A CALL FOR MORE VISUAL ARTISTS

Filipinos are mostly artistic in nature, many of whom are dedicated to the field of visual arts. Be it a simple sketch or an incredibly detailed design, talented hands and creative minds are found all throughout the nation.

For many of these visual artists, however, pursuing their passion for art is hardly the most practical of choices, especially when it can be hard to make a living. As a result, they end up entering other industries.

But as society continues to experience rapid technological advancements, various types of art now share the stage with their respective digital forms, visual arts included. The digital age has created new opportunities for visual artists to pursue their passion, whilst not having to worry about how to bring food to the table.

In a previous post, we shared what it was like to give up a corporate job to take up a career in art. To say it was challenging is an understatement, but as you learn to adapt and make use of what you have to the best of your abilities, your passion and career will ultimately become synonymous with each other.

The digital tools available today have definitely helped in making things easier. This very blog is a product of the digital age, and so artists can now promote their work as well as schedules for events and workshops through similar means. Social media platforms are highly useful, too. In this case, Manila Standard highlighted that Instagram has been an instrument for success, exposing every piece of artwork to at least 47,000 sets of eyes.

This whole experience, though, is only one of the ways through which you can pursue your passion for art. Several other industries have sent out their own calls for more visual artists.

Virtual reality, the next big thing in tech, now exceeds the entertainment realm, as a separate piece from Manila Standard relayed the vision of two Filipinas aiming to bring the innovation towards more professional applications within the country. Visual artists can certainly contribute by sharing their creativity–for instance, in rendering processes, which will result in smoother and more detailed VR environments.

Another niche in which visual artists can get enter is game development. iAcademy delved into the current lack of artists within the industry which is now on the rise, in turn creating job opportunities that numbered as much as 15,000 in last year’s estimates.

As of today, educational institutions have introduced relevant subjects and courses in the hopes of meeting the demand of this ongoing trend. Needless to say, experienced visual artists have an edge over the young blood that are still developing and finding their love for the craft. Themes and design form a large part of the industry, and visual artists will feel ‘at home’ working in this phase of game development.

In fact, a triple A developer already made steps in tapping into the potentials of Filipino artists. Inquirer reported that Ubisoft’s Singapore studio sent a handful of its Filipino company members back here to recruit local talent until at least March this year. It’s worth mentioning that the lead artist of the studio, who’s included in the screening team, began as a visual artist here in the Philippines.

Another global brand, gaming platform Slingo deploys social media integration to reach a broader demographic regardless of the user’s location, and the Philippines being the social media capital of the world, according to Global Outreach Developments Int’l, it has seen significant growth in the country because of its social media friendly nature. These firms are also aided, directly or otherwise, by individuals of different nationalities to form more effective relations with the different audiences to which they cater. Developers and publishers of such caliber like the two aforementioned are excellent grounds wherein visual artists can practice their craft and get a rewarding career at the same time.

But if you fancy more artistic freedom and expression, indie game developers are the perfect target companies for your artistic capabilities. The local indie game development scene is booming and Ungeek implied that this state is best showcased in events such as last year’s E-Sports and Gaming Summit.

Regardless of what you choose, the most important factor to help you succeed is to wholeheartedly devoting yourself to the trade. Visual arts is an enjoyable hobby, but as you turn your passion into a career, the fulfilment will be like nothing else you’ve encountered.

xx