Wileen Pagaduan

Artist / Designer / Builder of Things

Los Angeles, CA

www.foryouilldotheweirdestshit.xyz
instagram @foryouilldotheweirdestshit

WHAT DO YOU DO?

“I am a Freelance Artist, Designer, and Builder of Things. ”

I design and produce original art installations using my wide range of skills, i.e., geometric slat wall treatments (2D/3D) and painting murals (interior/exterior), and set design. In addition, I design and produce custom furniture and products using wood and introducing necessary materials. I am ALWAYS inspired and look forward to projects that will challenge my creativity.

WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

As a born creative, I have a willingness to learn; new knowledge is refreshing! It is crucial for me to absorb necessary information and apply them to my skillset. In college, I enrolled in a five year BFA thesis program in Interior Architectural Design, which paved the way for my design ambitions. Throughout this program, I applied my talent to projects, while gaining new knowledge through self instruction, design courses, and peers.

Having worked as a Creative Director, Display Artist, and Freelancer, I believe that community is a key factor in my artistic development. Community is sharing my knowledge and inspiration with people, and encouraging them to be proactive. The important thing is to see and encourage potential. I encourage my colleagues to always ask questions and that there is nothing wrong with exploring their creativity; helping them understand that receiving constructive criticism is positive and should be used as a tool for growth.

How do you stand out in your field?

I absorb my surroundings, which fuel my endless creativity and offers me insight to make informed and very smart decisions. I add my own unique style to projects, creating something new and personal, which resonates with people that view my work. I believe art is a powerful tool for change; craft is not only about preserving techniques, but also pioneering them.

When creating art installations, I push to create wonder. A viewer’s first impression is great, but the afterthought is everything; people who experience an art installation and walks away still thinking about it, is a job well done. Most people are content in their mediocrity, but I always aim to do something unique and challenging.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?

1. Building custom rolling bulletin boards for a marketing firm
2. Designing a logo and branding for an IT start-up company
3. Designing and producing a custom display case for rocks for a residential space
4. Building a rolling wall and custom shelving for a streetwear brand's office
5. Install shelving, curtains, and artwork in a client's nursery
6. Repairing a cabinet via sanding, and paint treatment
7. Building a wood floating shelf from scratch

WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?

My work is a testament to fresh design thinking, spontaneous creation, and utilization of pure talent. Questioning the norm and embracing the rawness & imperfections of life encourage me to set a new bar for aesthetics and reach my full potential. I believe creativity threatens the status quo, takes energy, and takes us into various kinds of chaos and unknowing.

The bulk of my art installations have been produced from scratch and embraces simplicity through the use of a single material, such as new and repurposed wood. The exposure of the elements is what brings the work to life - the intentional play of sunlight and shadows help create movement and illusion of another dimension.

WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?

I wish to focus on working in various industries. Through this work, I would be able to build my knowledge, refine my skills, and reach my full potential.

WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?

Currently, there is a lumber and plywood shortage nationwide, causing an enormous cost increase. Mills have shut down in response to the pandemic and has made it extremely difficult to source specific wood species for current and upcoming projects.

The tasks that land at the bottom of my list are furniture pieces that are waiting to be built due to delays in wood delivery and personal projects.

IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?

I would have them perform the time-consuming tasks which would assist me in expediting other projects. These tasks would include ordering and picking up materials, prepping work areas and material surfaces, and general maintenance of the studio workspace.

LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?

Going back to my early college years, I wish I could have told myself to be creatively productive during my free time, i.e., attend workshops, enroll in woodworking courses, or collaborate with local artists. If I had done this, it may have helped me to acquire more insight regarding my career and business choices in a timely manner.

IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?

I would inquire about the inner workings of starting a business, how to achieve more exposure in order to book more jobs/collaborations, and if it would be beneficial to hire an agent or business partner.

WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

Creative opportunities involving my craft and ones that will challenge me. These opportunities would include but are not limited to: woodworking, custom furniture design & production, art installations, set design, painting, and custom craft or carpentry work.

DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.

My dream job is to collaborate with an arts production company, such as Meow Wolf. Having the opportunity to apply my skills to a large scale production would not only help develop my talent, but it would also be forward movement.

Who is a creative that has helped you elevate your work?

The following creatives have helped me to rediscover my individuality, live in the moment, and take my skills to the next level!

Justin Brescia is a Display Artist in New York, NY. We collaborated on several art installations that ranged from painting murals, dimensional art, and general carpentry work. We worked as a team starting from the ideation process to full execution. We were able to overcome many obstacles in the design process through problem solving and troubleshooting. We gained knowledge from each other by sharing our thought and skill sets. Trust was a major factor; we were able to work separately on different components of a project and have no problem trusting the quality of each others' work.

Wilson Pagaduan is an Artist (Painter, Photographer, Graphic Designer, Landscape Architect, and more!) and my Dad (RIP). He is my muse and the person I dedicate most of my work to. From an early age, he taught me different painting and drawing techniques, which were skills that my schools didn't teach. He is the person that encouraged me to work smart and to always do my best no matter what the project.

HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?

I would like the party of interest to write a description of the scope of work, turnaround time preference, and budget.

HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?

Traveling the world & music!

Wileen Zapotocki