Filipino artists are spreading their wings, participating in conventions, art markets, and fairs not only here but also abroad. Case in point: Eyddie Dy of Chomkee Mart, who just had a successful weekend at Design Festa Vol. 60 in Tokyo last week.

It’s a full-circle moment for Dy, who started the brand after being inspired by her first konbini experience in Japan and also her pug Taco.

“I design products and create character illustrations and clay art inspired by grocery items and the adventures of my pug and his imaginary friends. Chomkee Mart is where cuteness meets convenience!” she said.

She recalled “feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, and completely captivated by the variety and charm of everything inside” during that first visit to a convenience store in Tokyo. “It became my mission for Chomkee Mart. I want people who visit my booth to feel that same sense of curiosity, joy, excitement, and discovery. Then I thought of the perfect mascots that can bring a little of that ‘konbini magic’ to life, an original character based on my pug and his favorite toys.”

Dy was both nervous and excited for Design Festa Vol. 60. “I’m truly grateful for the unique opportunity and experience to share my work to a wider audience,” she said.

The Chomkee Mart characters were all available at her booth: Marupagu the pug, Kappashibo the kappa, Tanupafu the tanuki, and Natsuhiyo the chick. She sold handmade keychains, fun trinkets, and cute stationery, offering “a supermarket sweep of fun and joy” for shoppers.

Also available were her bestselling handmade candy shaker charms and what she calls “my last brain cell shaker.” “It’s a funny and relatable shaker keychain. Watch as a solitary brain cell bounces around, perfectly representing those times when you’re running on mental fumes.”

She enjoyed her time at Design Festa, Dy said. “I think the most challenging part was the language barrier, but I had a Japanese friend teach me the basics. I’d love to be able to join again if given the chance.”

You can order online through chomkeemart.com or @chomkeemart (Instagram, BlueSky, X, or Threads).

Next month, a number of Filipino artists are headed to the Bangkok Illustration Fair (BKKIF) 2024 (Dec. 5 to Dec. 8 at CentralWorld Live) and Singapore Comic Con 2024 (Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 at Sands Expo & Convention Centre). Get to know them:

BANGKOK ILLUSTRATION FAIR

Chichilittle

whimsicute.com; @chichilittle on Instagram and X

Chichi Romero, creator of Chichilittle, is a self-taught freelance artist from Sapang Palay, Bulacan. “I like making cute, whimsical and silly artworks that tell a story. My work is also greatly inspired by nature and my childhood,” she said.

She’s excited to be part of the Bangkok Illustration Fair. “While tabling overseas makes me so anxious because of all the expenses, I’m very happy to represent my small town of Sapang Palay and my country. I’m also excited to meet other artists from different countries, many of whom I can only admire from afar on the internet.”

Romero will be bringing her favorite stickers and prints to the fair, along with handmade illustrated charms, pins, and t-shirts.

Chichilittle will also be participating at Plannercon on Nov. 30 at Whitespace Makati. She accepts local and international orders through her website whimsicute.com.

Tricia Salonga

@artoftrishasalonga and @trishuhsalonga on Instagram

“My work often centers on female themes, reflecting women’s experiences—especially from my own perspective,” said Patricia Salonga, visual artist, illustrator, and associate creative director at an advertising agency.

Last year, her art was exhibited in Singapore’s Kult Studio & Gallery. “I showcased pieces that explored the idea of female bodies as commodities. Lately, my focus has shifted to female rage. Growing up, I was always told to hide my anger, to ‘pick my battles’ and stay composed because anger supposedly ‘isn’t a good look’ for women. But I believe female rage is a natural, valid emotion that deserves visibility. My current work is a way of owning this, normalizing these feelings rather than labeling them as ‘uncool,’ while rejecting the idea that nonchalance is the only ‘cool’ response.”

In September, she participated in the Manila Illustration Fair at the University of the Philippines Diliman’s College of Fine Arts. Of the Bangkok Illustration Fair, she said, “I’m so excited! I’m just really happy to be part of BKKIF and to share my experiences and journey with some of my friends and colleagues. It’s also been great to see that joining has inspired a few colleagues from advertising to go after their own passions and join fairs like this.”

She’ll be selling magnetic lenticulars of her artworks. “I love creating pieces with a bit of movement!”

Her other offerings? “Scarves, sticker notebooks with free stickers, acrylic keychains, postcards, tons of posters, stickers, and even temporary tattoos.”

She’ll also be giving away free stickers to shoppers who will follow her on Instagram. “I’m usually an introvert, but get me talking about something I’m passionate about, and I can go on forever! So, along with my merch, expect plenty of vibes—and a lot of personality, haha!”

To buy her art and merch, send her a message on Instagram (@artoftrishasalonga). “I also do custom wood paintings, so they’re welcome to reach out there if they’re interested!”

Nani Studio

@nanistudoph on Instagram and @helloNANIstudio on Facebook

It’s a portmanteau of their names, yes, but Nadine Layon and Niqui Mateo-Piñon named their Manila-based branding and design studio after the Japanese expression “Nani?!” which means “What?!”

“It captures the essence of surprise and unexpected wonder that we bring to every project,” they said. “At Nani Studio, we’re passionate about crafting exceptional branding experiences and imaginative designs that spark curiosity and leave a lasting impact.”

Their clients include Single Origin, Ben&Ben, Caltex Singapore, Columbia, Wanderland, and so many more.

The Bangkok fair will be a new experience for them. “This will be our first time participating in a fair, not to mention an international one, and we’re still in shock.”

They’re especially excited for the chance to meet other artists at the fair. “It’s a great opportunity to reach a wider audience and connect with the global art community.”

