ice cream special: doyle see

my first impression of doyle was crazy, insane and yep, freakin' talented. as seatmates in our first year of college, we'd find ourselves drawing and doodling at the back of our test papers because we didn't know the answers to the programming test. we would constantly talk about regretting not enrolling in fine arts, when it was what we always wanted. doyle soon transferred schools after that 1st year and zoom to 10 years after, you will find him as a damn talented musician, graphics and web programmer / designer and most importantly, the thriving designer of clothing line, Killapinas. here's a peak into doyle's mind --- with an interview, photos and a choice of his favorite designs. 

Who are you as an artist? What is your design aesthetic?
This is probably one of the hardest questions I get as I cannot easily define who I am as an artist or as a person in general. The only thing that I can think of is that I always keep an open mind. I try to filter out criticisms and apply those advice to my work. And lastly, I try to keep my work simple and try to always have a solid concept or story behind it. As for my style, I'm a bit flexible which goes from vector looking art to textured designs, some splatters, some circles and sometimes a bit cartoony as well.

What is Killapinas and how did it get to where it is now?
Killapinas is a small independent clothing line that I started last 2009. I guess having been in the "underground" local design circuit, being active online and hyping has helped push the brand to where it's currently at.

Did you ever plan this venture? Or is it something that just came about? If so, how did it happen?
I initially had a vision of doing merch for local bands and printing them on my own but that never progressed as I had to juggle between college and helping our family business; and this was around early 2000. I got back to doing designs again around 2006/2007 when a local clothing approached me to do some designs for them. Eventually after a couple of years, that became a bit shady and I thought of starting my own line.

Who are your customers?
Buyers are mostly from Cebu but since we do shipping, our shirts have reached several parts of Luzon and Mindanao areas of the country as well.

Do you have other design or art projects besides your clothing line?
I do freelance designs once in a while for other clothing lines and bands both local and abroad.

Is designing your clothing line your main job?
Nope, I actually work full-time in a web development company. Killapinas is just kind of a "serious" hobby that I'm pursuing. Also, designing has been kind of my relaxation time from the work that I normally do in the office.

What inspires you?
I guess any artist would say that everything will give us inspiration, not just the positive things that you see and or experience but the negative ones as well. For me, it kind of sets the mood to where you want the direction of your art to go.

What do you have planned for Killapinas for the next 3 years?
Most likely establish the brand more, continue to create solid and cohesive designs, and maybe ship overseas.

Randoms:

Name and Age: Doyle See / 26
Website: www.doylesee.tk - but this doesn't get regularly updated. I still have to change the layout and setup a sort of system so I can easily update the site. (:
Music You're Listening to Now: The Conflict / Returners / The Ghost Inside
Favorite Article of Clothing: White shirts and short pants
Favorite Day: Sunday
Last Movie Watched and What You Thought of it: Predator. An old movie but still awesome.
Favorite Style on a Girl: I like girls in casual clothes, not a fan of makeups and too much accessories.
Current Obsession/s: T-shirts, Vans shoes, guitars, watches

You can find Killapinas on Facebook and Here: Killapinas.tk

ice cream special: armand alforque

i gravitate towards art  because it's the freest form of expression. and with that, i gravitate towards creative people too. here's a monthly ode to arists. and let me introduce you to

armand alforque

photographer. graphic artist. a very good friend.

we'd like to think that we're cousins mainly because our parents come from the same hometown --- maybe, but very distant. nevertheless, this artist is very close to my heart. armand is a graphic artist at drawing board creative and has created all kinds of art for major events and establishments like loft. however, photography is his passion. discover the talent of armand and let's take a look at his photos:

1. When did you start photography? Who or what inspired you to start it?

officially, i started 4 years ago when my mom and dad bought me my first DSLR Nikon D40x for my photography class in school. i was really into fashion at first but then i fell in love with photography -- fashion photography and digital art. i can easily see the results and have more control over my work.

2. What was your first ever camera? What did you love and hate about it?

like i said, a Nikon D40x. a DSLR was quite expensive at that time. only a few of us in class have cameras. so we have a lot of respect for photography. what i love about my Nikon D40x? it was right for my use at that time. i bought a new one, Nikon D5000 with video(!!!) and sold my D40x to my close friend. my D40x is still in good hands although i hate it because it's big. i don't take it with me all the time. i don't use it for camwhoring. *wink*

3. Do you have a special style of taking photos that you can say would be unique from others? How about editing?

i guess, i tend to over-edit. i look at small details. and my photography may look like digital art. my style is not natural -- provocative, with my male subjects and ANTM-ish with my female subjects. not everybody can appreciate my work as some say its almost porn and some say its too "clean." but i like it. i don't aim at pleasing everybody. i'm an artist. 

4. What do you enjoy most photography? 

having full control over it, quick results and you can really do a lot of stuff with the photos. you can go natural or turn it into digital art. there is a work-relationship with me and the models, the MUA (make-up artists) and the designers as well.

5. Who or what is your dream subject?

ANTM-ish!!! ANTM makes me teary-eyed...and BENCH-ish!

5. DSLRs are selling like pancakes. What can you say about the massive DSLR purchases of the last 2-3 years in our city alone? Is it really for everyone?

hahaha, i know and it is quite disappointing. i bought my D40x 4 years ago and it was expensive. and now i bought my D5000 with video at a cheaper price! well, obviously, anyone can afford a DSLR now but a DSLR should be treated with respect. i don't use it for camwhoring and i don't use it as part of my wardrobe -- a DSLR is not a necklace! everyone can own a camera, but not everyone can take good pictures.

7. What can you say to those who are still planning to take on photography?

don't take photography because it's a trend. don't buy a DSLR because it's a trend. take photography because you have the heart for it. buy a DSLR and make sure to use it. know your field -- whether it's fashion, weddings, events, etc. treat photography and your DSLR with great respect. and last, practice, practice, practice.

check out armand's portfolio at: http://armandalforque.multiply.com