As a Layout artist/Graphic Designer

My journey as a Layout Artist/Graphic Designer started in 1992 when I was about to apply for a job for the first time. I applied in the printing press and during the interview, I was afraid to answer the questions. When the employer who interviewed me knows I am only a college level his question goes like this. Are you willing to work? I answered "yes sir". As he looked at me he noticed that I had a cleft palate, he gave me a newspaper and said read that headline news for me in a loud voice. Then he gave me a piece of paper, and a pencil and said draw me an old warrior who fight each other. Even if I am not good enough at drawing I pick the pencil and draw. During elementary, I drew any images that go into my mind so, I did what he wants me to draw. After I presented my drawing he said, on the first day of next month come back here.

It was the first day of June 1992 when I was back in the printing press. The employer had my application letter together with my drawing in his hands. And then he said again, you're willing to work? “Yes Sir,” I said. Are you wailing even if I give you 60 pesos per day? For me, it was very low but I accepted and said “Yes Sir” Then the employer congratulated me, now you are one of my employees.

He brings me to the Film Stripping Department where I see six tables with negatives, masking papers, pencils, rulers, scissors, lenses, and protractors beside each table. I see five employees as the lay-outing team, and each table is glass on the top and has lights inside. Then, the employer said, “Tomorrow, come back here early and start working.” And he said again, “Your work for 1 month is only to observe what they are doing, nothing else”.  I am so happy that for the first time, I have a work.

So, the morning came. I arrive early in the printing press and start working as a part of the layouting team "Layout Artists". We are working from Monday to Saturday and, every Saturday is payday. On my first payday, our employer gave us envelopes with the salary; it was my first time receiving a salary from the employer. When I opened the envelope I was surprised because the employer gave me 120 pesos per day contradicting what he said in the interview.

My co-workers in the bindery department and the production department told me that I was lucky because I entered the film stripping department. They said workers in the film stripping department are called Layout Artists.

So, that was the first time that I had a job and that was my stepping stone to becoming a Graphic Designer. It lasted for 8 years before I resigned because I enrolled in the System Technology Institute - STI with the course Associate in Computer Science.