Markdwin’s world is built from color, nostalgia, and the pure joy of play. What began as a fascination with NBA figures and superhero shelves evolved into a full-blown creative identity, shaped by resin, glow-in-the-dark, jelly textures, and a deep love for characters that spark emotion. As the art toy scene in the Philippines surged forward, led by icons like Quiccs, Markdwin found his own voice in the movement, blending craftsmanship with childhood wonder to create pieces that feel both familiar and unexpectedly fresh.
His work sits at the intersection of collaboration, community, and curiosity, where every piece becomes a bridge, connecting him to other artists, celebrating the culture of collecting, and reigniting the simple happiness we felt holding our favorite toys for the first time. Rooted in intuition, experimentation, and an unwavering commitment to fun, Markdwin has carved out a space that is distinctly his: vibrant, playful, and unapologetically joyful.
In October 2024, we proudly presented his solo exhibition Prism Fever, an explosion of color and eye-candy that showcased not only his own characters but also standout collaborations with artists such as Dondi Fernandez, Madd Creatives, Creon, and more.
In this interview, he shares the story behind that journey, the inspirations that shaped him, the process that guides him, and the community that continues to fuel his creativity.
Background & Artistic Identity
How did your journey as an artist begin? Were there specific moments or experiences that set you on this path?
I started as a toy collector for NBA figures, then shifted to Superhero action figures. Once I started collecting Funko Pops, I was inspired by their artists and their ability to create a variety of my favorite characters. I started creating custom toys from my collection of NBA players, Avengers, and Justice League superheroes. When Art Toys started gaining attention here in the Philippines, mainly due to the artist Quiccs, I realized that my custom toys and vision of variety would fit in this community. I began collaborating with local and international artists to create my versions of their creations.
How would you describe your artistic voice — what makes your work distinctly yours?
I like using resin to make my art. With resin, I realized that I could mix and match textures other than block colors that I was used to seeing in my collection. I wanted to create varieties of characters that would stand out, be unique, while also still keeping their core character. I started using clear and glow-in-the-dark resin to create custom toys. I also began mixing and matching colors, creating different versions. I particularly liked jelly and clear customs since I found that these types were underrated in the industry.
What ideas, emotions, or questions do you find yourself returning to again and again?
I often return to the ideas of joy, nostalgia, and playfulness. In my childhood, other than my collection and favorite characters, I had a fondness for colorful creations and food. I enjoyed colorful sweets, drinks, and gummy bears. Through my art, I find myself mixing these two and reexploring feelings of warmth, wonder, and fun by going back to my favorite things. My work celebrates fun, color, and togetherness.
Do you see your work as part of a larger conversation — cultural, personal, or even spiritual?
Of course I do! I want my work to ignite a sense of fun and playfulness in people. I want the happiness I’ve experienced in my life to be everlasting. A physical reminder that as we grow older, color, imagination, and playfulness is still present in our lives.
Additionally, my work and the work of local artists here in the Philippines represent the extensive creativity our country has to offer. I collaborated with Filipino and international artists’ original characters to unite my vision of fun and playfulness with new, fresh characters.
What keeps you motivated to create, especially through challenging or uncertain times?
What keeps me motivated is the joy that creating brings — not just to me, but to others who connect with my work. Knowing that my art can brighten someone’s day reminds me of why I started in the first place. I want to always continue spreading the message of playfulness and fun through my art.
Can you walk us through your creative process — from the first spark of an idea to the finished piece?
I have been in the Art Toys scene for around 6 years now, and have been a collector for more than 20 years. I have seen thousands of toys already. Now, I frequently work with curators, doing shows, and I find myself imagining the hundreds of original characters in my jelly resin design. The good thing about the Art Toys community is that when one toy sparks my interest, I can approach the artist and offer a collaboration. From there, we communicate on creating pieces, molds, choosing colors, and prototypes until we create a finished product.
It’s all about finding a connection with artists of the same fun and playful philosophy. I’ve created many friendships and art this way!
