Diego Solas
Diego Solas is a multi-headed visual creative based in the Philippines who likes to bring novel experiences to life through illustration, graphic design, and CG motion design with a keen interest in creating abstract imagery about form, emotion, and its intersections. Outside of work, he dwells at the farthest reaches of his imagination to escape reality, or is engrossed in browsing clothing catalogs and random blog posts.
Hi Diego! Tell us about yourself - how did you get to where you are today and when did you first become interested in design?
Reflecting back to a distant memory, it all began when I had a strong affinity with playgrounds when I was in preschool. I can vividly recall times I rushed into my stash every afternoon to search for empty manila filing folders and assorted markers that I could use to inscribe all the ideas I had in my head. I drew countless ladders, slides, barrels, and every component of a playground. There were sculptural qualities about it I thought oddly fascinating, which sparked so much interest in me that I even tried to recreate playgrounds with cardboard boxes and sturdy objects. I wasn't really concerned about it adhering to logic and function; I just let my freewheeling sensation of progress take the front seat and carry me wherever. The results were undeniably strange but fun! My love for play and playgrounds inclined me toward the arts. From there, my curiosity grew exponentially and has seeped into different creative sidequests. Stepping into the present, I am actively pursuing a career in the creative field as a freelance illustrator and motion designer. I'm happy with where it has brought me!
How would you describe your aesthetic and how has your design style changed over time?
I’m still in the zone of carving it out. But at the moment, it's a holistic embrace of different facets and influences from my past up to the present. I like that it’s agnostic in its form because it reveals unspoken process blueprints and awe that I wouldn't otherwise encounter if I pigeonhole myself. I thought it would be better to exhaust a range of variables that pique my interest before niching down to what truly satisfies me. Though my works often vary in subject and style, I always ensure my signature hallmarks reign supreme across everything I do; unapologetic color schemes, toy-like finishes, lucid textures, and ethereal eye-candy scapes.
What led to your interest in 3D design and what do you enjoy about 3D?
It traces back to 2012 – the quintessential year of cosmic prints, doomsday predictions, and internet renegade. But what struck me the most were the flashy lyric videos for electronic dance music, particularly David Guetta's “Without You.” There was an indescribable feeling of joy seeing the 3D typography and elements gracefully dance in sync with the uplifting melody of the song. It felt like I was treating my senses.
While I could delve into writing an essay justifying why 3D is so enjoyable, it generally trickles down to several key factors such as the liberty in space, its procedural nature, the ability to simulate hyper-real imagery within just a few clicks, its power to defy the laws of physics and the broad palette of tools.
How has your career led you to work with the Canva team and what have been your favorite projects at Canva?
It was the summer of 2019 when I graduated from the university and found myself at a crossroads. I was trying my luck by taking chances and flooding cold emails to design studios and agencies I’d love to work for. However, after careful consideration, I decided to follow the freelance route instead of committing to a full-time role. Then covid happened, which added a layer of difficulty to the process. I was fortunate the opportunity from Canva arrived amidst the seismic shifts in hiring practices. I gave it a shot, and luckily, I landed on their roster.
One of my favorite projects has to be my work for the ‘Web 3.0 Back to The Future’ campaign. It revisits the dreamy reimaginings and the visual culture of the early 2000s. The elements range from hyper-glossy stickers to space gothic letterforms and glittery characters.
What’s your creative process like and how do you approach creative collaboration?
There exists a distinction between the approaches taken. With collaborative projects, the thresholds have been pre-determined in most cases. For personal work, the outcome is open to be defined by the process. But in every arising opportunity, whether it’s personal or client work, I always make a conscious effort to anchor myself in the project before taking a nosedive. I always believe emotional connection reinforces the relationship with our craft and ultimately leads to genuine results. Otherwise, it could be distant and lacking in depth. Once I have internalized the project, I find it easier to coast through the subsequent stages, irrespective of the production pipeline and its nuances.
Where do you find creative inspiration?
My inspiration extends beyond the typical gander through Pinterest or exploring an artist’s profile on Instagram. Sometimes I get inspired by watching people solemnly curate their safe spaces, creating fictitious scenarios during ungodly hours, counting headlights on a highway, or even blankly staring at mundane objects. Moments that displace me from reality and put me into an element where I feel unburdened and allow my subconscious to wander are nests for inspiration.
What would be a dream project to work on for you?
It would be a dream to cross-pollinate with globally renowned studios to create CG launch films and short spots for tech, music, furniture, and fashion. I am also particularly drawn to the opportunity of creating visual experiences for immersive installations. As someone who has a keen curiosity, I’m confident this list will evolve as new tools and methodologies emerge within the ever-evolving design landscape.
What has been one of the most challenging projects you’ve worked on and what did you learn from it?
The first installation in my speculative project about contradictions has been one of the most challenging works I’ve done. I would consider it the canon of my motion design streak because I’m only used to making still renders of abstract compositions and elements, but never messed profoundly with the nitty gritty of moving images. Simply thinking about the workflow logistics and the time it consumes already puts me in a cyclone. However, I have grown to understand that things are convoluted outside of the familiar. But by approaching the task with a flexible mindset, embracing loose structures, and negating the tension of speed, I have discovered that the process is less overwhelming. With a simple change of perspective, I found myself at ease and redirected my trajectory.
What advice would you give to artists and designers just starting out or looking to strengthen their practice?
I wish I could take these bits of advice from someone when I was so caught up in the haze, and I hope sharing these will enlighten someone!
Detach yourself from the pressure of doing something exceptional at the initial sprint. The first stages are always bound to be turbulent. Let it swing in the breeze and take you wherever. Eventually, it will land on something you are happy about.
Put yourself on the map by being visible! Social media has democratized our access to recognition and visibility. Dropping the vanity metrics and sharing what you love will foster meaningful conversations with people who genuinely resonate with your work.
Always have the appetite for progress, whether learning a new technique, medium, or software, because satisfaction could ultimately be a catalyst after long periods of stagnation. It could be scary sometimes, but there’s much to explore out there than being confined in one spot.
Allow yourself to move freely; design is a giant fairground. Play and have fun!
What’s up next for you?
Currently, I’ve been investing more time in creating fully-realized passion projects and daily creative exercises while learning the technical schematics of sound design. I’m excited and hoping to roll them out in the next few months. I’ll be posting updates on my Instagram and make sure to check them out!
Thank you for sharing with us Diego! To view more of Diego’s work, follow him on Instagram.
Diego was nominated by Canva. All art courtesy of Diego Solas.