Hi, Cebu! I have had emails on the latest feature on Cebu Street Style. As far as we can remember, most of the personalities we have read about are women and men who have graced Cebu lifestyle and the emails commended such efforts to bring their favorite stylish people to the interweb. Because this site has clearly evolved from becoming Cebu’s one stop shop for daily updates on Cebu fashion, lifestyle, shopping finds and events, we’ve decided to take it up a notch and delve more into the people who don’t style people but the streets of Cebu! Meet Uzi Emperado - aka – Cebu’s street graphic artist.

Full Name: Uzi Emperado
Age: 21
Occupation: Visual Artist / Painter / Freelance Illustrator for apparel
Single or Married: Single

What’s the most trouble you’ve been to with the authorities? Any recent memory.

It’s nothing special but, yes, I have been in trouble with the police the worst way possible. If you know what i mean haha. It happened last summer. To be honest it was quite a fun experience really, especially the part where you get to know how the police operate and do their jobs.

Are you also occupied with a real job?

It’s not a regular 9-5 job, but I do work every day and impose my own deadlines on myself. I work as a freelance illustrator for apparel (mostly band merch for foreign Death Metal bands), and I regularly get projects every week or so. Right now, I have 3 weeks worth of work ahead of me so I’m as busy as everybody who is officially employed.

Do you try to be anonmyous?

I don’t try to be anonymous. I really don’t. To begin with, I barely consider myself a “graffiti artist” in the strict sense, because that entails keeping it “underground”, doing a certain style, and painting illegally. Not that I’m against illegal painting, nor do I dislike the graffiti as a whole (I support it 100%) , it’s just that I’d rather stay away from any label that keeps me from doing free art. That’s all that matters to me, since that’s all I really want to do. To just draw and paint with no bullshit attached.

Do you think its risky to be posting this article and have the entire Cebu community know you?

I’ve got nothing to hide.

What is your preferred medium for making marks with?

On the streets, I find spraypaint very convenient. But I’m a painter as well, and acrylic paint is the medium I’m most comfortable with. Lately though, with the nature of my job, I often work on the computer.

What is your favourite surface to paint on?

Definitely the canvas.

Are you a one-man team/show?

I never really liked working in groups, although it was important in the beginning of the graffiti scene here in the city. Me and my crew were trying to make a statement, and it did help a lot to start as a group, and I’m proud to have contributed to the growth. These days though I prefer working alone.

What’s the best comment from people on your art?

The best comments come from the people I highly respect in the field. Criticism or compliment, I value their word.

Where/Who do you draw inspiration from?

As a kid, I’ve mostly been inspired by the art in comic books and graphic novels. When I work, I turn on my music player and listen to Death Metal songs while being hyped on six cups of coffee. Death Metal music + Coffee = Source of my power. Haha.

Can you name special press mentions you have had in the past/present?

There have been a few, but the one that comes to mind is the most recent one written by my former art professor for his column in the paper. Read it here:

Is your art in any way related to the socio-political strife going around the world or in the Philippines?

I am a person after all and, in one way or another, I am affected by the world that inspires me. But I do not purposely inject socio-political commentary in my art since I am mostly apathetic by world issues, I have to admit.

Have you ever thought about moving to another country/city where it is easier to gain notoriety as an artist? Not that we don’t want to keep you here.

The internet has already given me the opportunity to gain worldwide popularity that I need as an artist. And I am slowly gaining just that with my job as a freelance designer for foreign clients. But yes, I am open to the idea of moving to another area not because fame is easier to acquire elsewhere, but because other places have a more open-minded taste in art. My art does not work very well in this conservative city.

What is your philosophy on graffiti and how does it relate to your personal philosophy on life?

I can’t really say I have a philosophy on street art that necessarily relates to my life. For one, my life does not totally revolve around street art (haha), and I don’t have a life principle I strictly live by.

How competitive DO YOU feel the graffiti scene is in the Phils? What are your thoughts on the whole scene?

It’s definitely a fast-growing scene, and I’m proud to be part of it. The relationships between artists are tight, considering that the country is an archipelago. It’s nice to see everyone stepping it up.

When did you begin painting graffiti and the streets of Cebu?

A couple of years ago, I think?

Any favorite wall in particular?

I favor the one in Escario St. It’s not too big, but everyone drives by it, and it’s not very far from where I am either.

Where did you paint your first piece?

I don’t remember, to be honest. Haha.

Have you always been the artist type when you were young? Were you so into coloring books and getting your classmate’s markers?

I’ve been drawing since I was 6. The backs of my notebooks and textbooks would be filled with doodles and drawings. Fortunately, I was never caught for drawing and not paying attention in class hehe.

Who is your favorite local artist?

There are A LOT. The country has some solid artists. But if I were to pick one it would be Ronald Ventura.

Can you name the best shows/events you were in – local, international – that commemorated art?

There haven’t been a lot to truly name one as the “best”, sad to say. Plus, I work by myself most of the time, so I’m never as involved.

Fashion for less or Labels all the way?

There are ton of great finds in the thrift shop, but I buy brand stuff too (if I like it enough). Good clothing may be expensive, but you tend to wear them more often, take care and value them more.

What would you describe the style you got going on?

Uzi style. =)

What do you think are the 5 things that define “looks”?

Does one need to be in film school to be a director even if they are not resourceful (finances-wise)?

Not really. I’ve got friends who haven’t been to film school and don’t own cameras but are really good at directing films (and quite active too).

Shopping/Fashion secrets. Do you have any?

“The shoes make the man”. Haha.

FILL IN THE BLANKS:

You’ll usually see me wearing just a pair of boxers (haha) when I’m not working.
I never leave home without my iPhone.
Best shopping finds are found in the Ukay-Ukay/Thrift shop! And the internet too. Haha.
They used to call me weird in high school.
The features I’d most get compliments from are my eyes and dimples. *blush*. Haha. .
The one thing I know now that I wish I knew before is Religion is no good.
My friends say I’m… moody.
I think nude photos are…… not as sexy as semi-nude photos are. Admit it.
Its sexy when a girl ……speaks perfect English with wit and a sense of humor. =)
Im most insecure ……. about my height
If I could trade lives with……. Zooey Deschanel’s husband. Haha.
I am working on my solo art show in the future.
My biggest crush is Zooey Deschanel, oh yes.
I think the condom is the best invention in history.
If I could be anywhere else in the Phiilppines, I’d be in Cebu, still. Maybe Baguio too =P.
You’d find mostly Death Metal music (and a bit of Ne-Yo too) in my iPod/cd player/car stereo.
My best recent purchase that I can’t get over with is my iPhone. Totally worth my money.

Uzi Emperado is by far a VERY talented designer for men’s apparel. Check out his shirts (above) here.