SPECIAL GUEST PROFILE:
Name: Joanah Tinio-Calingo
Age: 32
Course & School: Bachelor of Fine Arts Visual Communications, UP Diliman
List of Works:
- Cresci Prophecies: Book of Arcen (indie)
- D-koi Junkie (Manila times)
- Curtains for Hire (indie)
- Empress 9 (indie)
- Digmaang Salinlahi (one chapter, indie)
- Blind Beauty (film scriptwriter)
1) When did you start making comics?
I started doing comic studies (for Cresci Prophecies) way back 1996, but only got around to making a comic I can actually sell around 1999. That’s was back in my college days.
2) How did you begin making comics as a profession?
It’s still a hobby until now, but I was offered to be a contributor for Manila Times for a short period of time. I also made a comic manual about rice planting for IRRI long ago.
I’ve also been hired several times for children’s comic workshops ever since I’ve practiced doing comics.
3) If you weren’t an artist, what would you be doing now?
I’d probably be helping out in my family’s guitar string business as a worker. I’ve been doing that when I was younger.
4) Is it a big deal being a female artist?
Over here, it is. Even in features, it’s always a surprise when a girl is making their mark in whatever field. I don’t know why, but it seems we always have to prove to people what women are capable of doing. And it’s no different in the art field.
I know very few professional comic artists here sa Pinas, and it’s still quite dominated by guys. Besides reading works by male artists, it’s also nice to read something written and drawn by women who cater to both male and female readers.
5) Any advice to female artists, or aspiring young artists?
Practice whenever you can, draw whenever you can, make time for your art. Draw whatever you like, and don’t let other people tell you to stop. Work around your mood swings and expose yourself to as many art forms as you can. Transfer your charm onto paper. 😉