Dan Matutina, co-founder of Hydra Design Group and design studio Plus63, on staying creative, the increasing importance of branding, and why creative minds can help solve the world's biggest challenges
In the What Matters To Me series, a Generation T honouree describes what they do, why they do it, and why it matters.
A passion for art and an unrelenting creative energy flows through Dan Matutina, co-founder of Hydra Design Group and multidisciplinary design studio Plus63.
The Gen.T honouree has worked with clients including Apple, Google, Samsung, Wired, Coca-Cola and Uniqlo, providing brand, strategy and design solutions that span identity, apparel and objects. For Matutina, nothing in the creative realm is off limits.
Matutina underscores the importance of smart, clear and meaningful storytelling for every brand. His work also showcases how elegant design plays a key role in the process. At Plus63 they go so far as to "experiment with new ideas, extending [the] scope to include prototyping furniture pieces or custom objects for memorable retail experiences, and developing business strategies for brands".
Here, Matutina shares more about his life and work, in his own words.
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I look up to a lot of designers and creative people, especially those who came before me and paved the way for younger generations. In no particular order:
- Bruno Munari. An Italian designer, inventor, artist and writer. His writing and works have always been an inspiration. What I absolutely love about him was the variety of his works. He didn’t box himself in one particular field.
- Half Project, by Drew Europeo, Rex Advincula and Nicc Balce. In the late '90s and early 2000s they were web design legends, not just in the Philippines but the whole world. Looking at their works when I was a student inspired me to become a designer and illustrator.
- Roman Mars. Founder, producer and host of 99% Invisible, the best podcast on design and architecture.