This month in Meet the Artist we’re featuring graphic designer and illustrator June Digan. We recently featured June in an article on some of the best designers to follow on Instagram and decided to reach out to her in order to learn more about the artist behind the art. In this interview June highlights the processes that make up her design process and how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted her craft.

I’m June Digan, a designer and illustrator based in Manila, Philippines. I’m also a graduate of Fine Arts and Design major in advertising arts at the University of Santo Tomas, Manila. I like to think that I translate my emotions through my work by using delicate characters and whimsical landscapes. My creative process is just like what others do, but it can also be a bit complicated cause I’m a graphic designer. I’ve been working as a graphic designer for eleven years now – several years in a corporate setting, and now running my own business as an independent designer and artist.

I work in both the traditional and digital medium. For branding and other design projects, of course, I use photoshop, InDesign, or illustrator. But for commission artworks, I usually go with a more traditional approach such as watercolours, gouache, and acrylics. I share most of my works on my Instagram account.

I’ve been inactive for several weeks now, mainly because of the pandemic. It’s hard to get inspired these days. We have been quarantined for several months now, and I’m still struggling to figure out how to work around this set-up. It’s a challenge to work, especially with what’s happening in the world, but I’m still trying. I’ve been working on some artworks offline, but I’ll probably share them within the next few weeks.

It’s been a fun and challenging journey for me, from being a designer in a corporate world to having the creative freedom of an independent designer and artist. Both have pros and cons, but the world is changing, and so are we. I’ve always believed that we must continue to grow as designers/artists. Find opportunities that will help you grow, but don’t forget to play and have fun while you’re doing it.

Find opportunities that will help you grow, but don’t forget to play and have fun while you’re doing it.

Lastly, I’d like to mention my favourite series at the moment. I used Gouache and Watercolour on acid-free paper (Sketchbook).

I recently painted a couple of illustrations in my sketchbook. I’m honestly bad at completing any illustration series, but I’ve had that sketchbook for so many years now. I almost thought the paper was already expired, but I decided to use it this year. I started painting it from March to April when the pandemic happened.

It’s not something with the most recognition, but it’s that one work that I feel I’ve connected with the most. I also learned a lot while painting it. I became more conscious of my painting process- like enjoying it and taking all the time I need to finish it. It’s an on-going series and is inspired by all the emotions and feelings I have felt in this pandemic quarantine.

To find out more, make sure to visit June’s website and follow her on Instagram and Behance.

If you liked this article, feel free to share it. Also make sure to check out the other meet the artist interviews we have done. Subscribe to our newsletter in order to be notified when we publish a new interview on Xquissive. Leave a comment to show some love!