THE PHILIPPINES, MAY 21, 2012: “It’s a never ending exploration. It’s a fun factory,” said Inksurge founders and partners Rex Advincula and Jois Tai.
Both graduates of computer courses, Advincula and Tai met in a local IT firm, where they both saw, over the internet, several creative works that finally influenced them to take the plunge and pursue designing. “And of course, MTV,” said Tai. She added that there was no one artistically inclined in her family, and that her art is influenced by the tide of exploration and experimentation during the early 2000s, with the emergence of Flash and HTML.
Tai cited artists Michael Bierut, Tibor Kalman, and Paula Scher as her “design idols”, while Advincula identified Singapore’s Phunk Studio and Minnesota-based letterpress printers Studio on Fire as his inspirations. “We have a lot (of inspirations),” he admitted, “because we do a lot of things. We do design, we do web, and for each of those, we have different people we look up to.”
The duo defined their work philosophy as “one sip at a time”, derived from their favorite beverage – coffee – from where their name is also inspired. “Although we have a lot of projects, we have to make sure that we take them step by step. We don’t rush them,” Tai and Advincula noted, emphasizing that their level of dedication to each project never changes, no matter how small.
Their client portfolio include music brands EMI, MCA Universal, PolyEast, Sony, and Warner; music stations Crossover Manila and NU 107.5; and high-end retail store Adora. Their favorite work to date, however, is the website of international jewelry and accessory designer Bea Valdes (www.beavaldes.com). “She gave us so much trust in creating that website. It’s a real collaborative effort,” said Advincula.
Inksurge is currently working with Nazareno + Guerrero Design Consultancy for a long-dreamed-of involvement in architectural projects. “They’re building new buildings in De La Salle Dasmarinas,” revealed Tai. The duo will be working on several design elements of the new facilities, which Advincula said is an “exciting project”, to which they will be able to blend fun and functionality.
Ayala Museum’s DesignTalks lecture series featured Inksurge last May 19, where they shared a history of their works, a few of their designs and their creative process, and design inspirations and influences.
DesignTalks has since featured a premier roster of speakers from various creative fields: fashion, interior and furniture design, jewelry, videography, advertising and graphic apparel.
