Her World: ART

Graphic design is a very appealing field among the youth these days. It has become so easy to make logos, posters and images with the use of technology. One Filipina, who made it to an art institute in the United Staes, also fell in love with graphic design.

Vina Mariel Canete, who is known simply as "Mayet" among her friends, moved to the United States in 2010, just before her high school graduation in the Philippines. Even when she was still in high school, she already loved art, often doodling on any paper she can get hold of.

"I really wanted to be an artist," she said. After finishing high school earlier than a regular American student would in New Jersey, and with honors to boot, she opted to follow her dream.

"I applied at an art institute. Almost every state has it," she narrated. That was when she got accepted at the Art Insititute of Philadelphia (AIPH), a well-known art institute with a scholarship grant from the state.

"There are lots of art degree programs but I fell in love with graphic design," she added. 

The institute had class offerings in fashion design, industrial design, painting and product design. "I chose graphic design because it's very challenging and the art industry is heading there, where technology is. Graphic design is quite impossible without the use of technology." 

AIPH was her school of choice because someone she considers her role model, Puerto Rican graphic artist Erica Borrero, went to the same institute.

Borrero is now an artist in Atlantic City, the equivalent of Las Vegas on the other side of the coast. Vina said working in Atlantic City is something very big for a graphic artist, and she wants to do the same someday.

Going to an art institute was an overwhelming experience for Vina. Coping with the assignments and plates was not a problem for her. "I'd look at my classmates and they are all stressed out but I'm happily doing our tasks! Maybe it's because I love what I'm doing, that's really important," she said.

She also noted that it's probably because of her training here in the Philippines. Vina went to Cebu Normal University for three and a half years. 

Her struggles include being away form home and the language. "People here have a different kind of sland, and I'm not used to that," she said.

Luckily, she didn't get any racist comments from her fellow students. On the contrary, she is given positive comments because of her being Asian. "But I don't mind, it boosts my spirits. I'm a proud Filipina here," she said.

AIPH has been a big help to Vina, never mind if they go to school all-year round for 12 semesters and finishing the degree in three years.

Aside from art programs, the institute also offers an intern program for students like her to be able to work as interns in different design companies that have made names in the world of art.

Vina believes in following your own heart and what you really want.

The physical distance between her and her homeland may be hard on her part but the Philippines has been her inspiration in finishing graphic design in a prestigious institute.

With her roots, values and culture intact, Vina can very well soar with her art. Truly, a Filipina artist worth emulating!

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu paper, February 20, 2012