Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Sivilay
Hi Patrick, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When I started school in 2011, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I was just taking general education classes to fill up units. Being half Filipino, I even considered nursing because my mom was in the field, but after realizing how much schooling it would require and my absolute inability to deal with blood, I quickly realized it wasn’t for me. At the time, I was really into skateboarding, though I spent more time falling than actually skating. It was something I could do with my brother and friends, and I loved it. I was also stoked about skateboard graphics, especially limited edition boards and special collaborations. I didn’t realize at first that these designs were made by artists and designers, but once I discovered that, I started looking into art and design classes in school which led me to graphic design. I started taking classes in the major, and for the first time, I actually enjoyed what I was learning.
While I was falling in love with design, my general education courses felt more like roadblocks than stepping stones, and my grades took a hit. Frustrated and unmotivated, I ultimately stepped away from school, even though I was close to transferring. I spent the next few years working odd jobs—dishwashing, waiting tables, a skate shop, a barista—while freelancing as a designer. It was a time of both freedom and uncertainty, enjoying the present but unsure of what came next.
When the pandemic hit in 2020 and my hours at the coffee shop were cut significantly, I realized that I couldn’t keep doing the rinse and repeat lifestyle forever. I decided to go back to school, finish what I had started, and give it my all. I enrolled at City College, then transferred to SDSU, where I finished my bachelor’s in graphic design in May of 2024. After graduation, I handed my resume out to anyone accepting and quickly landed a job at a company in San Diego known for its children’s toys and consumer products, where I’m now a graphic designer for the packaging department.
I didn’t expect my journey to look like this, but every detour and speed bump taught me something valuable. Looking back, even the hard parts were just part of getting here.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a straight path. Early on, I bounced between classes without a clear direction, struggling with focus and direction. When I found graphic design, I finally had something I was passionate about, but I got so caught up in my art classes that I neglected everything else. Failing several classes was frustrating, and eventually, I stepped away from school entirely.
For a while, I enjoyed the freedom of side projects and creative work, but deep down, I knew I needed more stability. The pandemic put things into perspective—uncertainty and job insecurity made me realize I couldn’t keep drifting. That was my turning point. I went back to school, fully committed, and saw it through.
What kept me moving forward was the fear of being stuck in a cycle of uncertainty and the belief that I was capable of more. Those challenges taught me resilience and shaped my perspective. Looking back, I’m grateful for the struggles because they pushed me to grow and stay true to what I’m passionate about.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m currently a graphic designer in the packaging department at a company specializing in children’s toys and costumes. My role involves creating engaging packaging designs that not only capture attention but reflect the brand’s identity. I work closely with the creative team and follow visuals that align with brand guidelines and resonate with our target audiences, helping us stand out in a competitive market.
What I love most about my job is the balance between creativity and functionality. I get to work with iconic brands like, but not limited to, Nintendo, Disney, and Sesame Street, finding innovative ways to express their identities through design. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing my work come to life on store shelves.
Outside of my day job, I’m also passionate about freelancing and personal art projects. These side ventures allow me to explore different styles and ideas, which keeps me inspired and constantly evolving as a designer. I’m always open to collaborating with new clients and bringing fresh perspectives to projects. I think what sets me apart is my ability to combine strategic thinking with creative storytelling, whether I’m working on professional projects or personal ones.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’d like to share how important it is to embrace your unique journey, no matter how unconventional it may seem. My path to graphic design wasn’t linear—it was full of challenges, self-discovery, and deviations. But every step, even the difficult ones, taught me resilience and gave me a deeper appreciation for the work I do today.
I also believe in using design to reflect who you are and where you come from. As an Asian American, I’ve been greatly inspired by the rich cultures of my heritage, including Filipino, Lao, Thai, and Chinese influences. Whether it’s through creating sustainable designs or championing diverse perspectives, I aim to use my skills to make a meaningful impact.
Finally, I’d encourage anyone reading this to stay curious, keep experimenting, and trust that every experience—good or bad—can lead you closer to your goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.studiosivilay.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricksivilay/
Image Credits
Patrick Sivilay