They’ll be selling stickers, postcards, and prints, “maybe even calendars and scarves! As a studio we also love DIY-ing and crafting so we’re excited to share some handmade charms, earrings, and some other anik-anik!”

They’ve also created “Fruit for Thought,” a series of illustrations that will have you “feeling the feels” for their booth at the fair. Among the illustrations are “Abokado ng Alala (Avocado of Worry),” “Mangga ng Pagbabalik-tanaw (Mango of Nostalgia),” and “Dalandan ng Aligada (Dalandan of Happiness).”

“We wanted to process these feelings and make them less intimidating as we explore its depths. Our fruit stand-themed booth will be filled with different pieces that aim to visualize that.”

They plan to release their merch in the Philippines as well. “They will be available on our socials soon!”

Pat Garvida

patgarvida.me; @patgarvida on Instagram

When asked how they feel about being part of the Bangkok fair, Pat Garvida said, “Surprised! It’s a very talented pool of artists and I’m still battling my imposter syndrome convincing myself I belong. But it’s an honor and I’m very excited for it.”

Garvida is humble—and also a very talented artist who’s had many clients including Meralco, the UP College of Law, Ideaspace, the NCCA, and L’Oreal. They also create all the artwork for Higher Ground Sports & Lifestyle.

”My work revolves around the themes of gender and sports, particularly about my experience as a female hoops fan, and the highs and lows that come with loving the sport,” Garvida said.

At the Bangkok fair, “I’ll be showcasing scarves, prints, keychains, and sticker packs. I’m also working on iron-on patches and caps—fingers crossed they finish in time.”

They added, “My goal for BKKIF is to share my work and to hopefully find people who relate to it and like it enough to want a piece of it for themselves.”

And those in the Philippines who also want to buy can do it through Instagram. Garvida also plans to make them available on patgarvida.me.

Bitto

@studio_bitto

You’ve seen Bitto’s work before. Maybe his murals for Shake Shack, or his phygital art with Apl.de.Ap and Gcash, or his collab with Thai brand Gentlewoman.

His art has been in exhibitions and fairs in Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and New York—and soon, Thailand again.

“I’m excited and nervous at the same time. I’ve showcased works in Bangkok before but being part of an illustration fair is quite different,” he said.

The artist, painter, and muralist will offer exclusive and numbered prints that will be available only in Bangkok. There will also be sticker packs and a few original paintings.

Bitto said, “My merch is an extension of my artistic practice as a painter and muralist. I produce prints and stickers of my paintings and illustrations so my audience can have access to my work. Most of my prints involve recurring characters doing everyday activities, and slowly unraveling the Bittoverse. The characters I’ve created have complex personalities, inspired by people I have encountered, so there’s a huge chance that people might discover similar traits that could relate to them.”

His vinyl figures, created with Mindstyl, will also be available in limited quantities. They will be sold as a set and will include a limited edition print and sticker. “I’m excited to share my work in Thailand and to have an opportunity to reach out and connect with the Thai audience and to fellow artists as well,” he said.

Bitto’s solo showcase at Artery Art Space in Cubao opens today.

SINGAPORE COMIC CON 2024

Dankreationz

@dankreationz on Instagram and Facebook

Dankreationz likes experimenting and exploring “bold and distinctive graphics derived from street art and pop culture,” featuring them in crossovers with “Japanese art’s beauty and principles.”

Their creations are often featured at events like Sticker Con, Komiket, ToyCon, and Patrons of the Arts, and they’re also available at The Craft Central in Greenbelt 5.

“Being part of Singapore Comic Con is an honor and a privilege we do not take lightly. It’s also an opportunity to spotlight our artworks and connect with a diverse community of creators and people,” Dankreationz said.

They offer vinyl stickers, postcards, wooden keychains, and tote bags featuring both fan art and original Japanese-inspired art—“the artist’s interpretation of yokai, traditional Japanese masks, and beloved manga characters.”

Franberry Art Studio

www.franberry.art; @franberryart on Instagram and Facebook

“I create traditional art using watercolor, pen, and ink,” said Franfran, the artist behind Franberry Art Studio.

What started as a hobby has become a business for this illustrator at Nilay-Nilay Publishing House.

She said, “Singapore ComicCon will be my first international event, and it is both exciting and nerve-wracking. I will sell prints and stickers of my original works. We will also release the English version of our horror comics ‘Girabo,’ a tale set in a fictional town in Bicol.”

Franberry Art Studio will also participate at Cosplay Matsuri at the SMX Convention Center Manila Dec. 28 to 30.

Nami Trinkets

@nami.trinkets on Instagram; @namiirin_ on X; shopee.ph/namii.rin

Nami started Nami Trinkets in 2021 as a passion project. “It slowly transitioned into a small business selling handmade jewelry inspired by Japanese culture and the beauty in little things.”

What Nami Trinkets offers are not just dainty trinkets but also wearable art. “Each piece reflects our love for small details… and adds a touch of elegance to everyday moments,” said Nami.

It was a friend who invited Nami to join Singapore Comic Con. Having a booth at an international art market has been on her bucket list, “so it feels surreal that I’ll be finally experiencing one!”

She said, “There was a lot to consider… but I heard good reviews from other artist friends that sales could reach up to thrice in Singapore. Plus, I’ll be able to travel before and after the event so it’s a win-win opportunity.”

She’ll bring her handmade jewelry—earrings, necklaces, and rings—including her collections that are inspired by anime and video games.

In the Philippines, she’s active in events like CosMania, Komiket, Patrons of the Arts, and Sticker Con. People can also order her creations through Instagram and Shopee. —WITH REPORTS BY HERWIN DY