“Be Your Own Artist”
Rather than ascribe to the method of solely giving the market only what it will buy, Cebuano graphic designer PJ Ong treads at a different pace: he makes game changers which an audience would want to have – reinvent novelty into something that becomes the standard.
The founder of the Inodoro creative designoriented firm, the designer has built a name in developing compelling visuals that bear sublime undertones of euphoria and ennui – churning out aesthetics that adhere to tradition yet extend the bounds of societal mores.
Working with elemental lines, shapes and forms, the designer has a growing portfolio of local and international clients, partners and collaborators through his Inodoro moniker.
Recently, PJ Ong represented the Philippines in the UNIQLO UT “Feel the SEA” Collection, together with the Indonesiabased Sciencewerk design studio and Bangkok-based graphic designer and printmaker Minchaya Chayosumrit.
The collection mainly features designs that were molded by a team-up between UNIQLO and Southeast Asian artists who produced motifs inspired by their culture.
The Freeman recently got to talk with PJ – a.k.a. Inodoro – who proves the saying “know all the rules first, so you’ll know which ones to break”.
The Freeman:
“Inodoro”?
Inodoro:
Who is
Inodoro is PJ Ong. It is a nickname I have gone by since 2003, the year I established a creative design-oriented firm of the same name. Inodoro’s distinction lies in its design DNA which revolves around the principles of experimentation, non-conformism and forward-thinking concepts, expressed through basic shapes, clean lines and fluid manipulation of forms.
TF: Inodoro:
Why pick such a word as your alias?
It is a name you never forget. I wanted to use a Filipino-Spanish term that incited curiosity and controversy, but also introduced a hint of humor. The message that I wanted to get across was clear from the very beginning: Inodoro was going to be something that embodied non-conformism and an anti-authority spirit; in a nutshell, a “To hell with the man!” attitude.
TF:
Apart from graphic design, what are you passionate about?
Art films and music. I have been heavily inspired by various genres over the years. For films in particular, I greatly admire the work of certain filmmakers from the 70s, whom I consider visionaries. The music videos from the 90s, on the other hand, made the greatest impact on my creative process.
To this day, I continue to expand my tastes and preferences in music, including those of experimental nature. I was privileged to be part of the WSK Festival (Manila) in October of this year, a platform that pioneered the advocacy of promoting and exploring new media in the combined fields of visual arts, music and technology.
I just also recently got on board the Bomba! Press team as its Creative Director. Bomba! is a record label that espouses innovative bands and individuals. Being given the opportunity to help elevate the visual aspect of the music scene is both priceless and fulfilling.
Inodoro:
TF:
You recently collaborated with UNIQLO, one of the world’s better known fast- fashion brands. How challenging was that particular collaboration, given the demanding and fast-paced nature of the fastfashion industry in general?
I really had fun collaborating with UNIQLO for their “Feel the SEA” campaign.
It was challenging in the right way, because despite being given a generous amount of creative freedom to come up with shirt designs (the only directive being to use three colors), it also became an opportunity to showcase and validate my signature aesthetic as an artist, in a manner that also embodied UNIQLO as a brand.
Working with this fashion giant was truly a privilege, and I am still overwhelmed with positivity that a team of such highlyesteemed curators chose me to represent the Philippines.
Inodoro:
TF:
What’s your dream project, or have you already scratched that out of your bucket list?
Inodoro:
To direct a groundbreaking music video for a local or international act, and perhaps in the distant future, to come up with a visionary-caliber, outof-this-world film.
TF:
Any pointers to share for aspiring graphic designers?
Inodoro:
Breaking the rules is not a crime in the design world; in fact, it is encouraged. Don’t get stuck in your comfort zone, because it is the only way that you will grow as an artist. Explore the unknown, let your style and your artworks evolve organically; even if sometimes, they take a life of their own.
Don’t be a slave to trends or popular opinion. Be your own artist.