Sunday, July 14, 2013
Who knew that this guy right here would give you wonderful insights on how to be a good graphic artist?
Highly unlikely? No, he's the real deal.
Kuya "Lakay", as he is commonly called in the community, looks like a super happy, normal guy who spends his time doing nothing.
Yes it is true that now, Mr. Herminigildo G. Robles and his wife, Elena, spend most of their time managing the sari-sari store they have managed to put up. But before, he was a graphic artist for clothing companies.
In his heydays, he used to work for the big names in the denim industry. Mr. Lee, Wranco Jeans, you name it. He's one of their best graphic artists.
He probably even designed the jeans you are wearing right now.
However, problems struck him one by one. His friends forced their company's closure and he was struck with epilepsy. He has shed almost all who he was before to become what he is now.
But, in the midst of all the unfortunate events, he still treasures the work ethics and values that he cultivated back then. And, he knows that these values are still relevant today.
So now, let me share you, artists of all classes, some tips from a veteran graphic artist himself.
Show your thanks to your company
He said that everyone should be grateful to the company that has given you your jobs.
Whether you are a top level executive, a mid level artist or a rank and file employee, everyone should do their best in doing their job for the sake of the company.
He told me a story about his friends that forced their company's closure. He said that those guys were planning to force their company to increase their salary even though the company would not be able to absorb the impact.
In the end, his company closed down.
He showed his gratitude by resigning from his job before its closure without taking any separation benefits because he knew that if he took it, not everyone would get their benefits.
Be Flexible
You should be flexible while working for a company.
Remember that not everyone are given a chance to work in a company. That's why, whatever tasks are available, you should do it as long as it in your field of expertise.
"Even doing menial jobs every now and then would be great," he said.
During his time in Wranco Jeans, he used to do other menial tasks in addition to him being an artist.
"Noon, hinahatid ko pa yung General Manager namin gamit yung L-300 ng kumpanya. Ginagawa ko yun kasi pakikisama yun eh, at kasama rin sa trabaho (Before, I even drive my General Manager back home using the company's L-300. I do that because that is fellowship and it is also my job)," he related to me.
Treat your co-workers as family
For a successful career, you should treat your co-workers as family. Cover for them when they are in need, and they will cover for you when you are in a pinch, too.
In the end, employees would be the one covering for other employees, don't they?
In relation to this, he told me a story where he and his companion almost died.
"Noong papunta kaming Aparri, muntik na kaming mamatay. Nahulog kasi kami sa bangin! Naawa kasi ako dun sa driver namin dahil inaantok na siya. Ako rin pala, inaantok na. Kaya ayun, nahulog kami sa bangin. Sabi ko, 'Diyos ko po, mamamatay na ata ako.' Mabuti na lang, hindi kami namatay sa bangin. Kaso, naalala namin na 'di ba, pumumutok ang truck 'pag nahulog sa bangin? Bigla kaya kaming umakyat noon, kasi baka sumabog," he told me this while chuckling after.
Trust your hands
Your hands are your money making machines. Take care of them and do not rely on computer programs.
Computer programs are there to assist you, but they shouldn't really be used that often.
According to him, he sparingly used computer softwares back then as they have "inaccuracies" in them.
Be surprising and learn from experience
As an artist, you should be able to catch the attention of your viewers. To achieve this, you should be clever, unpredictable and surprising.
Surprise your viewers with groundbreaking ideas. Present unusual ideas that at first seems to be impossible.
Remember, nothing is impossible in this world, right?
When "Lakay" was still working, he presented an idea that he said was so unusual and groundbreaking, that his superiors and other people frowned on it.
He said that his idea was to create a model building where everything would be activated with motion sensor. Immediately, his superiors told him that it was impossible.
In the end, he was not able to create his model building. But, please remember that he presented his idea during the late 1980s. While it is not so unusual today, it was pretty hard to pull this off back then.
Lastly, he said that not everything is learned at school. Through experience, you can achieve others may have failed to attain.
Now that you have read his tips, what do you think guys?
