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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider When Borg draws, he turns reality into scifantasy

When Borg draws, he turns reality into scifantasy

Published Dec 27, 2020 08:00 am

FYA! This award-winning illustrator is in a league of his own in the world of digital art

It has been a while since we featured an artist whose canvas isn’t your usual. Digital art, after all, is a very valid form of art. And while there are many who dabble in this contemporary medium, very few are truly worthy of note. One of these is Borg, an illustrator who specializes in the scifantasy genre for comics, character designs, and book covers. 

As an illustrator, Borg has worked with publishers both local and international, most notable of which are Adarna House, BOOM! Studios, and Scholastic Asia. 

Borg, self-portrait

As for his comic book work, Borg has illustrated Studio Salimbal's Mythspace: Unfurling of Wings, Muros, and has also contributed to SOUND: A Comics Anthology by Difference Engine and a crowd-funded anthology. 

In 2014, Borg won at the National Book Awards, bagging Best Book of Graphic Literature in Filipino for the second issue of his children’s comic book series, Pilandokomiks: Mga Pagsubok ng Karagatan.

Get to know this talented young illustrator, who is our Featured Young Artist today. 

How would you describe your art, and yourself as an artist?

My art looks like a mishmash of eastern and western styles, with a bit of chaos on the side (laughs). I also tend to get a little impatient when working, so I’d like to see immediate results when I illustrate.  

Where do you draw inspiration for your works?

I usually get inspiration from my childhood experiences, and from everyday life. I try to be as observant as possible, so I won’t miss out on something that could kickstart my next personal project.

From left: #sigawdarna and a cyberpunk concept of Trese

Do you have a particularly favorite piece that you've done? Which is it, and why?

I have no favorites, but I always look back on the time I worked on the Janus Silang book covers I did for Adarna House a few years back. I had such a great time working on the book series. 

A cover design by Borg for Janus Silang

What is your personal opinion about young people pursuing arts, whether as a passion or a profession?

I think it's great—more power to artists! Seeing both young and old diving in and pursuing their art goals is reinvigorating.

Any message you want to give to aspiring artists?

I say, go and make mistakes. A lot. Nothing like a good couple of failures to get your blood pumping and mind racing, to claw your way to success!

Reach out to Borg via email at [email protected], or you can check out some of his current work at borgsinaban.com. | IG: @borgdraws

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