MANILA, PHILIPPINES — “It’s easy to come to a design conference and show all the good work,” State’s creative director Marcel Ziul quipped at the start of his talk at Graphika Manila 2025. “Today, there’s something more about it — this talk is coming straight from my chest, so it might make you feel uncomfortable, happy, or pissed.”
As they have routinely accomplished throughout the last twenty years, Graphika Manila once again gathers some of the world’s most astounding visual designers and artists to impart insights and inspiration, on March 01 and 02 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
After sharing the stage with fellow speaker Lucho Suarez on the first day of the conference, Marcel returned and delivered a raw, unfiltered talk that left the audience both rattled and inspired.
“My whole relationship with art came from a rebellion,” Marcel said. His journey into creativity was born from a place of defiance, but it was vulnerability that became his greatest teacher. “Being vulnerable is good, and I needed to learn that,” he shared. One of the most vulnerable moments of his life was founding State, his animation studio. As a foreigner in the United States, Marcel faced immense challenges — financial instability, creative blocks, and the crushing weight of impostor syndrome. “I burned all the bridges in one afternoon,” he recalled. “I spent all my savings. I felt like I didn’t belong.”
Marcel’s struggle to fit in only amplified his discomfort. “That’s the worst thing you could try to do — being normal, trying to fit into society,” he said. Instead, he channeled his anger into his work. “I was dealing with anger. I was f*****g pissed. I needed to break through this industry.” That anger became his fuel, propelling him into what he calls “beast mode”— a relentless drive to create, even when it felt like he had nothing left to lose.
But Marcel’s journey wasn’t just about survival. It was about transformation. He spoke candidly about hitting rock bottom — loneliness, anxiety, and unresolved trauma that left him unable to function. It was during this time that he confronted his ego and began to embrace collaboration. “I knew I was better when I started collaborating with others,” he said. “My ego deflated. I don’t have to be the guy in front of every project. I can help, show support, and set the stage for others to succeed.”
Marcel also explored the connection between creativity and the feminine side of the male self, which he refers to as anima. “Creativity is directly related to our feminine side,” he explained. By embracing this aspect of himself, Marcel was able to break free from generational trauma and redefine his approach to life and work. “I don’t have to be in beast mode all the time. I don’t have to be crazy or paranoid. I can be fine.”
Today, State is more than just an animation studio — it’s a platform and testament to being human. Their latest manifesto, “The Unspeakable World”, challenges us to stop overthinking and rediscover what life is truly about. “We have the capacity to rebuild ourselves, no matter what happens to you,” he said. “Go understand who you are.”
Adobo Magazine is an official media partner of Graphika Manila 2025.
