As part of Jo Malone's official launch in Manila last October 9, I was commissioned to provide illustration services on its launch event. Jo Malone is a London-based brand offering bespoke fragrances of premium quality.

 

Every time Jo Malone opens in a new country, the brand takes pride in personalizing its trademark gift boxes as part of its opening festivities. I was one of the two artists who were chosen among the pool of talents to work on this project for the Manila leg. We initially had to submit studies featuring Philippine landmarks using our personal style as part of the design aesthetic.

My background with calligraphy goes way back during my elementary years. I learned Chinese calligraphy then and decided to apply the brush strokes to my travel illustration work.

 

Eventually, client chose to illustrate (2) subjects: the nipa hut and vinta.

Box samples were shown for guests to choose which designs to have illustrated on their boxes. There were several sizes to choose from and I scaled the illustrations in proportion to their sizes and orientation.

Work station. Used a brush pen, paint brush and sumi ink for my illustrations.

Last batch of boxes I had to illustrate before wrapping up. Total box count was at 50.

A quick process shot of painting the vinta. Literally took me only a minute or two to finish a box illustration

because I tried to keep my strokes very loose and swift.