My Creative Hero: Hayao Miyazaki

Born in the 1990's, during a time when television entertainment was making a comeback in the Philippines after being cut short by martial law in 1979, Raymond Lord Argosino was captivated by the beautiful world of Japanese animation since he was young.

Known as ‘Mon’ to friends, he is a designer based in the United Arab Emirates. He still recalls the moment his mother first turned on the television before leaving him for work to shows like 'Dragon Ball Z', 'Zenki', and 'Magic Knight Rayearth'. From that point on, anime has been a constant companion throughout his life.

LBB> Who would you say is your creative hero? 

Raymond> While many artists across various fields inspire my creativity, one figure consistently reignites my passion whenever I lose sight of the joy in my work and that is Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli. His imaginative storytelling and breath-taking animation remind me of the importance of playfulness and wonder in the creative process. Miyazaki’s work serves as a constant source of inspiration, guiding me back to the fun and magic of creativity.

LBB> How long has this person been important to you and what are your first memories of meeting them or coming across their work?

Raymond> In 2006, while I was living on my own for college, I discovered the movie 'Spirited Away'. Drawn in by its captivating cover art and nostalgic resemblance to the anime I loved in the '90s, I decided to download it on my old laptop. Although being away from home was daunting, the film’s themes of confronting fears and navigating life’s changes provided a comforting parallel to my own experiences.

Of course at that time, I didn’t really understood the deeper themes  behind it but merely fascinated with the illustration of its world. Watching Spirited Away not only helped me through my first year in fine arts but also deepened my appreciation for Miyazaki’s storytelling and artistic vision.

LBB> If it’s someone you personally know, how did you get to know them and how has your relationship evolved over the years? If you don’t know this person, how did you go about finding to learn more about them and their work?

Raymond> 'My Neighbor Totoro', which was the second Miyazaki film that I have seen and the film that made me long for more. The forest spirit Totoro, with his giant, squirrel-like appearance, felt strangely familiar, yet I couldn't quite place where I had seen him before. This sparked my curiosity and led me to explore more about Studio Ghibli and its remarkable films. I discovered that Totoro, the beloved mascot of the animation studio, made appearances at the title screen of every Ghibli film.

My fascination with Miyazaki's work grew more as I watched 'Ponyo', a film introduced to me by my wife who was my girlfriend back then. Sharing this film with her and experiencing it together added a personal touch to my appreciation of Miyazaki’s creations.

LBB> Why is the person such an inspiration to you?

Raymond> Interestingly, I don’t aspire to be an animator or a film director, but Hayao Miyazaki’s influence on me is profound nonetheless. His work has significantly broadened my imagination and deepened my appreciation for life. What truly inspires me about Miyazaki is not just his remarkable creations but his work ethic and approach to creativity.

Miyazaki’s dedication to capturing the essence of everyday life is particularly striking. He often attaches a camera to his car to record slices of life on his commute, and he spends hours observing his surroundings, waiting patiently for stories to form. This method reflects his belief that ideas are omnipresent and will reveal themselves in their own time. His willingness to invest time in drawing concepts that may never be used speaks volumes about his commitment to the creative process.

Miyazaki’s approach motivates me to work diligently and embrace the journey of creation. His example reinforces the value of perseverance and the idea that hard work and dedication can yield remarkable results. Miyazaki’s passion and relentless pursuit of inspiration encourage me to cultivate my own creative practice with the same dedication and patience, reminding me that meaningful ideas and artistry come through persistent effort and a genuine appreciation of the world around us.

LBB> How does this person influence you in your approach to your creative work?

Raymond> Though I may not be the most sociable person, deep inside, I love telling stories. I am unable to verbally share these stories so I turned to visuals to do so. I fell in love with photography at the age of 14 and learned over the years that the only subject I enjoyed shooting is street.

Street photography has these candid moments and untold stories that are waiting to be shared. Yet, capturing these stories requires patience and perseverance—qualities that resonate deeply with me. From enduring the harsh sun to facing challenges like being called out by security, these experiences are etched into my memory and shape my approach to creating meaningful visuals.

In my work, I strive to ensure that every image I produce carries a concept and a narrative. While I may not always achieve a dreamy or magical quality, I focus on infusing my projects with relevance and meaning.

Observing Hayao Miyazaki’s creative process, where he is often seen scratching his head and struggling at his work table, has been particularly inspiring. It’s remarkable to see that even a master of his craft faces challenges and moments of doubt.

Miyazaki’s persistence in the face of these difficulties mirrors my own experiences. I am not naturally gifted; rather, I rely on dedicated practice and continuous effort to refine my skills. Each attempt, whether it leads to success or not, is a step toward translating the visions in my mind into tangible results.

LBB> What piece or pieces of this person’s work do you keep coming back to and why?

Raymond> The best thing about my creative hero, Hayao Miyazaki, is that he has gifted us with a body of work that transcends generations. Like others who indulge in marathons of 'Harry Potter' or 'Star Wars', I find comfort in rewatching his masterpieces during holidays, with 'The Wind Rises', 'Howl’s Moving Castle', 'Kiki’s Delivery Service', and 'Spirited Away' standing out as my personal favourites.

Last year, I decided to reconnect with my passion for illustration, taking a break from photography because I was not able to travel nor go out in streets without chasing our maltipoo. The nostalgia for simpler times spent drawing made me realized how much I miss that younger version of myself, lost in the trance of creating. I find inspiration not only in Miyazaki’s films but also in the works of modern animators like Makoto Shinkai, who continue to carry forward the torch of imaginative storytelling.

Starting to rekindle the spark could sometimes be difficult. As I navigate the challenges of adulthood, my creative heroes remind me to slow down and embrace the joy of creation. Miyazaki’s ability to weave profound themes of dreams, growth, courage, and the beauty of everyday life into his films encourages me to find inspiration in the world wherever we are and to nurture my artistic spirit.

Ultimately, it’s this connection to life that brings me back to his works, allowing me to explore my own artistic journey while keeping the youthful imagination alive.