Fizzbuzz

FIZZBUZZ INC. Goes To…ICON Manila 2019! (Part 2 of 2)

Last September, we sent our very own Fizzbuzz foursome of Marvin Parcuelles, Bryan Velayo, Clare Sanchez, and Johanna Kaye Boncodinto to ICON Manila 2019, a three-day event that hosts the largest gathering of creatives, graphic artists, and animators in the Philippines.

The annual event was held at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig and hosted an impressive roster of international visual artists including Zac Retz, Mike Azevedo, and Finnian Macmanus, not to mention legendary titans in the Filipino art industry such as Bobby Pontillas and Armand Serrano.

It was the second time Fizzbuzz Inc. participated in the annual event that featured talks and panels in the field of animation, film, games, illustration, and visual effects. 

When asked about their ICON Manila experience, Kaye and Marvin have this to say:

KAYE

The great thing about ICON Manila is that you get to take home new learnings, boost your imagination, and fuel up your passion as an artist. With this year’s latest set of amazing artists, I was able to experience once again (having attended last year) how uniquely great each of them in their respective fields.

Mike Azevedo worked for the big names in the gaming industry such as Riot Games, Valve, Blizzard, etc. Finnian Macmanus, who is just 24 years old, has worked on so many incredible movies, such as The Lion King and Rogue One. Zac Retz, another young artist, worked on this year’s Oscar best-animated feature, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Bobby Pontillas, who is my favorite in the line-up, co-directed an inspiring short film that made everyone cry, “One Small Step” with Taiko Studios. His talk on 3-D animation and production was very informative and valuable to me, being a 3-D artist myself.  And of course, Armand Serrano, who is now working with Marvel, made a lot of contributions to the animation industry. He started with Mulan and from then on continued to make great animation one after another.

And of course, Armand Serrano, who is now working with Marvel, made a lot of contribution in the animation industry. He started with Mulan and from then on continued to make great animation one after another.

We also met a group of designers from Mindanao who shared their work with us. Opening a possibility for networking among Fizzbuzz and artists from Mindanao.

The speakers also offered to check out some portfolios after their talk — which was a huge thing that we the participants appreciate. 

What inspired me the most is that all these great artists keep improving every day by devoting their time and effort to practice and I think it’s the key to being the best at what you do.

MARVIN

Our ICON Manila 2019 experience was an improvement from last year. At first, I was worried that the topic would be similar to last years’ event, but it turned out to be completely different and even more interesting.

Four new guest artists joined patron and regular Armand Serrano in talking and demonstrating about their respective fields of expertise. Zac Retz, Mike Azevedo, and Finnian Macmanus showed us a glimpse of their creative process, technical skills, executions, and the values necessary to become an artist. 

But the one who stood out for me was Bobby Pontillas. A great animator, illustrator, and director. I was moved by his story when he started in the industry. How he received more than 30 rejection letters after sending his work to multiple studies in Hollywood until he got his break. That it all starts with a very small step. He inspired me since I can somehow relate it with my own experience. The difficulty in getting into the industry is extreme. Failure and rejection will always be a part of it, but your courage and your love for what you do will keep you going until you reach your goal. Bobby is also very approachable and radiating with good energy.  It really shows that he is an animator.

When the speakers were asked if whether the art style should be varied or we just stick to one, Armand Serrano told us to focus and master your own style before branching out. That you should have your own style, your own branding. 

Mike Azevedo also gave me valuable insight in regards to working for my own artwork and creating artwork for clients. Starting out, he focused on practicing, but he then changed and solidified his art style after working with clients. 

It was also amazing to watch some of the speakers asking questions to those who were presenting on stage. It really shows that even professionals still have room for learning. I have to stay that, learning never stops as long as you’re open to it.

Another improvement that is worth noting is that this year, they allowed the participants to show their portfolio and ask for advice. We were also more engaged with the community by talking to some people in the industry. We met a group of designers from Mindanao who shared with us their work. I also had a chance to talk to Bobby Pontillas and I was really excited to share to him that the Cebu Creative Community is growing and that we’re hoping that we could get speakers like him. 

Overall, ICON MANILA was an amazing experience. I got to meet people who are in the industry, a chance to showcase Fizzbuzz and personal works, be inspired by other artists, and learn new updates and creative processes. Looking forward to next year!

And that is it for our two-part feature on ICON Manila 2019. It looks like while the Fizzbuzz Team had different takes on the event and had different favorite “moments,” the common thread is that they all gleaned some significant learning and lots of inspiration from the event. And that’s what we want to hear — that they’re coming back with a fresh supply of gusto and creative inspiration to share with the rest of the team!

Until the next installment of What’s Fizzling, see ya!