A reintroduction is in order for one John Paul “JP” Hernandez. This year marked a milestone in the youngblood’s professional career as he recently became a full-fledged member of XS Multimedia (XSM).
When XSM opened its doors to underprivileged K12 graduating students in 2018, JP was one of the hundred hopefuls from Jose V. Palma Senior High School in Quezon City who applied for the agency’s scholarship program. After a meticulous screening process and intensive pre-qualifying training, the results came as no surprise when JP emerged on top with his exceptional creative talent.
JP started his creative career with XSM in 2019 and he has been making great strides ever since. Now, bright-eyed and bespectacled as ever, XSM caught up with JP to talk shop about his journey from sketching anime at home to becoming a nifty graphic artist for brands.
From XS scholar to grown graphic artist, how is your experience with XSM so far?
“Masaya po ako sa mga nakalipas na taon na stay ko dito sa company at nae-enjoy ko po gawa ng nakikitaan ko din po ang aking sarili na natututo at naggo-grow. Nag-grow po ako especially sa skills na angkop para sa mga bakbakan na gawain.”“I guess what symbolizes my journey from XS scholar to a grown graphic artist now is like mountain climbing. Discovering new things makes me cheerful and I’m hoping that one day I’ll reach the peak with a bunch of struggles and experiences that will help me to climb another mountain in the future.”
Have you noticed any improvements in your work?
“Pagkatapos po ng immersion ko sa company ay continuous pa rin po ako sa learning about po sa paggamit ng mga softwares and mga need po sa mga designs. Malaki po ang pagbabago talaga nung ikinumpara ko yung noon na gawa ko at sa gawa ko po ngayon dahil din po sa masikap po ako manood ng tutorials and makinig sa payo ng professionals.”
Here are some of JP’s proudest works:
How did the experience help you personally?
“Nakatulong po sakin para may pagbalingan ako ng oras at nakatulong din po ako sa mga magulang ko lalo na’t pandemic po. Sa totoo lang po ligaw talaga po ako dahil sa barkada, hindi ko po kasi alam kung bakit ko pinili yung strand ko po na HUMSS wala po kasi dun yung path na gusto ko as an artist kasi balak ko po noon maging animator.”
Art by JP
Photo from Instagram @itspapajeyps
How did you keep that artistic flame alive in school?
“Representing my group when it is about art. I also skipped some classes to join some contests and I can’t help but draw while the teacher was teaching.”
Art by JP
Photo from Instagram @itspapajeyps
Did you get your family’s support to become an artist?
“Yes, they support me. When I was at my young age when I was starting to learn how to draw, they provided the tools that I needed.”
Art by JP
Photo from Instagram @itspapajeyps
What sparked your interest in the arts?
“Watching anime like Detective Conan, Doraemon has sparked my interest in sketching.”
Art by JP Photo from Instagram @itspapajeyps
What hobbies do you enjoy?
“Digital Painting and Traditional Art. Dahil po masaya akong nakikita yung mga iniisip ko, mapa-character man o landscape. Also playing mobile games.”
Art by JP
Photo from Instagram @itspapajeyps
Do you have a specific art style that you love?
“2D Digital Painting. Nagustuhan ko po dahil nagiging visible ang mga nasa isip ko.”
Art by JP
Photo from Instagram @itspapajeyps
Who are the artists you look up to?
“Ross Tran, Akihito Yoshitomi, Lois Van Baarle.”
Art by JP
Photo from Instagram @itspapajeyps
Who/What inspires you to achieve your goals?
“Gusto ko mabigyan po ng maayos na buhay ang parents ko.”
Art by JP
Photo from Instagram @itspapajeyps
What are your struggles as a graphic artist in the advertising industry?
“Art block, lack of ideas, depression, and anxiety.”
Art by JP
Photo from Instagram @itspapajeyps
How do you address those challenges?
“Rest and try new things to distract my thoughts.”
Art by JP
Photo from Instagram @itspapajeyps
What do you love about being part of the XSM team?
“Ang nagustuhan ko po sa team is yung may maasahan po in case na need mo po ng tulong.”
Art by JP
Photo from Instagram @itspapajeyps
What can you say about your mentors?
“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa lahat specially po kay Sir Dave and Sir Chris, dahil nabago po nila yung pananaw ko sa buhay. Napakalaking hakbang po nito para sa akin upang maabot ko po yung pangarap ko.”
Art by JP
Photo from Instagram @itspapajeyps
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The XS Out of School initiative was an applied learning program patterned after the agency’s efficient and immersive internship program for university students.
It takes true grit to be inducted into the XSM band of Brutally Creative talents, and JP embodied that spirit. From a student scholar to an improving illustrator, JP’s journey is a testament to the proverbial opportunity that comes to those who seek it.
You learn more out of school. Apply for the XS Internship Program.
You can check the XS Multimedia website and Facebook page for queries and other details.
