My name is Joseph Catimbang and I'm a conceptual artist also known from my works as Pentasticarts. I'm a Filipino-American Illustrator/Graphic designer based in OC, California.
As an illustrator, I take on a variety of clientele such as Tentree, Daniel Wellington, Greenpeace, Samsung, Adidas, Lexus and more. Using mostly just pencils and pens I create minimalistic illustrations that are inspired by nature. But what, I believe, separates me from the other artists is my surrealism.
I create hidden illustrations within my illustrations that create a singularity of two or more different subjects blended into one. Something that you will realize, that the more you look closely at my illustrations, the more you will see that there's more than meets the eye.
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Personally, I think there is a vast improvement from these past few years on how I value my work. A lot has happened during that small amount of time. Skills were updated, gained a variety of exceptional clientele, had amazing collaborations and earned more projects. My artwork’s value is subject to a wide range of variables and depends on the piece I am working on. I believe that emotional connection a personal collector feels towards an art piece has a different value from brands that hire artists for commission work. But regardless of how big or small my projects are, I always give my 100% all the time.
I have been drawing and doodling all my life for as long as I can remember. I probably started drawing before I started talking. But it wasn't until 8 years ago that I decided that I wanted to pursue this career and continue on working on my art as a professional illustrator. Creating something beautiful and inspiring and hearing from other people how my work inspired them to pursue their own dream as an artist is truly rewarding for me.
My favorite part of the process would be the part where I get lost in my own work. Most of the time, I am so focused drawing that I don't even realize that 5 hours was done in one sitting and it only felt like a minute. My least favorite would be the same thing, weird, I know. Even though I make sure that I have a work/life balance, I just feel guilty spending my time to work instead of spending it with my family.
In terms of influences, I have too many to mention. To name a few on the top of my head are Kim Jung Gi, James Dean, Hayao Miyazaki, Lauren Marx, Kerby Rosanes, Lei Melendres, Katsuya Terada and many more.
This may sound generic, but believe me when I say it does work. Just keep drawing, keep practicing whenever you can, repetition is key and never give up on your passion regardless of what other people say.
Recently, I have been very busy but doing great nonetheless. I have been involved with multiple published art and coloring books, both local and international. I am mostly fully booked throughout the year for commission projects. And was able to buy our first home in California. As for any big plans, there are a few in the works but I can't share them yet, unfortunately, but hopefully soon!