Coming of Age as Creative

Erick Lucas
Jul 30, 2017 · 3 min read
An aspiring Designer (2004)

The Creative Child

We use a paper and pencil to interpret our imaginations. We draw to communicate our ideas and feelings.

We are curious and we see the world differently. And that is unique for most of us creatives.

My parents are always been supportive especially my mother. She saves all my drawings as a proof of my artistic nature. I had a drawing of a caterpillar and bugs. To her delight, she placed my art work in a glass jar. I was five that time.

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” — Pablo Picasso

From junior to senior high, I often join an art contest. I bagged many poster-making contest awards. Actually, I never had a formal art tutor but I have many supporters who believed on my creativity. I think that’s where my creative confidence was built then.

After graduating High School, it is obvious and predictable to pursue a course in arts right? But I didn’t go to art school. I took a different path.

I didn’t go to art school.

Back then, Computer/IT courses was a big boom in PH because it is in demand and it is the future. I took BS Computer Engineering. From Artist to Engineer, that’s the plan.

But then school bores me to death. And I don’t know what I’m doing. Eventually, I’ve lost interest. So I dropped out college and I didn’t finish my degree. My parents, of course, were upset about my decision.

I was naive and stupid.

Ah-ha!

I know I need to sort this out. My parents aren’t rich and I need a job. But there was an “ah-ha” moment after all.

You know I’m into music and I play in a band during those time. Aside from being a music enthusiast, I am also a design fan. And music art works is something that interests me. I always was drawn to the packaging, inlay layouts, typography, photography, and the cover art.

Since then it made me curious about the science of graphic design. I came to realize that I need to tap my artistic side once again. However, I still don’t have the finance to go to art school. What should I do?

Career Path

The only closest thing for me to get involved in designing is Web Design. I had a class before that teaches HTML/CSS. And I have a little background in program coding too. I never had a formal study on design but luckily I landed a job. There was small outsourcing company offered me an internship and training. I’m glad I took the job. I was given a second chance.

Fast forward, I’ve been designing for more than 13 years now. I had the pleasure to work on many notable brands and projects.

I have learned many lessons as a creative. I don’t think it was all luck. It is a byproduct of many failures, trials, and persistence.

I wouldn’t be who I am today if wasn’t for the turn of events.

(me, 3rd from the left side) With my former employer Marco (tall guy) and my old colleagues at forward.ph

Erick Lucas

Written by

Creative, Designer, Musician

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