Looking sew fine

MANILA, Philippines - Instead of putting pen to paper — or mouse to pad as most graphic designers do — artist Paulina Ortega approached this month’s YStyle logo with needle and thread. The information design grad from Ateneo, who left school just a little over a year ago, took a hands-on approach to the project. “I sewed the logo myself — much to the dismay of my index finger and thumb,” Paulina confesses.

“Sewing is something I’ve been dabbling in since college. I would try sewing little pouches and cases for things,” she says. “It was only recently, though, that I began incorporating more of the process into my illustrations and even some design work.”

Paulina, currently an art director for advertising agency TBWASantiago Mangada Puno, wanted to convey the section’s spirit in a medium that would do it justice.

She notes: “What I wanted to communicate was that YStyle is a conveyor of the freshest and most interesting stories when it comes to lifestyle.” (Someone give this girl a trophy, stat.)

Her fresh take on the logo offered a beguiling glimpse at the art director’s sensibilities, which friends have defined as “quirky with a lot of character.” “Maybe a little sissy,” Paulina adds, “but it works for me!”

“Apart from the immediate Arts and Crafts look that the embroidery gives off, I tried to keep the logo young and fresh by filling in each letter with bright colors and dynamic patterns.”

This month’s logo is just one of the things on the young artist’s plate. Her design for Peryodiko earned her a nod for Best Album Packaging in the NU Rock Awards. She’s currently collaborating on a kooky tome. “I’m working with a friend on a book of little stories that rhyme with illustrations of awkward characters,” she says. “And I hope to get that out and published this year!”

This time, the illustrator is finally putting pen to paper.

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Paulina is in the process of putting together a website. In the meantime, contact her at paulinapaigeortega@gmail.com.