film full time, but I still dabble into filmmaking from time to time. I help some of my friends with their film projects, though. Just recently, I helped Erik Matti with his short film as a design/creative consultant. A couple of years ago, I co-directed a commercial with other directors for Manila Design Week. So yea, I didn’t really leave film. It’s just that I’m more in love with design and illustration nowadays.
The Freeman: You’ve recently worked with Havaianas, collaborating with the brand in creating custom designed flip flops based on your design. How does it feel to be the first Filipino to take on such a role?
Dan: It’s really a big honor to collaborate with Havaianas! I wear their flip-flops all the time so I would say that the collaboration was a perfect fit. To be honest, this was a challenging commission for me because I personally think I’m not too good in designing wearable things. It was fun though, and the Havaianas team were really awesome to work with.
The Freeman: What’s your dream project, or has that already been fulfilled?
Dan: My dream project has always been to work with the government (in a large scale design/creative project). It’s because the work you create will affect a lot of lives in the country. I also believe that design can help change lives for the better.
The Freeman: Anything to share – some encouraging bits of wisdom, if you will – to aspiring designers reading this now?
Dan: According to Rabindranath Tagore: “Be brave right through and leave for the unknownâ€. ?
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Make Your Own Havaianas Cebu
Come aboard and journey with the world’s favorite flip-flops brand to a world beyond everyone’s imagination. The yearly Make Your Own Havaianas (#MYOHC2013) will be held at the SM Northwing from July 18 – 21, 2013 during mall hours. Now on its 8th year, let your creativity take off to greater heights and higher planes with a full spectrum of soles, straps, and pins available in this year’s parade of happiness, fun, self-expression and adventure that Havaianas stands for. (FREEMAN)