June Digan, a designer and illustrator from the Philippines who specialises in the traditional and digital medium

We’re very pleased to introduce you to June Digan, a designer and illustrator from the Philippines who specialises in the traditional and digital medium. She loves to tell stories through delicate characters, whimsical landscapes, and lettering. We’ve delved in a little further to find out how she’s reached us today! Do enjoy…

When did you start illustrating?

I don't have an exact memory of when I started making art. Like many people, I started experimenting with colours during my kindergarten years. I remember receiving a lot of colouring books when I was young. I would fill up the pages all day and try to copy the characters on a piece of paper. Those happy memories and small things contributed to my curiosity in illustration. 

Who has been the most supportive in your illustration career, perhaps your teacher, family, friends?

Growing up in an Asian household, it's not easy to convince them that there's a future in arts. We are not kidding when we say that our parents want us to take a degree in medicine or business. If not for my mom's last-minute questioning during my university enrolment, I don't think I would be here today. I'm super thankful to have a very supportive family and friends.

Did you always think art was something that was going to be a major part of your life?

I had mixed feelings about becoming an artist/illustrator during high school. All I wanted was to have a job that would cover my expenses, and at that time, art was not an option. I didn't think this was possible until I entered college, and everything changed.

What is your favourite subject matter to illustrate?

I'm not sure if I have a favourite subject matter as I try to explore as much as possible, but if I had to choose, I would say I enjoy visualising emotions through sceneries and bodies of water. 

How would you describe your style?

My work focuses on moods, emotions, and storytelling using characters, whimsical landscapes, and lettering. 

What is your favourite collaboration to date? 

It's hard to choose one, but I like my projects with HP and Chad Lawson ( Calm it Down) mainly because these two projects involve creating something that might help those in quarantine during this pandemic. My collab work with Chivas is also a fave as it was the first time they collaborated with a Filipino artist.

What interested you about being represented by Illo Agency? 

I like that Illo has a very diverse community of illustrators. They are also consciously making an effort to have a more inclusive mainstream media. 

Do you have a favourite author, film director, or designer?

I have a long list, but to name a few- I like Michael Bierut, Paula Scher, Seymour Chwast, Saul Bass, Austin Kleon, Wes Anderson, Bong Joon-Ho, Hayao Miyazaki, Makoto Shinkai.

Are you working on any personal projects you can share with us? 

I'm working on a series of illustrations about burnout and my pandemic feelings. I've always wanted to do a more personal project. Something close to what's happening in my reality. I could have finished it earlier, but last year was tough. I'm hoping to make some progress this year.   

Do you listen to podcasts? If so, do you have a favourite?

I only have a few cause I listen to music more when I work, but I have Creative Pep Talk, Design Matters, and Calm it Down on my list. It's nice to listen to these, especially when I'm stuck. 

If you have any questions or a specific project in mind, please do get in touch: [email protected]

At illo agency, we pride ourselves in representing a collation of global illustrators, distinctly diverse in creativity and uniquely celebrated by like-minded clients across a range of commercial markets.