MANILA, PHILIPPINES — As Graphika Manila celebrated its 20th anniversary, Dan Matutina, founding partner at Plus63 and Hydra Design Group, and one of the country’s most influential illustrators, took the stage to reflect on his journey, the evolution of his work, and the importance of nurturing the Philippine creative community.
Dan delivered a talk that was equal parts philosophical and practical, reminding everyone that creativity is as much about growth as it is about resilience.
“This is what happens when designers become old—they become philosophical,” Dan joked, setting the tone for a talk that traced the many shapes his career has taken. From his early days of joining every exhibit and project he could find to his current role as a creative lighthouse, his journey is a testament to the power of persistence and embracing the cringe. “Kinapalan ko lang mukha ko, guys. Lahat ng exhibits at creative ‘keme’, sinalihan ko.”
Dan’s work, which includes projects like the Qualcomm Formula E branding and Shibuya Sky, reflects his belief in the balance between independence and collaboration. “I like illustration because I can do everything myself, but I can also collaborate with people,” he shared. This philosophy extends to his studio, Plus63, which he envisions as a space that values creativity, independence, and healthy work relationships.
But for Dan, the highlight of being a creative doesn’t solely involve celebrating successes—it was also about confronting challenges. He addressed the precariousness of the creative practice in the Philippines, sharing his personal journey in navigating the uncertainties of a creative career. He spoke candidly about the “war against the image machines,” referencing how his work was fed into AI image models without consent. He also fights for space where the Filipino creative community can thrive without the threat of exploitation, having partnered with venues such as The Alley at Karrivin and Comuna, and kickstarting initiatives like the Manila Illustration Fair, which aimed to provide supportive environments where artists can experiment, make mistakes, and grow without the burden of worrying about booth rent, breakeven profits, or losses.
“The hope is to make my practice sustainable and nourishing for my soul,” he said, a sentiment that resonated deeply with the audience.
Through it all, Dan’s message was clear: creativity is a practice of many shapes, constantly evolving and adapting. While his own creative journey is far from over, Dan hopes that the new generation of designers will embrace their unique paths and fight for their place in the world.
Adobo Magazine is an official media partner of Graphika Manila 2025.
