Interview: Jean Denise, Freelance Illustrator

Jean Denise is a 19-year-old sophomore Multimedia Arts student at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde based in Muntinlupa City, Philippines. She is also a freelance illustrator and graphic designer. She is known for her whimsical and dreamy stylized art. Aside from work, she loves exercising, eating, and traveling. You can check out more of her work here.

First thing’s first: how has the pandemic affected your freelance work, art style and lifestyle? How have you been coping? 

The pandemic has greatly changed the way I live my life now. Instead of waking up early to catch my bus for school, I am left stuck at home or delivering food for my mom’s small business. The isolation has definitely allowed me to hone my artistic skills, and I am very grateful for that. Aside from art, I have also been exercising a lot and journaling from time to time.

How would you describe your art style? Did you always have this style? 

I would describe my art style as something very stylized. It leans towards whimsical and dreamy aesthetics rather than realism. The way I draw now is much different from the way I did in the past, but the themes remain similar. I used to draw more portraits before because I loved creating fan art, but now I’ve moved on to more environmental designs.

What does art mean to you personally? Where do you find your inspiration? 

Art means so many things for me. It is a medium of expression, connection, and solution. Art brings about rich discussions and allows people to become aware, more accepting, or tolerant of our differences between one another. It opens our eyes. It can help us identify ourselves as individuals, expand our knowledge, and show that an individual's actions can make an impact on society. The Parisian Life by Juan Luna is a great example of art that comes to mind. It may seem like a simple painting of a woman sitting at a cafe along with three men sitting in the back, but it digs deeper than that.

If you were to study this painting and look at its elements closely, you come to understand that it represents the Philippines in distress during the rise of the middle class. This painting alone has deeply touched me and affected how I create and see art. I learned that when creating and looking at any art, it isn’t always about “what you see is what you get” type of attitude. There is, most of the time, a deeper meaning behind that art that opens the viewer’s eyes. I wish to encapsulate this same kind of energy to my audience with my art.

Art is also an important aspect of life that is sometimes swept under the rug due to the misconception of it being “just a design.” However, I think art should be considered in any discussions whether it be in the social, political, or ecological realm. We need art now more than ever. I truly believe artists should be welcomed into the decision-making from leaders at all levels, in the local and global scale. My goal with my art is to hopefully change the narrative of how people regularly view the fine arts. Many tend to brush it aside because it’s just “gawa gawa lang,” (translation: only for fun). As I said, art can truly open your eyes and make you see life in a whole different perspective. This is the change I want to see.

Coming from a Filipino family, I know the struggle of the generational expectation to study healthcare or business. And growing up, I was always discouraged from the Arts, was this the same for you? How do you find your studies at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde? 

I am very fortunate to have a family who has always been very supportive of my dreams of becoming an artist. My mother has always done her best to provide me the supplies I need to become a better artist. My father and siblings also have always cheered me on during my art process and especially more when I go through a period of self-doubt. As for Benilde, this has been my dream school since I was in grade 10, and it still feels so surreal to me that I do attend here. I’m currently in my second year. Although getting into this program was a lengthy one, and not an easy journey at all, the hard work paid off. I learned so much and am still learning a lot. 

Lastly, do you have any advice for young aspiring artists out there who are still trying to figure out their art style, and in finding commission work?

My advice for young aspiring artists would be to keep creating, because you’ll never know when the next opportunity will knock on your door. Also, don’t stop posting and promoting your work online, because it really does make a difference. Not only are you building a portfolio, you’re also developing your self-confidence because the amount of support you’ll get from the art community will be astounding! The art community is very supportive and encouraging. Just keep putting yourself out there, and network. 

Bonus Question: What is your dream project?  

My dream project would be to create illustrations for well-known feminist brands such as She Talks Asia and Scout Magazine. It would be a dream come true to work with any of them. Their mission and vision truly aligns with my own advocacy in youth and womxn empowerment. 

Bonus Question: What can our readers expect from you in the future?

I am currently in the works of starting a fundraising initiative for those who have been greatly affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic, and will be opening my very own web shop soon so stay tuned!

—

You can find more of Jean on her website: byjeandenise.carrd.co, and Instagram @by.jeandenise.