As published on our Issue No 4: Color Carousel
Text by Chit Lacson / Photography by Aidx Paredes

I have always loved to read. As a kid, I used to love it whenever my mom or dad would read bedtime stories to me before I hit the sack. Reading children’s books allowed me to go to places I’ve never been to, experience flying, and meet awesome people.

So imagine my thrill when I got to interview Davao-based children’s book illustrator Macky Pamintuan. His client list includes HarperCollins, Sterling Publishing, Simon & Schuster, Harcourt-Brace, Random House, Bloomsbury USA, Mcgraw-Hill, Scholastic, Soundprints, Peaceable Kingdom Press, and many other American publishing houses.

Macky shares with LIEU how he got started, the challenges and perks of being an illustrator, and his advice on how to be successful in the field of illustration.


How did you get started as an illustrator?

I have studied in different schools here in Davao. But eventually, I had to fly to the States because my mom is a US citizen. And then I worked there on my own to survive. After a year I found out that I can study Fine Arts through student loan. So I studied BFA in Traditional Illustrations at the Academy of Art University for five years while working. I was a working student then. No support from my family. When I graduated, I had my portfolio ready. I contacted a lot of agents and animation studios. Lahat rejected except for two. So I had two options: one from Chicago and one from New York. I signed up with the one in New York. Surprisingly, when I met the person, Filipina pala. That was 2003 and it all started from there.

How much creative freedom do you get?

It depends on the client and the scale of the project. When the character is licensed, I don’t have that much freedom. For example, Flat Stanley, he’s a character from the 1960s so I have to get permission from the family and the estate of the creator. Same with Nancy Drew, since she’s very known. But as to picture books, I have more freedom.

How do you cope with rejection in your work?

The ego is involved in art but you have to be careful. If you have a problem with showing your art to the public, hindi ka magsu-survive. Once you showcase your works, you should be open to criticisms. It might be shit to others, but that’s what you’re doing. If you can’t take criticisms, you will never improve.

What’s the best part about what you do?

I get to do what I love. Cliché. I work at home and my kid is just in the other room, and I can surf the Internet while I’m working.

What’s your #1 tip for those who aspire to succeed in this field?

Don’t be scared of showing your art out. Show it to people, whether it be in front of your family or your classmates. Show it to a business to get a job. The worst thing that could happen is they will say no. They might say they don’t like it. If this happens, the rejection will make you realize things. If this happens, then I think you will survive and you’ll still be fine. Do other art then. But if you’re scared of showing your art out because you fear rejection, then that’s not your line of work. Don’t be scared. Rejection is part of it. People may not like your work. But it’s that one or two that love your work that will help and inspire you to keep going.

Get to know more about Macky Pamintuan at http://www.mbartists.com/cgi-bin/iowa/artists.html?artist=61.