Manasan Studio

MANASAN STUDIO

MEL and ADRYAN MANASAN

Mel and Adryan met in 1991 while studying in The University of the Philippines, College of Fine Arts as classmates in the Studio Arts program. Since then, they have become friends and worked together on a multitude of commissioned creative projects… And, held careers in publishing and television industries. They eventually had a family, got married and relocated to Canada.

Prince Edward County has opened up the opportunity for Mel and Adryan to establish Manasan Studio in their alternative workspace and let their creative journey continue. After moving to Canada, Mel has been the Senior Graphic Designer of a tech publishing company in Toronto for over 20 years. Previously in the Philippines, Mel was the Art Director of Good Housekeeping Magazine and Special Art Director of Cosmopolitan Magazine in the Philippines. She started as a Graphic Designer for Agenda Magazine with Sushi Graphics right after university.

Adryan, on the other hand, moved to New York from the Philippines in his youth. He eventually went to FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) in New York to get a degree in Advertising and Graphic Design. He continued his studies at the University of the Philippines, College of Fine Arts for a degree in Studio Arts where he eventually met Mel in 1991 as classmates in the same program.

Adryan began working as a Graphic Artist for ABS-CBN Foundation specializing in the creation of sets and special effects in the production of children’s television programs. He eventually moved to Canada and became the Senior Artist/Desktop Publisher of Marketing for the Canadian head office of an insurance company in Markham. He then moved on to become the Art and Production Director for a print company in Toronto. After relocating to Prince Edward County, he took a position as UI/UX Graphic Designer for a software company and became a Designer and Social Media Manager for a sign franchise. He is currently working for Contrast Media in multiple capacities, a Homestead Marketplace company.

Along the journey of their career paths through the years, they participated in group exhibitions, accepted commissioned artworks and design projects. By the end of 2023, Adryan had his first solo art exhibit in Melt Studio Gallery in Base 31, Picton. Prince Edward County opened up the opportunity for Mel and Adryan to continue their creative journey. The County provided them the proper workspace, necessary tools and supportive community for each of their own artistic expression and exploration.