MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Society tends to segregate us into a box when on the contrary, we are multi-faceted by design. Although not overt at first glance, we constantly balance an array of roles in both our personal lives and careers, integrating our unique perspectives into the way we adapt each day. This complexity not only makes us whole but grounds us in our creativity and growth.
Raco Ruiz, a Manila-based visual artist, content creator, and video director, graced the Graphika Manila stage on March 01, 2025 at the SMX Convention Center to share his words of wisdom. The following are some takeaways adobo Magazine captured from Raco’s session, “All Over The Place: Surviving as a Multipurpose Creative.”
From doodles to digital art
Raco can’t pinpoint the moment he got into art. “Crayons and (I) were inseparable as a child. My notebooks had no notes. Just doodles,” Raco claims. To him, the safest place to take refuge is in nostalgia, and that seed rooted itself into his subconscious for years to come.
Not being formally trained in the arts, Raco started out with a Wacom tablet, music as his muse, and online tutorials. He then uploaded his art to the Internet and attracted record labels.
“Kung gusto, may paraan. Kung ayaw, may daming dahilan,” (“If you want it, there’s always a way. If you don’t, there are tons of excuses.”), exclaimed Raco. “Once you get the ball rolling and are easy to work with, people will keep getting you.”
Making a name for himself
Although talented in many fields, Raco isn’t a nepo baby, but that doesn’t deter him from achieving his dreams. In fact, it motivates him to “become his own nepo baby.” How? By leveraging his Tiktok fame to network and bring it back to what he loves most — creating art.
That also means nurturing his existing working relationships. “Every work you put out is like your calling card,” Raco proclaims. “Always try to make it your best. Kahit ‘di bayad ang galingan mo, galingan mo pa rin because it might lead to something else in the future.”
(“Even if your best isn’t being paid for, still do your best because it might lead to something else in the future.”)
‘RACOmmendations’ to live by
Raco left a hefty list of advice — or as he dubs “RACOmmendations” — for the audience, including: trying to be the “first you,” letting your personality bleed into all areas of your art, posting everywhere, and leveraging every opportunity to expand your network.
Amidst the stream of tips, Raco reiterated, “Stop taking life so seriously and just have fun.” He closed with a heartfelt quote from actor and comedian Jim Carrey: “You can fail at what you don’t want. So might as well take a chance on doing what you love.”
Adobo Magazine is an official media partner of Graphika Manila 2025.
