In an exclusive interview with MEGA Man, Ian Anderson recounted his unforgettable experience of being commissioned by Cartoon Network for his art, and his decision to remain rooted in the vibrant artistic scene of the Philippines
It’s no secret that Cartoon Network has left an indelible mark on our childhoods, with each of us having our own unique experiences and stories to share. For Filipino artist Ian Anderson, simply watching the shows is not enough. The ultimate goal was to get commissioned to create artwork for the corporation, which he successfully accomplished.
In this exclusive interview with MEGA Man, he shared his experience working with one of the largest international cartoon companies and offered his unique insights on the Philippine art scene.
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From puzzles to personal expression
Raised in Antipolo, Ian had a childhood filled with joy and imagination. He would lose himself in the intricate designs and challenging quests of maze books, Look-and-Finds, and puzzles. Little did he know that these seemingly mundane pastimes would serve as an inspiration for his growing creativity in the years to come. Ian’s passion for his favorite hobby has led him to create a distinctive style that emphasizes interaction and a sense of playfulness.
On working with Cartoon Network
The artist’s initial job was teaching animation and character design to young adults with autism in Los Angeles. One day, an executive from Cartoon Network showed up at their school. Ian, who has always looked up to the company, was determined to show off his creations. In our interview, Ian exclaimed, “I loved Cartoon Network.” Fortunately, his enthusiasm and passion were recognized, and he was given a commission by the company. Ian created a massive artwork—a gigantic maze—that took him four months to finish.
Embracing home and art
When asked about his decision to stay in the Philippines instead of seeking out opportunities abroad, Ian recounted a noteworthy experience. He shared that he used to live in Tokyo. Then, during his vacation in Manila, he had an encounter with a renowned photographer who invited him to be part of a group exhibition at Leon Gallery. Ian was greatly flattered by the unexpected invitation, recognizing the immense opportunity it presented. The exhibition proved to be a success, establishing a strong bond between Ian and Leon Gallery. When asked about his choice, he summed it up with a simple yet heartfelt statement: “I adore the community there.”
The artist’s vision
According to Ian, the artistic community in the Philippines is remarkably encouraging. He shared that he never experienced the negative “crab mentality” often talked about by others. In his words, the creative community is a welcoming and supportive environment where one can easily attend multiple shows within a week due to its intimate nature. Unlike the vast and disorienting city of Los Angeles, the artist finds the country a refreshing change of pace. In conclusion, Ian believes it’s high time for the Philippine art scene to make a splash on the global stage and solidify its position as a force to be reckoned with.
Featured Image: LÉON DENIM and RO CREATIVE STUDIO (via Instagram)
Photos: LÉON DENIM, RO CREATIVE STUDIO, and IAN ANDERSON (via Instagram)
