Immersed in Talent: The Philippine School for the Deaf Is a Cradle of Creative Geniuses

In May of 2023, Progetto was selected by the Philippine School for the Deaf as a partner company to host select 12th Grade students from their ICT: Animation and Illustration strand in their internship, otherwise dubbed the Work Immersion Program.

Three students in particular, Pete Ferrer, Deniz Marcial, and Vladimir de Guzman underwent three weeks of creating conceptual artwork, logo animations, and illustrated content for Progetto and its client companies.

12th Grade ICT: Animation and Illustration interns from the Philippine School for the Deaf from left to right: Deniz, who has been developing her own comic strip for online publishing; Pete, who illustrates commissioned artwork for clients; and Vlad who sketches in his free time. (Photos obtained with permission from the individuals.)

The school and the agency made an initial connection through Shee Jison, sister of Progetto’s founder and Creative Director, Ice Arrojado, and a Special Education teacher at the PSD who learned of the program and saw the prospect of paving jobs in the creative industry for these differently-abled students.

Maureen Alfon, the Animation instructor, and Maricar Donato, the program coordinator shared the challenges faced by the students from being in a state-run institution that only houses outdated technological tools and facilities, to the rarity of real-world opportunities available to these individuals.

“Our school equipment’s capabilities are so limited, that the students’ mobile phones turn out to be more useful in their learning and execution, but this doesn’t hinder them from exhibiting their talent and skills.”

—Maureen Alfon, ICT Instructor, PSD

Indeed, upon understanding the creative brief written for each of them, the students began visualising and finishing their drafts faster than the creative team had anticipated.

Bridging the communication gap was easy, thanks to the willingness of the school to conduct the students’ work hours in a classroom where Progetto could provide weekly creative briefings interpreted by Ms. Alfon through sign language. The rest of the creative direction and work took place online, where the students submit their daily progress and have a chat with the Progetto team for guidance and approval.

“We thought it would be a challenge given the technical limitation of only working with animation and illustration apps on their mobile phones, but we underestimated the sheer talent and creativity of these students. Given more time and proper tools, these students are poised to become artistic directors themselves, and companies should pay attention.”

—M Nuguit, Group Account Director, Progetto

Progetto’s Creative Director, Ice, who has worked for an animation studio and for various international design agencies throughout his career, and has collaborated with plenty of young talent, is astonished at the professionalism, level of skill, and quality of work that these nineteen-somethings have demonstrated.

“We came to PSD to see how we could help these young people land possible career paths, only to discover that they are actually very capable and industry-ready even at their young age and would be the ones helping our industry. We were the ones being immersed into their craft; it was mighty humbling! Other than the spoken language, there is nothing holding them back from breaking the norm out there: how differently-abled people are given mostly assistant roles —no, these ones are born to be bigger, and their portfolios prove so.

I think there is something in this school for creative agencies to look into.”

—Ice Arrojado, Creative Director for Brand Strategies, Progetto

Left: some of Pete Ferrer’s illustrated work in a meticulous, Western-inspired style. Right: Deniz Marcial’s original anthropomorphic character designs for her upcoming digital comic book.

“The Philippine School for the Deaf is very lucky to be partnered with Progetto. Our students were able to showcase their skills and talents in animation, and we were amazed at the way they communicated with their superiors at Progetto without the need for interpreters. From this experience, I can say that they are ready to face more challenges in life.

We are grateful to the team at Progetto who accepted our students, imparted their expertise, and believed in the capabilities of our deaf learners. Definitely looking forward to working with you again in this partnership!”

—Maricar Donato, Work Immersion Coordinator, PSD

The Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) along F. B. Harrison in Pasay City was founded in 1907 and is the pioneer school for the hearing-impaired in the Philippines and in Asia. This semi-residential school is also the sole government-owned institution for the deaf in the country.

Calling all creative and media agencies: PSD offers Sign Language training and workshops for companies that wish to become industrial partners and employ hearing-impaired individuals in their organisations.

Progetto Creative Business Solutions is an official partner of PSD and can become your gateway to tapping the skills of these graduating students for your creative requirements and content. We specialise in:

• Brand Identity Design
• Package Design
• Concept Illustration
• Ad Campaign and Marketing Strategies (Digital and Traditional)
• Content Creation

Together, let us create more career opportunities for these talented youth.