The Philippine Graphic Design Awards or PGDA is the first and only local awards program in the Philippines that recognizes the most creative and innovative artwork in the field of graphic design. By PGDA's definition, graphic design is the art and discipline of combining symbols, design, and words to represent and communicate ideas or messages.
16 years in the industry, currently creative director and owner of 27+20 Design Boutique. nicopuertollano.com
www.2720.tv
www.facebook.com/nico.puertollano
Nico Puertollano jumpstarted his career as a freelance designer based in New York at the keen age of 18. He later applied his talents at a production house called Rhino-Gravity until he decided to move to Manila and start his own boutique agency called 27+20 design boutique. Six years later, Nico and his team have designed a number of print, broadcast, and digital media campaigns for companies such as Smart Communications, Nestle, RockEd Philippines, as well as for a number of local bands such as Narda, Twisted Halo, Duster, and the Techy Romantics. He has signed on to be a judge of the first Philippine Graphic Design Awards and shared a few insights with us.
YEARS IN THE
INDUSTRY
2004 to present:
2001 to 2004:
1994 to 2001: 		Creative Director and Owner of 27+20 Design Boutique
Rhinofx
Independent Freelance at NYC
EXPERTISE Print and Broadcast Design
INTERVIEW What makes a graphic design piece worthy of your merit?
Nico: It's when form and function work hand in hand.

What sets an outstanding Filipino graphic design piece apart from just a really good one?
Nico: I think we are still in the early stages of creating our own distinct look and feel [with respect to defining "Filipino graphic design"].

What was your lowest low and highest high as a graphic designer?
Nico: Lowest low was working with SM. Highest high was being able to create work that clients appreciate and value, and there are a few clients that do value design.

What advice do you have for Filipinos who wish to pursue a career in graphic design?
Nico: If you wish to be a graphic designer you have to be open to criticism and always remember that the work you do is for your clients. You must be aware that as a graphic designer you will be considered the expert in visual communication.