MANILA, Philippines - Taking a long hard look at ourselves on the eve of our 17th birthday, we realized we needed a change. Over three years after the Young STAR revamp, we saw that we were getting a paunchy middle, our once-fresh visage looking a little dated. We needed a trim, to streamline our suddenly flabby proportions and get with the times.
With the task in mind, we knew we needed someone with a keen understanding of modern aesthetics, someone who’s been exposed to contemporary youth culture.
Enter 24-year-old Patrick Diokno, a former art director at Status magazine, now a freelance designer. We had seen his work online and in print — unequivocally showing us that he’s the right guy for the job. Over e-mails and, at one point, some noontime beer, Patrick conceptualized a new look for us. After all, at the edge of 17, there’s nothing better than a brand new outlook.
YOUNG STAR: You took Fine Arts and Design in college. I guess there’s always been a tendency towards visual arts. Do you remember what exactly got you into the arts?
PATRICK DIOKNO: I originally wanted to take up architecture, so I could grow up to design cool buildings and spaces, but the university’s curriculum required 13 units of advanced mathematics in freshman year. I don’t like math so instead, I chose Fine Arts and Design. Thankfully, I really enjoyed the course and throughout college developed my enthusiasm for commercial/advertising design.
Were you choosing between design and any other field? Were your parents okay with it initially?
My parents wanted me to take up medicine. I think it’s because they wanted someone in the family who would eventually take care of their health and wellness. But they gave me the freedom to choose, so in the end they were okay with my decision.
How would you describe your design aesthetic?
Simple, modern, and minimalist.
What would you like to see more of in the local design industry?
I would like to see more well-thought and well-executed designs, whether in fonts, logos, layouts, or branding.
Tell us how you came up with the concept for our Young Star revamp.
I updated the logo, section headers, and fonts based on the creative brief — sleek, smart, and compact. I de-cluttered the layout for a more polished feel while maintaining Young STAR’s contemporary outlook.
Have a royally good time with this week’s issue, by cutting out this crown made by artist Frances Alvarez.
MATERIALS:
Scissors
Cartolina or cardboard (13†x 21â€)
Stapler
Some royal swagger
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Paste the cardboard or Cartolina on the back of the Young Star page with the crown.
2. Use your scissors to cut out the crown by following the cut lines.
3. When you’re done, try to wrap the crown around your head. If your head’s too big, add girth to the crown by stapling more pieces of cardboard to it.
4. Wear the crown and walk around with royal swagger.
5. Take a snap of yourself wearing the Young STAR crown in the most creative way possible, and tweet/instagram us at @youngstarphils. Your photo might just come out in next week’s pages.