BREE Esplanada is known as one of Cebu City’s notable fashion designers whose works are seen on and off the runway. So to chance upon a work of his that is a different entity, yet is still linked to his fashion, shows another side of this talented individual. “Most of my illustrations are fashion themed,” said Bree.
Bree looks to the illustrations or works of American writer and artist Edward Gorey, and writer John Kenn Mortensen for inspiration. Apart from that are books like “The Halloween Tree” by Ray Bradbury, Ransom Riggs’ “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” books and the animated television mini-series “Over the Garden Wall.”
His works are usually Ink on Paper with the use of brush pens from time to time for color and texture. He’s always had a penchant for illustration since he was a kid but developed this style later on. “I discovered this style four years ago and I have been developing it ever since,” said Bree.
When he began posting his works on social media, eventually this outlet of his made profits as people started inquiring about them. “It all started with me trying to cope with stress and pressure and it feels so calming when I do my illustrations. It’s something that I do when I have a hard time sleeping. It started out as a hobby and turned out to be something that I’m very passionate about,” he shared. “It felt great knowing that there are people who appreciate my work.”
The illustrations possess a play on dark themes with fanciful touches injected to it in magical at the same time gloomy settings. Each work shows characters with chock-full of peculiar stories worth exploring along with the mystery. “It’s dark and whimsical,” he said.