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Our Pixels series of interviews is to pick the brains of leading designers, to find out what design tools they’re using and how technology is shaping their world. And that’s definitely covered in depth in this interview with Philip Oliveros Enopia, Global Content Strategist & Multimedia Designer at Transcom. But we were also intrigued to hear about how he has taken advantage of remote working tools.
“I once collaborated with an agency based in Sweden while I was in the Philippines,” Philip told us. “We used Slack for quick communication, Google Meet for video calls, and Figma to share and review design iterations in real-time. Despite the distance, it felt like we were working side by side.”
And Philip also reflects how many of us feel about post-pandemic world that is clearly reluctant to return to the day-to-day commuting grind. “Suddenly, the world became our workspace,” he said of a world that was suddenly thrust into lockdown.
“Remember the days when we were tied to desks in specific offices? Now, with just a laptop and a stable Wi-Fi connection, we can work from virtually anywhere. This newfound freedom has been transformative for many designers, offering a better work-life balance and the flexibility to work from wherever inspiration strikes.”
Of course, Philip doesn’t just talk about collaboration (although he told us this was one of his core values). Below, he shares his creative process, his view of generative AI as a “super-creative sidekick” and generously provides advice to anyone considering a career in this field.
Our huge thanks to Philip for his time.
Related reading: Everything you need to know about Midjourney
My creative process as a multimedia designer blends traditional techniques with cutting-edge tech, often fueled by late-night coffee sessions when my creativity is at its peak. Technology plays a big role, but it’s the combination of human creativity and digital tools that truly brings my ideas to life.
It all starts with a spark of inspiration. I often turn to sites like Behance to see what other designers are creating, which helps me envision how my own ideas might come together. From there, I begin sketching and mapping out my concepts.
As my vision takes shape, I dive into my favourite digital tools. Photoshop is my go-to for experimenting with images and colours, Illustrator helps me craft clean, sharp graphics, and Figma is ideal for interactive work like web design and prototypes.
But technology alone isn’t enough. Sometimes, I need to step away and return to basics. Brainstorming with my team brings fresh perspectives and ideas while sketching on my iPad allows me to explore shapes and layouts in a free-flowing way. These moments help deepen my understanding of each concept and prepare me for the final product.
In the end, technology is a powerful sidekick that helps turn my vision into reality. It allows me to experiment, refine, and polish each piece. But it’s the human touch—the initial idea, teamwork, hands-on exploration, and yes, even the coffee—that makes my creations truly unique.
Technology has transformed the creative industry by making collaboration easy, no matter where team members are located. Gone are the days when we all had to be in the same room to get things done! With remote work and virtual collaboration tools now the norm, creative teams can seamlessly work together from anywhere in the world.
Cloud-based platforms and project management software, like Google Workspace, allow real-time collaboration, easy feedback sharing and streamlined project management. This has been a game-changer for me. For instance, I once collaborated with an agency based in Sweden while I was in the Philippines. We used Slack for quick communication, Google Meet for video calls, and Figma to share and review design iterations in real-time. Despite the distance, it felt like we were working side by side.
This increased connectivity has not only boosted productivity but also encouraged a more diverse and inclusive work environment. By bringing together talent from different backgrounds and perspectives, we’re able to create more nuanced and innovative work.
When it comes to handling creative differences, I’ve found that technology really smooths the process. Having a clear record of conversations, decisions, and revisions minimizes misunderstandings and keeps everyone aligned. Tools like Slack and project management software provide a centralized space for discussions and feedback, making it easier to address and resolve creative disagreements constructively. While challenges may still arise, technology offers the transparency and organization needed to navigate them effectively.
Related reading: Milvydas Mazonas, Director of Creative Studio at Omnisend: “There are too many identical, faceless brands, and we help make them stand out”
AI and automation are definitely making waves in the design world, but there’s no need to worry – they’re not here to replace us! Instead, they’re opening up new possibilities and making our roles as graphic designers even more exciting and varied.
Think of AI as a super-creative sidekick. It can take care of repetitive tasks like adjusting images, creating layouts, and even supporting content generation. This frees us up to do what we do best: coming up with big ideas and pushing creative boundaries.
Getting comfortable with AI tools and integrating them into our workflows is key. But it’s not just about AI – mixed media is more accessible than ever, allowing us to craft dynamic visual experiences. We’re talking interactive displays, augmented reality, and designs that change with their surroundings in real-time. There’s a whole new creative landscape to explore!
So, what does this mean for graphic designers? Essentially, we’re evolving into creative visionaries who are also tech-savvy. It’s an incredible time to be in design, and I’m excited to see where these new tools take us and what amazing things we create next!
My most indispensable tool has to be my iPad. As a content strategist, its portability allows me to work from virtually anywhere, while apps like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop give me the creative power I need. The seamless file transfer between my iPad and laptop ensures a smooth workflow, especially when I’m refining projects on the go.
Of course, my laptop remains essential for more intensive production work. The Adobe Creative Suite is my go-to for complex design tasks, offering a robust toolkit for creating professional-grade visuals.
While these are my core tools, I also find Canva to be a surprisingly valuable asset. It’s perfect for creating quick marketing materials, social media graphics, and presentations. But here’s the thing: Canva isn’t just for non-designers. My team and I create templates on Canva for our organization, which allows non-designers to easily adapt them for different purposes – whether it’s translating content into other languages or updating information – without us having to make every single adjustment. This streamlines our workflow and lets us focus on more intricate design projects.
Canva’s user-friendly interface makes it incredibly accessible, and its collaborative features enhance teamwork. Ultimately, a good designer can leverage any tool to produce effective visuals, and Canva’s accessibility and ease of use make it a valuable part of our toolkit for simplifying certain design tasks.
Related reading: Adobe Express versus Canva
One of the most profound shifts I’ve seen in my career has been the rise of remote work. It’s fascinating to think about how the pandemic, despite its challenges, accelerated this shift and made geographical boundaries nearly irrelevant for designers.
Suddenly, the world became our workspace. Remember the days when we were tied to desks in specific offices? Now, with just a laptop and a stable Wi-Fi connection, we can work from virtually anywhere. This newfound freedom has been transformative for many designers, offering a better work-life balance and the flexibility to work from wherever inspiration strikes.
This shift was only possible thanks to the rapid adoption of collaborative tools built for the digital age. Tools like Slack, Zoom and Figma have become essential, enabling seamless communication and real-time collaboration regardless of location. It’s been inspiring to see how technology can bridge distances and create a shared sense of creative energy, even when team members are scattered across different continents.
This new way of working has expanded horizons not just in terms of client reach, but also in creative potential. Picture a design team composed of individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and perspectives, each bringing unique insights from their part of the world. This kind of global collaboration was less common before remote work became the norm, and it has the potential to enrich the creative process in meaningful ways.
Remote work has truly transformed the graphic design landscape, fostering global collaboration, expanding creative possibilities, and redefining how designers work and connect. It’s an exciting time to be part of this evolving field, and I’m looking forward to seeing how these trends will continue to shape the future of design.
Graphic design is an exhilarating field filled with endless possibilities for creative expression. My journey began at a small agency in the Philippines, and I now find myself working for a global agency based in Sweden. It’s been an incredible experience, and I truly believe that anyone with passion and dedication can carve out a successful path in this industry.
Here’s my advice for aspiring designers:
While the graphic design field can be competitive, with passion, persistence, and a willingness to learn, you can build a fulfilling and successful career.
