Art Attack: Digital Love, A/W 2012 Trend Report for PREVIEW Magazine

If the pen is mightier than the sword, but a picture paints a thousand words, does the paintbrush in turn trump the pen? And as we have entered the digital age, where your cousin's face can be superimposed on the Mona Lisa, where does photoshop fit in? I have considered this many times in the past couple of months, and I still don't know the answer, or if I'd like it if I did... But I had my date with photoshop anyway—

I present to you my first foray into the digital world:

PREVIEW Magazine's A/W 2012 Trend Report

Illustrated by Yours Truly!

Shameless plug: If you still haven't purchased a copy of PREVIEW Magazine's July issue—Trend Report included—do it now!

This experience was all at once exciting, fulfilling, demanding, and very humbling. This was my first commission wherein I did not have free reign. During a typical commission, a client (Eew. That word makes it sound so business-y) would present a certain financial stipend and would maybe give you a couple of requests—to use certain colors, or a subject or size. Sometimes, they would just say: "Surprise me". I usually don't need to do much prodding when deciding on what would suit a client best.

Needless to say, working for a magazine, the Philippines' top-selling fashion magazine at that!, was entirely foreign to me. Colors, composition, and the details—the minutest of the minute—would all have to go through the most careful scrutiny of editors and art directors. Daunting, you say? Quite. But to me, it was more of an exciting challenge—one that I was willing and ready to undertake.

I was initially hired based on my previous work with more 'traditional' media (i.e. pencils, acrylics and oils).

The illustration station.

After reviewing some illustrations I have done in the past, the team gave the go-signal: I was hired.

The challenge began the second I accepted. I was already a bit wary because my go-to style is not realism. Instead, my painting style is based more on expression, and on capturing the essence, or my idea of what the subject symbolizes. As for illustrating, my previous experiments have only been with pencils which aesthetically revolved around an exaggerated supermodel fetish—this material inexperience would play a very important part throughout this endeavor.

The team had come up with a charming concept for this Trend Report: Paperdolls. After receiving my pegs, I set off to drawing.

The first meeting was something short of disheartening. My 'style' was not translating as well as we'd hoped after digital scanning. It was then suggested that I abandon the pencils and switch to paints. Being the school of trial-and-error's star student I said I'd give it a shot.
So I did.
Still a no-go.
The final suggestion:

I had to use photoshop.
O.
M.
G.

I have never ever used photoshop ever ever. Ever. But I put on a cheerful face and immediately said "Sure!", with hopes of convincing the team (and myself) that I was still up for the challenge.

GoodnesspleasehelpmeIdontknowwheretostart

I downloaded a free trial of photoshop and fiddled around with it over a weekend. With my face inches from the screen, switching from peg to print, I painstakingly recreated the latest fall fashions on my laptop's mouse pad. 

Despite having to experience the first tentative weeks of brainstorming, and the failed attempts at pencil and paint that followed, I am extremely proud of what I accomplished digitally in just a little over a week. In effect, I taught myself how to 'paint' and illustrate with photoshop—with help from the creative minds at PREVIEW, of course. This experience allowed me to grow in so many ways. Not only did it provide magazine experience, but it provided another outlet for creation. I call the style employed in this paper doll project: Fashion-Comic Book Realness!

I knew full well that what I submitted to production could be edited or left out, so I want to take this opportunity to present everything that I came up with.

First.
Meet Annie Batungbakal: Paper Doll, Femme Fatale.

My younger sister Geanne was the muse for Annie's face.

If you put Annie side-by-side with my typical fashion illustration, you would have to squint while looking sideways in the dark to realize that they were done by the same hand.

This final Annie had to go through revision-boot-camp—Annie B. version 8.5.


And now—

Le Façon!!!

Cuh-lick to enlarge!

Black Carpet Ball. Note: The polka-dotted hose are supposed to go with the Retro Rave theme further down.

Global Parade.

Reindeer Games.

Retro Rave. The uncolored legs were my template for the two above and the one below.

After reviewing the initial submissions, the team noticed that most of the pieces were dark—meaning black. So the following pieces were drawn on the fly.

Additional Pieces.

Along with the doll and the clothes, the concept included four separate, themed, illustrated backdrops with some space for a title and text. Here were the original proposed backdrops:

Black Carpet Ball Backdrop: The PREVIEW Special Projects Team are on the scene! From Left: Kylee Lagman, Editorial Assistant; Eloise Alba, Managing Editor; Eugene David, Art Director and Katrina Veloso, Art Director.

Global Parade Backdrop.

Reindeer Games Backdrop.

Retro Rave Backdrop. I had an idea of making the door behind the two girls green, but I thought too many people might catch the retro pornographic reference...

