Family is at the heart of everything Quezon City based designer Bryan Michael C. Amongo does.

The proud father packed in his stressful job as an art director at an advertising agency to focus on his love for design, and his new-born daughter.

Since joining the DesignCrowd community in 2011, he has developed a reputation for creating minimalist designs and has achieved recognition for his quality submissions to design contests.

Here he explains his motivations, his hobbies, and the reason behind his profile name, Waytfung:

I live in... Quezon City, Philippines and work from a small studio type home. Here in Quezon City I can sometimes do longboarding on my own. There are great malls here where Movie Dates [with my wife] are viable.

A minimalist illustration of the Amongo family with baby Aio.

I enjoy our provinces in Nueva Ecija and Batangas. Every weekend, I am with my family in Batangas. There is a serious abundance of travel spots in the region - from beaches and mountains to fantastic local food. Well known items there are Balisong (knife) and Kapeng Barako (brewed coffee).

Where the magic happens. Brai's work station

My passion for art began...when my father drew realistic mother and child portrait. I think I was five or six-years-old. Since then, I was inspired to try it on my own.

My favourite designer / creative is...The artist behind the popular hit One Piece anime, Eiichiro Oda.

My design style can be described as...Spontaneous. I’m challenged to do anything in digital but more minimalist in style.

What type of design work do you specialise in? I’m a fan of simple clever ads and logos.

I’m most creative in visualizing when...my eyes are closed. I don’t know but, shapes and forms are coming together on their own.

Wayfung's winning design for a contest created by a software development company based in Edinburgh.

Right now I can't stop watching...#Aldub, a popular local series on a noontime show here in the Philippines.

My favourite blog is...Thuglifer.com.

The app I can't live without is...Facebook Messenger.

My secret superhero power is...being a Dad, my family is my inspiration.

His winning design submission for the Tokyo Olympics contest

When I'm working I like to listen to...Matisyahu and THE XX.

Activities I'm hooked on are...Longboarding and of course playing Video Games. Once, I went to hike (at Mt. Batulao) and found out it’s a stress reliever as well. I’m looking forward for more climbs if my schedule permits and whenever there is an invite.

Brai won the contest for a mobile app that connects people and allows them to get to know one another.

I discovered DesignCrowd through...my best pal Khent aka Arttank.

Before I joined DesignCrowd...I used to work as an Art Director in an advertising agency. It was tough, especially in meeting the deadlines. So, part of my relaxing outlet was hanging out with my friends/officemates after work and talk about anything under the sun (and the moon). Social topics. News. Cracking Jokes. Sharing knowledge besides designing. It could be in the office, at the bar or anywhere.

And when the time I became full time in Designcrowd, about five months ago, I slightly changed my way of relaxing and I'm proud to say that was also the time I became a father.

His winning contest submission for a company importing painted bamboo and lacquer ware from Vietnam

Why is your username Waytfung(whitefang) on DesignCrowd?A friend of mine used to crack joke about how specifically white my teeth are. That’s why I came up and made this as my digital alias but in Tagalog Slang.

He won this contest by designing for logo for a company based in Australia that provides a Virtual Golf facility

After a hard day's work...I just want to be with my lovely family; chat with my wife and spontaneously share what happened that day and sharing some cool stuff and articles. We have a six-month-old baby girl called Aio. Most of my time when I’m not working, I help my wife babysit. I see to it I will be more hands-on in taking care of her every chance I have. I just want be a cool Dad to her not just a typical father who just works and provides for the family. I want to have special bonding and shared memories with them.

His winning entry to the Donald Trump election logo contest

My top tip for designers to succeed is...NEVER GIVE UP! Everyone always starts from the bottom. Sometimes, failures will challenge or demotivate you, but keep it coming as it is part of learning. It will eventually lead you to earn value and succeed.

My favourite contest on DesignCrowd is... The unofficial TOKYO 2020 Olympics redesign logo competition The design contest was for fun but it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to redesign a logo for the biggest sports event in the world.

Read more designer interviews here:

Khent Rick Tobil, designer living in Regina, Canada.
Matthew Lawson from Middleborough UK.
Alex Strange, top illustrator from England.
Vaidas Krisikaitis, professional graphic designer and illustrator from Lithuania

Or dive into the blog archive to discover interviews with other top DesignCrowd Designers.

Written by Jo Sabin on Thursday, September 17, 2015

Jo Sabin is Head of Designer Community at DesignCrowd. She's led the company's public relations and social media programs since 2012. With more than ten years' experience working with Australian and international tech startups in the creative industries, Jo has been instrumental in meeting DesignCrowd's objectives in Australia and abroad. Get in touch via Twitter.