Artist Spotlight w/ Ianna Rallonza
May 2, 2023
First, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi everyone! My name is Ianna, and I'm a freelance illustrator and graphic designer based in the Philippines. I love using illustration as a means of exploration and it’s always been the most intuitive way for me to keep my hands busy.
Outside of my work, I like trying out different workouts like biking, running, and yoga. Recently I’ve really gotten into bouldering—it’s super fun and it’s a great way to relieve stress once you get over the fear of heights! I also have a cat whose hobby is walking over keyboards while I work (cat owners can relate!)
One thing I learned is that there will be times where the self-doubt creeps in, and it can get really overwhelming. During times like these I remind myself that I have to be my best cheerleader—if I don’t believe in my capabilities to take on difficult projects, it’ll become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Can you tell us about your experience and the role you are primarily filling?
I’ve been working as a freelance illustrator since my late college years, and I also have agency experience where I learned most of my graphic design skills. It’s only recently that I took the plunge and went back to doing freelance full-time, and it’s been scary but fulfilling at the same time.
I started out specializing in editorial illustration, and later into my career I mostly made illustration assets for tech companies. This year I’m aiming to expand my skills as an illustrator, and learn things like 3D Modelling and a bit of motion design. I’m excited to get good enough to use these skills in my personal projects and for clients as well! For now, I’m thankful for the space to play around in my personal projects, as well as working with clients who trust in my skills to explore.
If you could speak directly to the resourcing gods and powers that be, what would be your ideal project?
I've never had an “ideal project” per se, but I love working with clients that aren’t afraid to let me explore and go a bit crazy with illustrations. Clear communication and trust on both ends would also be my ideal project conditions.
Do you have any dream clients?
I’m a fragrance hobbyist, so an out-there dream project would be illustrating for Diptyque! And I heavily rely on my Hobonichi planner to keep my life organized, so illustrating a cover or pencil board for them would be a dream too. Maybe in the future, the far far future, I’d love to design a book cover for Penguin Classics!
Lastly, do you have any memorable stories, life lessons, or tall tales you can share from your adventures as a freelancer?
One thing I learned is that there will be times where the self-doubt creeps in, and it can get really overwhelming. During times like these I remind myself that I have to be my best cheerleader—if I don’t believe in my capabilities to take on difficult projects, it’ll become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Freelancing can get lonely fast too, so it helps to have a support system or connect with friends regularly so you don’t get too stuck in your head too much. I really owe a lot of the courage I have to my loved ones around me. Having those strong pillars, and giving back when you can are all life-affirming acts that will keep you soldiering forward.
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