FLOWE STATE: NECTAR BY RAXENNE

FLOWE STATE features playlists by creatives in our community. For this month, NECTAR is curated by graphic designer and illustrator Raxenne Maniquiz.

FLOWE STATE is a series featuring curated playlists by creatives in our community. This month, we collaborate with Raxenne Maniquiz, a Philippine-based graphic designer and illustrator. She is known for her vibrant botanical drawings, in which she explores endemic flora and fauna as her main subjects.


In line with the launch of our Floral print towels, Nectar is a smooth selection of songs that centers on the theme of growth and celebrating the various seasons of life. Simultaneously mellow and energizing, these tracks are ideal for work afternoons and relaxing drives.

HI RAXENNE! HOW ARE YOU? CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF?

I'm good, just a bit busy with ongoing projects. I'm a graphic designer and illustrator. I draw a lot of flowers for a living.

WITH EVERYTHING YOU'VE EXPERIENCED AND ACCOMPLISHED, HOW DO YOU CONTINUE TO FOSTER YOUR CREATIVE GROWTH?

If I want to grow more as a creative, I have to take care of myself. I can't challenge myself if I'm always tired. It's important for me to rest so I don't get burnout. I'm also trying to draw more in the traditional sense. It makes me let go and have fun.

HOW DOES MUSIC PLAY A ROLE IN THE WORK THAT YOU DO? WHEN IN YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS DOES IT PLAY A PART?


I need silence when I start to conceptualize and sketch ideas. Music, on the other hand, helps me finish projects. My playlists set me on autopilot while I draw. I also kind of use playlists as timers. I think, "I have to finish one to two drawings when this playlist ends."

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THIS PLAYLIST? WHERE DID YOU DRAW INSPIRATION WHEN PUTTING TOGETHER YOUR SELECTION FOR FLOWE?


Looking at FLOWE, I see something relaxed but still with this undercurrent of movement. That's why I imagined a very chill but slightly upbeat playlist. I arranged the songs in such a way that listening to them is a smooth flow. This is the music I play from time to time when I work. I love it. I like that it's chill enough to calm me when I'm stressing over a project, but also fun enough that I can bob my head, get me in the groove of things. It makes me enjoy drawing more. 

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?


I'm proud of myself for having come this far. It was a difficult journey, but I'm glad I made it. And moving forward, I know there is still a long way to go.

WHAT WOULD YOU WANT PEOPLE TO FEEL WHEN THEY LISTEN TO YOUR PLAYLIST?


I want them to feel bright, happy, and relaxed.






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