So check out the July Issue of PREVIEW Magazine to find out which of the images have made it onto the trend Report. See Annie and her Autumn/Winter wardrobe in all their cut-out glory. You will not only find which design geniuses came up with the fabulous frocks in this fashion forecast, but you will also get tips on how to get your faces fresh, fancy and fiiieeeerce. Oh-kay?!

PREVIEW Magazine's July Best-Dressed Issue with Miss Iza Calzado on the cover. It includes the Trend Report!

This adventure has inspired me in so many ways. I began my photoshop experience blind, completely clueless, but in the short time that I gallivanted through the digital creative world, I was amazed by the ease and the possibilities. I want, no, I hunger to learn more—to do more. I want to really learn how to use all the tools (what is this magic wand and what else can it do!?), how to express every effect, render every detail and texture.

Over the course of this artistic enterprise some people jokingly suggested that after photoshop I would never pick up a paintbrush again. Really?—I'd think to myself. Ich don't think so. There is simply something magical and romantic about paints and pencils and crayons and charcoal that simply cannot be captured by photoshop. So then, what is mightier? The pen, the sword, the paintbrush or photoshop? I'm pretty sure I have so much yet to learn and so many things yet to try before I can fully and competently answer that question—my knowledge, experience and skills are still painfully too limited.. But one thing is for sure—it's back to the drawing board for me. Figuratively and literally.




Image of PREVIEW's July issue from:
http://www.facebook.com/preview.ph

Fash'illz 2 x People Watch: Manila Luzon

It seems to me that a birthday blog pattern is forming. A year ago today, I posted a People Watch entry on a Filipino Drag Queen who was a contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race - ONGINA. This year, again on my birthday, I am posting an entry on another Filipino Drag Queen who was also a contestant on RPDR's latest season. For this post, I've decided to do a series crossover between Fash'illz (fashion illustrations) and People Watch (people who have caught my eye for one reason or another). So without further ado, because she is fashionable, someone to watch and is inspiring in so many ways I present to you:

MANILA LUZON

THE Asian Glamasorous!!!

Under the definition of the words vivacious, stunning, witty and outspoken, you will find a picture of this NYC glamazon.

Manila Luzon (né Karl Westerberg) was born in Minnesota to an American father of German/Swedish descent and a Filipino mother. Manila Luzon takes pride in her Filipino roots (Really?! With a name like Manila Luzon, I could never have guessed...). Her Asian inspiration takes form in many of her drag looks and comedy.

Kawaii! Harajuku realness.

Pinay and Proud.

With lesbian drag queen girlfriend: Sahara Davenport. Sahara competed on season 2 of RPDR. The two have been together for about 5 years now.

Jocks in Frocks: challenge was to transform heterosexual jocks into their drag sisters. Manila won, duh! Meet her sister, Fuschia - she's a true Luzon!

The First Lady of Drag.

Manila easily becomes an early favorite in the competition. In the first few challenges, her presence, sense of style, polish, grace and humor win over audiences and judges (particularly Michelle Visage) alike.

Not to mention this queen serves some serious face.

Christmas Couture Challenge: Desperate Housewife of the North Pole

Disco Diva: Now that's a 'fro.

Manila DeVil: category is FACE!

Along with a captivating runway presence, her signature style and hybrid type of drag (she mixes glamour, club kid, pageant, and camp) consistently landed her in the top three each week. She has been lauded for her ability to theme couture, see exhibits A to H:

Manila Luzon on Big Bird: "Big Bird was a tranny pumping home from the club with her pot-head lesbian fag hag, Snuffleupagus."

Stealing cookies from the nookie jar.

Drag Race Reunion Special: Goldfish gown complete with golden goldfish earrings and hair pieces.

Serving evil henchwoman realness!

Imelda Mark-Up: Million dollar gown, yep, Manila made that dress and hairpiece out of moola.

What's up doc? A look inspired by carrot cake.

The infamous pineapple dress. "That's a Tina Knowles original!"

Whatchu buzzing bout?! Yes, that outfit's made from hair, made by Manila.

The following look is what inspired my fashion illustration. It was for the Hair Extravaganza Challenge wherein they had to create 3 looks that featured distinct hairstyles. The look I chose was for the "Classic Era" portion wherein Manila Luzon decided to do a mix of 80's and 1800's.

Marie Antoinette meets Shaft!

Rock me Amadeus!

At the conclusion of the 3rd season, Manila Luzon finished as the runner-up. It was a tough finale as the judges had to decide between the high-fashion supermodel Raja (to be featured soon) and the incorrigible kookie all-arounder Manila. The decision could have gone either way as both queens were equally as fierce. Ultimately though, Raja was crowned as the Next Drag Superstar.

Manila Luzon, the self-dubbed Asian Glamasorous, in her own brand of quirky unapologetic humor, quips "I'm first runner-up. So if Raja dies of old age, then maybe I'll get the crown".

Manila Luzon awards herself the Blue Ribbon. How cheeky!

