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Name: Joey Carpio
Current City: Bulakan, Bulacan
Filipino Artist Profile: Joey Carpio
Ask almost every adult you know about the 90s, and they’ll let out a barrage of nostalgic anecdotes. From the television shows to the video games and everything in between, this decade certainly has left its mark on a lot of people. Joey Carpio takes the things he loves from the 90s and infuses them with his signature look and style. Learn more about how this artist can take you back to this wonderful era through his vibrant creations for Juwe Curfew.
How did your journey as an artist begin?
My journey started when I learned to draw as a kid. It was then that I glimpsed the path I want to take when I grew up. I said to myself that when I got older, the job I’m going to take should be related to art.
How did you come up with your brand name?
My real name is Joey Carpio. When I was in college, I played DOTA a lot with my friends. The name I used when playing started out as a joke with them whenever our game gets too intense. We turn our names into a slang version when we play. They made a slang version of my name, from Joey to Juwe. I went along with it, and it made an impression on my friends. It also made an impact on me, as well. For Curfew, I just transformed my last name - Carpio - to Curfew.
What is your preferred subject to create, and why?
Most of the time, I create fan art and caricatures of themes from the 90s. Mostly, the TV shows and arcade games from the 90s because I grew up with them. As long as it stuck to me when I was growing up, I’ll usually use it as an inspiration for my work.
What are our influences as an artist?
One of my influences is anime, famous cartoons from the 90s, like Dragon Ball. I was also influenced by the shows I watched on Cartoon Network. I liked the style I saw back then. I mixed all of those influences up to create my art.
Every artist has that one creation they’re proud of the most. For you, what is that, and why?
I always create fan art most of the time. If not fan art, I do caricatures for those who order one. When it comes to caricatures, I like the latest work I’ve done, a fan art of Michael V. There were news reports that say he got infected with COVID-19 recently. Growing up, I consider him as an idol. I made a fan art of him. He saw it and liked my work. That’s an achievement for me. Even if it’s a small act, I’m happy that it made him smile, especially since he’s sick.
When it comes to design, I’m proud of the Street Fighter piece I recently made. It’s my first time to tackle this theme seriously. I’ve had a number of trial and error runs on this concept. When I finished it, I felt satisfied completing it.
Another design I’m proud of is a piece of the Undertaker. It wasn’t just appreciated here locally when I posted it online. People from other countries who were into Pro Wrestling loved it. I was surprised because even though my artwork is a very simple one, they still supported it.
What are the struggles or challenges you’ve encountered as an artist?
The lack of support. I market myself to others without any assistance. Sometimes, it gets hard because I chose the wrong audience to market myself. I show my work to people who are not really into what I create.
What are your strengths as an artist?
Creativity. It’s a requirement for every artist. Imagination is also important. Those are the strengths I need. If I don’t have them, I won’t come up with anything. There’s also passion. Basically, those three. I need to achieve those three strengths to create a design or artwork.
In your own words, how would you describe your style?
What I do is adapt. I study the works of others and adapt what I think is good, would fit my style, and if it looks good.
Whenever you put your designs out, what do people say about your work whenever they see it?
Sometimes, I get criticized, but there are also many times where they appreciate it. Most of the time, it’s the latter. Not everyone, of course. They’re mostly appreciative of what I do. There’s not much negative to the people who get to see my work.
Speaking of criticism, how do you handle comments directed toward your work?
Well, I don’t deny the criticisms I get. It can even help me when I do my work to improve it, if the manner of criticism is proper. I listen to it. If it helps, I absorb it.
What is your advice to talented individuals, whether young people or old, who want to start their journey towards being an artist?
They should do what they want to do. It’s on them. They just need to push themselves. Be authentic too. They should also avoid competition. Just create what you want to create. If there are some people who have something to say about your work, just let them be. Just like what I said earlier, if they’re going to criticize you and if what they’re saying can help, absorb it.
How did you discover Merchiful, and why did you choose it to be the platform for your work?
I have this friend, a classmate from college. His name is Adonis. I already saw him post his work on Merchiful. I regularly saw his work there, then I asked him about it.
I always see this kind of service from other countries. I didn’t find it locally when I searched for it. Merciful was the only one that offers this service, and the only one I can compare to international print on demand companies, like Vistaprint and Threadless. Why would I choose them when Merchiful is already here?
What can Merchiful customers expect from you?
They’ll see from my art what my personality is and my preferences. They’ll see from what I post online. Little by little, I’m going to come up with more designs soon and I hope they’ll appreciate them and adapt my style as their own.
In a single word, how would you describe yourself?
Makulit.
If you love the 90s, having an art piece by Juwe Curfew is a must. Find one when you visit Joey’s Merchiful Shop today and take home something that will remind you about this decade. You can also check out Juwe Curfew’s latest designs on social media.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtbyJuweCurfew/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juwecurfew/
