This season is quite exciting for Raxenne Maniquiz. An illustrator at Plus63 Design Co., she’s part of the roster of artists Charles & Keith has chosen to collaborate with for #CHARLESKEITHCURATES. In this series, they have chosen artists across Asia, from Singapore to India, to create their own interpretation of the spring/summer line. What you will get is a multi-faceted campaign, showing how every individual has a different take when it comes to fashion.
But let’s not get carried away and let’s talk about Raxenne. The project will catapult her name and work in the different displays of the bags and shoes label and has already been gracing your social media feed. So before she goes off to the next project, we caught up with her to talk more about illustration and the general life as a creative.
As an illustrator, what’s a regular work day for you like?
From Tuesday to Friday, I work at our studio. We do a lot of branding but we also illustrate when needed. I freelance as an illustrator on the side so I do that on weekends, Mondays, and even after work hours. I usually get coffee first to start my day, then I go work on deadlines.
How would you describe your work? What’s the main theme you spot recurring in them?
I like playing around with textures and patterns. I’m not sure about a “theme” but flowers and plants are recurring elements.
How did you get this project with Charles & Keith?
They emailed me a few months back because they saw my work on Instagram. I’m working with them on their spring/summer 2017 campaign. I illustrated some artworks for their launch on April 27 that would complement their new collection of shoes and bags. The illustrations I did will be cascaded to window displays and gifts with purchase.
How long did it take you to come up with the designs for this current project?
For the main artworks I think it took me about a week. The whole project took me about two months to finish. Actually, as of writing, I’m still finishing some last requirements. [Laughs]
When was the first time you realized you wanted to be an artist?
It was 2012. I remember the catalogs I did for Bratpack before and I realized that design and illustration could be fun and fulfilling and it’s something I’d like to do more often.
One thing that frustrates you about your work?
I start a lot of projects and I tend to not finish them. I’d also like to use traditional media more.
What’s the next few days going to be like because of the Charles & Keith project?
It’s going to be a bit hectic because we’re finalising everything, making sure it’s all ready for the launch.
How did you get your start as an artist?
I post a lot of my works on Behance. That’s where I got messages and emails for commissions and projects. I also post on my Instagram and lucky enough, that’s how Charles & Keith saw my work.
Who are you current favorite artists? How is your work influenced by what they do?
Right now, I really like Cynthia Kittler‘s work and Bratislav Milenkovic’s. I love the colors they use and the forms they come up with. I’m also in love with Gucci! Alessandro Michele is too good. Some of my all-time favorites are James Jean, Charley Harper, and Paula Scher. I guess they just really inspire me, like I suddenly have this urge to create whenever I see their work.
What’s in your everyday bag? How does it help you get work done?
Phone, wallet, makeup kit. I always have my notebook, pen, and pencil with me. I usually sketch my ideas out before starting.
One thing you want to change about the current art scene?
Right now, I really like the illustration scene here because it’s very diverse. There are a lot of amazing young and new illustrators out there. It’s inspiring to see all these different styles in the local scene.
Photos courtesy of Raxenne Maniquiz
Featured image courtesy of Raxenne Maniquiz’s Instagram account
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