Do you plan things out meticulously, or do you let intuition and experimentation guide you?
I let intuition and experimentation guide me. I believe that the fun in art is also the process of trial and error. Planning for me makes it too technical! I prefer going with my gut.
What materials or techniques do you feel most connected to, and how have they shaped your artistic language?
I have always been a fan of the flexibility of resin. With resin, I have created and presented various textures, colors, and shapes that align with my vision. Resin also creates a hefty, high-quality art toy and is one of the best materials to make jelly customs.
How do you decide when a piece is complete — is it a feeling, a visual balance, or something else?
It’s a combination! Since a lot of my work is collaborative, the feeling of shared agreement is a big factor of completion. Of course, the visual balance of the character and my design should also match so that it still remains cute, fun, and playful while keeping the core character intact.
When you hit a creative block, how do you reset or find your way back into the flow?
I always choose to look back into my past works, my past methods, and my own collections. I take inspiration from nostalgia, and properly reflecting and resetting through rest gets me back to my groove quickly.
Influence & Inspiration
Beyond the art world, what other sources inspire you — music, film, nature, philosophy, pop culture?
I will always shout out my first and favorite collaborators who gave my art a chance. Filipino artist Quiccs was my first collaboration and is now a friend. Another one of my favorite collabs was with Creon. I loved his pieces and was so glad he chose to collaborate with me when I approached him.
I also admire the work of German artists Coarse. They have cool, futuristic resin pieces with bold colors and creative designs. My original character, Goyo a tarsier, was inspired by the sharp and clean designs of Coarse.
How do you balance outside influences with maintaining your own authentic vision?I
always remain true to my artistic identity. Since I’ve found my medium through my resin art, I have rarely strayed from it. It’s important to me to always have a signature concept so that my art stands out.
Meaning & Message
What do you hope people feel or think when they encounter your work?
I hope they feel joy and playfulness when they see my work! I also hope they get curious and further look into the wonderful artists I collaborate with as well
How do you define success for yourself as an artist — personal fulfillment, audience connection, growth?
I do this to connect with my fellow collectors. Growing up, I have always been stigmatized for collecting, as I was the only one who did it in my immediate environment. When I found the Art Toys community, I felt a sense of kinship with them, and I have never forgotten that feeling. I hope to connect with newer artists in the future and share the same kinship.
What role do experimentation and risk play in your creative evolution?
What role do experimentation and risk play in your creative evolution?There is always a risk when using resin and creating custom art. Some designs of characters may not suit my initial vision, causing me to go back to the drawing board.
How has your work changed as you’ve grown — are there themes or aesthetics that have stayed constant?
When I started out, I was using block colors and sharp, and opaque designs. Since finding clear resin and jelly designs, they have always remained staple themes in my art.
What have you learned about yourself through making art?
I learned that I need a lot of patience, understanding, and collaboration when creating pieces. It’s always more important to reach compromises and understand the art to create a quality figure.
If your art could speak for itself, what do you think it would want to say?
“I’m fun, cute, and colorful! Thank you for choosing me!”
Cultural & Global Perspective
You’ve experienced both the Philippine and U.S. art worlds; how do you feel they differ in terms of community, opportunity, or approach?
In the US, I believe there is a bigger and wider community. There are so many artists and creatives in the US, creating a big space for art. One of the most popular materials in the US is vinyl, which it is mass-produced and sturdy, since it needs to reach a large audience.
However, what I love about the Philippines is that I believe they value meticulous, hand-crafted art more due to the tight community. This is apparent in the way they appreciate hand-crafted resin art
Do you think the standards or expectations for artists are higher in one place than in the other?
I don’t think they are higher, but they are different. The cultures, collectors, and people are all different, therefore creating diverse expectations for art.
How has moving between different cultures influenced your perspective or artistic identity?
I always make sure to stay true to my concept and identity as an artist. Shifting between the two has only expanded my repertoire of art and pieces.