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A Qualitative Comparative Study on Creative Workflows among Filipino Graphic Designers
Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities · Area of research: Graphic Design, Graphic Design workflow
Abstract
This qualitative comparative study examines how learning pathways shape the creative operational workflows of graphic designers in the Philippines. Utilizing a comparative case study design, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 active design practitioners, partitioned equally into formally-educated (n = 6) and self-taught (n = 6) groups, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis framework. Interpreted through Constructivist Learning Theory, the findings reveal a fundamental operational divide across the commercial design lifecycle: formally educated practitioners employ a research-first, linear workflow scaffolded by sketching and design principles (Social Constructivism); while self-taught practitioners utilize an agile, canvas-first workflow brought upon by immediate digital canvas interaction, exploratory software experimentation, and trend-driven iteration (Cognitive Constructivism). While formal training provides robust theoretical grounding and presentation of design rationale, it faces institutional curriculum lag. Conversely, self-directed learning yields high software agility but leaves practitioners vulnerable to theoretical blind spots. These findings provide empirical foundations for higher education studio curriculum modernization and strategic upskilling within the Philippine creative industry.
Keywords
Graphic Design, Creative Workflows, Design Education, Formal Education, Self-taught Designers, Philippine Creative Industry
How to cite this paper
@article{1722652,
author = {Stacy Valerie P. Alcausin, Lea Ysabel Q. Evangelista},
title = {A Qualitative Comparative Study on Creative Workflows among Filipino Graphic Designers},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {10},
number = {2},
pages = {3393-3400},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1722652.pdf},
abstract = {This qualitative comparative study examines how learning pathways shape the creative operational workflows of graphic designers in the Philippines. Utilizing a comparative case study design, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 active design practitioners, partitioned equally into formally-educated (n = 6) and self-taught (n = 6) groups, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis framework. Interpreted through Constructivist Learning Theory, the findings reveal a fundamental operational divide across the commercial design lifecycle: formally educated practitioners employ a research-first, linear workflow scaffolded by sketching and design principles (Social Constructivism); while self-taught practitioners utilize an agile, canvas-first workflow brought upon by immediate digital canvas interaction, exploratory software experimentation, and trend-driven iteration (Cognitive Constructivism). While formal training provides robust theoretical grounding and presentation of design rationale, it faces institutional curriculum lag. Conversely, self-directed learning yields high software agility but leaves practitioners vulnerable to theoretical blind spots. These findings provide empirical foundations for higher education studio curriculum modernization and strategic upskilling within the Philippine creative industry.},
keywords = {Graphic Design, Creative Workflows, Design Education, Formal Education, Self-taught Designers, Philippine Creative Industry},
month = {August},
}