Paola Santos’s Color Palette Is One of Delight

Paola Santos is a Filipino graphic designer and illustrator. Her body of work currently focuses on emotion and connection, bridging the two together. She has an affinity for vintage children’s books, Chinese packaging labels, textiles, among many others. When she’s not working, she’s making handcrafted acrylic objects and getting into flower preservation.

For more of her works, check her site at paola-santos.com.

DIGEST Paola Santos 2
Distance and Intimacy. 2020. Pigment ink on 300 gsm matte archival paper (100% cotton). Edition of 20.
DIGEST Paola Santos 3
Self-Discovery. 2020. Pigment ink on 300 gsm matte archival paper (100% cotton). Edition of 20.

What music did you have growing up?

I grew up listening to The Beatles, Carpenters, Bread, Bee Gees, Eagles, and the like. I was (and still am) obsessed with Spice Girls and Britney Spears! 

What work of art last caught your eye?

I’m fascinated with Regina Gimenez's work. Imbued with nostalgia, her play with colors and shapes, and architecture.

Can you let us in on a current or upcoming project that excites you?

As of now, I'm working on a project with my mentor and another one with a friend! Hopefully, we get to finish them before this year ends. Super stoked to share them very soon :) 

We’re playing charades. What is the hardest thing you could have someone guess?

A tree? Haha!

What do you think deserves more attention?

Climate change and its impact. Normalize talking (and caring) about this more! I'm also still learning and taking action on what I can do more of. 

What would be your last meal?

California Maki sushi!

Anchor photo: Where Does Love Go When It's Gone. 2020. Pigment ink on 300 gsm matte archival paper (100% cotton). Edition of 20.

These featured works as prints at First Edition. Start here.


All images courtesy the artist.