The complexities of the art world make many artists hesitant to pursue art full-time.
The last leg of the Shell National Student Art Competition (NSAC) Virtual Art Interact gave artists confidence in their careers by showing them that they can realize their passion and make a profitable, successful career in art at the same time.
This season’s final leg revealed growing opportunities in the creative space, showed them how to move their art from “page to product,” and effectively taught them how to design their future.
The 55th NSAC theme of “Sulong Sining” (Art Advances) was realized as artists from around the country learned about the fundamental building blocks for a prosperous and professional art career.
Serge Bernal, Pilipinas Shell Vice President for Corporate Relations, said: “I encourage you to use the power of art to charge forward by showing who you are, what you value, and what you envision through art. May this program ignite your passion to not only excel in the arts but to use your gift to power an entire generation of Filipino artists for the country.”
The discussions and workshop were facilitated by known fashion and beauty industry illustrator Soleil Ignacio and UP College of Fine Arts Ceramics Workshop facilitator Jezzel Lorraine Wee.
Guest artist Ana Montinola described the promise the current Philippine art scene presents for talents as “improving with so many platforms to showcase our talents and, with so many new kinds of art.”
“It’s very exciting for young artists nowadays,” she said.
The NSAC artists’ workshop, “Translating Your Design from Page to Product,” taught the students business advice amid the current realities faced by talents who want to succeed professionally. A demonstration was held on translating art designs to a 3-color silk screen print tote bag which can also act as a subtle promotional platform.
“As artists, we have the tendency to stay at home — but we need to show who we are. It’s part of the work: You can’t work alone, you need others,” Ignacio said, underscoring the need to network with other stakeholders.
“For client work, there’s a brief, so you have direction in what you’re doing, but part of that is you’ll have to show your own style and voice in that work because it’s still a collaboration between you, the artist, and the client,” she added.
Wee emphasized that collaboration is also key to success, especially during the first years when artists encounter all kinds of struggles.
“It was lucky for me that, in the pottery circle, there were people who knew about business that I could ask. So don’t be afraid to ask people who have expertise because you will learn a lot from them,” Wee said.
As the longest-running student arts competition in the country, Pilipinas Shell’s NSAC continues to be a platform to develop and nurture young Filipino visual artists. Harnessing Filipino artistry through opportunities for budding artists to develop their craft by learning from NSAC alumni and established personalities in the art scene.
To learn more about next year’s Shell NSAC and Virtual Art Interact, visit http://shell.com.ph/juanartnation