If you told my 17-year-old self what I’d be doing now…
Eh—she’d probably be too scatterbrained to even listen. She’d be cramming for some exam, sketching anime characters, or wondering how Naruto would end (…turns out now we have Boruto). She wouldn’t have guessed that one day, I’d be leading creative teams, pitching brand strategy, or giving talks to young creatives.
And honestly? Neither did I.
Back then, I was a starry-eyed kid who thought life was simple. Study hard. Get a job. Get rich. That was the dream.
What I did know was this: I wanted to pursue the arts. I wanted to draw, create, and maybe—somehow—make a living doing what I loved.
In my final year of high school, I took entrance exams at UP (Fine Arts), Ateneo (Information Design), and iAcademy. Then, almost by chance, I discovered Multimedia Arts at De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde—thanks to a DeviantArt friend who was already studying there.
That discovery changed everything.
Multimedia Arts opened up an entirely new world. 2D, 3D, photography, video, design, web, and even coding. I was overwhelmed—in the best way.
But by second year, everything almost fell apart. We were facing financial challenges at home, and for a time, it felt like I might have to give it all up.
Then, a miracle: Benilde offered me a financial assistance scholarship. That gesture changed my life—and reminded me that when others invest in your potential, you owe it to yourself to keep going.
Closer to graduation, I didn’t think I was the best designer in our batch. Then one professor told me something that shook my direction:
“You know… you might actually be stronger in coding than design.”
I didn’t know how to take it at first. But it made me consider something new: Maybe I wasn’t “just” a designer. Maybe I could thrive in tech too.
So I applied for a mix of creative and development jobs. Two months before graduation, I landed my first role—as a Web Developer.
Since then, I’ve followed my curiosity. From development to design, from strategy to leadership, from agency life to freelancing—I’ve worn many hats.
I’ve worked with clients in:
Some days, I was the designer. Other days, I was the project manager. Most days, I was figuring things out as I went.
One of my most surprising moments? Helping pitch and win a campaign for Krispy Kreme Philippines—centered on storytelling and human connection. Not just donuts, but delight.
That experience reminded me that creativity doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. It just has to be real.
Today, I work as a Creative Project Manager and Consultant. I help brands turn ideas into meaningful experiences. I support creatives in aligning their work with strategy, purpose, and growth.
I’m not always the one designing now—but I’m always in awe of the people I collaborate with:
And honestly? That is the work. Showing up. Staying curious. And believing that every step—even the messy ones—adds up.
If I met my 17-year-old self today, stylus in hand, halfway through coloring a Naruto commission, listening to My Chemical Romance on loop, I’d probably have to interrupt her to say:
“You didn’t lose anything. You just evolved. That same spark? It still drives everything.”
She’d probably look puzzled and then ask, “Do we still draw?”
And I’d smile:
“Sometimes. Not always with pens or pixels. But we still make things that matter. We create space—for growth, for stories, for healing.”
And hopefully she’d understand that she wasn’t becoming someone else— She was becoming more of herself.
If you’re reading this and still figuring things out—maybe switching careers, starting late, or feeling behind—let me leave you with this:
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Growth doesn’t come from knowing everything. It comes from showing up, staying curious, and trusting that every step counts.
Thanks for reading. If you’re in the creative space, freelancing, mentoring, or just starting out, I’d love to connect.
I’m always happy to share, listen, or learn from others.
— Jemmarie Bocalbos