Manila's runway presentation for the season finale: "She gone and brought her own crown!"

A standout in her season, Manila Luzon is truly unforgettable. Perhaps one of her most unforgettable performances was during her lip synch against her friend Delta Work in the now legendary battle of "MacArthur Park".

Much like Ongina, Manila's fun, spunky and upbeat personality is what drew me in.

Filipina Fish: Manila Luzon and Ongina!!!

Her joie de vivre, her celebration of life and beauty add to what makes this queen truly magnetic. Manila speaks from a place of love. She is one of the brighter faces, and happier voices of the drag and LGBTQ community today. She is proof that hardship, pain and suffering are not always necessary in cultivating a strong sense of character. Instead, she is the result of a good life—a loving and supportive family. She speaks not only to individuals who are LGBTQ, but to our friends and families as well. Her experiences should inspire us, all of us, to inspire each other—mutual support, acceptance and growth. We should foster the creativity and uniqueness within each of us and each other. Because really, unless you are an absolute literal hermit with no human contact, life is a team effort, we absolutely cannot (and in reality do not) go it alone.

I am certain that as a member of the LGBTQ community Manila has had to battle it out at one point or another, but that is not what she focuses on, that is not what she’s about. She shows that it is possible to be different and beautiful and secure without having to be a Cinderella story.

Amongst the multitude of LGBTQ warriors who have fought their way into the mainstream, who have fought for their voices to be heard, who have fought and fought and fought stands this drag queen who is a testament of the opposite. She is the result of love. She is proof that from love and support and understanding, too, can come a fiercely sickening queen.

So keep an eye out for this fierce queen. Because as Miss RuPaul herself has predicted:

This Manila is gunna be a Thrilla'!

SOURCES:
http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lm533k8TBF1qhm6vbo1_400.jpg
http://fashionindie.com/rupauls-drag-race-mopping-up-the-competition/
http://www.dragqueendiaries.com/blogs/tag/rupauls-drag-race-season-3/
http://queenrio.blogspot.com/2011/02/third-times-charm.html
http://www.thedailywishlist.com/2011/04/mondays-are-a-drag-rupaul%E2%80%99s-drag-race-season-3-episode-10/
http://disgrasian.com/2011/02/love-that-face-face-face-face/
http://blogs.villagevoice.com/dailymusto/2011/03/manila_luzon_wa.php
http://tvovermind.zap2it.com/cable/rupauls-drag-race-analyzing-top/55194
http://www.facebook.com/manilaluzonfanpage
http://ahora12.blogspot.com/2011/04/goodby-yara-sofia-we-hardly-understood.html
http://allez-allier.com/gbk/manila-luzon&page=3
http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/58687238.html

*NOTE: The video provided was simply recorded off of my computer screen, for full episodes and other fabulous extras, visit http://www.logotv.com/

Fash'illz 1: A Tribe Called Fierce

Something new I decided to dabble in: Fashion Illustrating. Hence the birth of this new series Fash'illz (wordplay on Fash-ion Ill-ustrations ho ho). Here's a picture of my first attempt, I call it:

A TRIBE CALLED FIERCE

Last year, a friend posted a link on my Facebook wall titled "30 Fashion Illustrators You Can't Miss". I guess it was fate because at the same time, I was taking both Figure Drawing and Painting classes. One day, my Figure Drawing professor looked over my shoulder at my drawing, frowned slightly, and said: "Geo, I think you have a supermodel fetish..."

By this, she meant that I had a tendency to auto-correct the subjects' looks. Not that there was anything wrong with the subjects, it's just that something was going on with my hand eye coordination - there was an extra step in between. My personal "aesthetic filter" was on. Fortunately for my professor (and my grade for the class), I have learned to turn it off.

Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago, one of my best friends who works at a fashion magazine asked me if I did fashion  illustrations. (Fate? Is that you again?) I said: "Well, I can try..." Luckily, I had bookmarked the page last year so I opened the link in a new tab.  Something about the fashion illustrations really got my hand itching to get drawing again. I started wondering, "There really isn't anything wrong with the filter...The filter can be turned back on, right?"

So I cleared off a work space, laid out my materials and got set to drawing. I really wanted to do something "ethnic" (Is that word PC?). I also wanted to do a bust. I decided to give this woman from A Tribe Called Fierce, who we shall name Akasha, an exaggeratedly long neck. I also went with an animal print on her head scarf (This is thanks to a friend I had spent the previous weekend with. To say that she LOVES animal print is a grave understatement). I threw in a few Padaung neck-coils and an Ancient Egyptian inspired collar and: Voila! Akasha - my first 'fashion illustration' muse!

I used pencils, charcoal and ink for this one, but I plan to do a lot of experimenting with regards to both style and media (Markers and paint? You bet!). Stay Tuned for there will be more!

<3