MANILA, Philippines — If you want a book to catch people’s attention and share its message, it needs to look attractive! The cover should grab someone’s eye, making them want to pick it up. Designing a book, from the cover to the pages inside, is an art, and that’s where artist Felix Mago Miguel comes in.
Felix, a well-known book designer and illustrator, has been living in Bohol for nearly 20 years with his family. He’s passionate about teaching others and was recently the main teacher at a special workshop called “Mugna/Gugma,” hosted by the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP)-Bohol on September 22. Thirty talented local artists came together to learn all about book design from Felix.
At the workshop, Felix shared his journey as an artist and gave helpful tips on how to create eye-catching book covers and beautiful layouts. The artists learned how important it is to carefully think about every part of a book’s design to help the reader truly connect with the author’s ideas.
Felix also gave an important piece of advice: don’t settle for “good enough.” He believes that artists should always aim for excellence and never take shortcuts, because doing your best work is how you become a true master of your craft.
The “Mugna/Gugma” workshop, which means “Create/Love” in Cebuano, was more than just a chance to learn new skills—it was a way for artists to connect and collaborate, all while celebrating their love for Filipino art and culture. This is just one of the many programs the National Museum has planned to help Filipinos continue growing as artists and creators.
The event was also supported by the Provincial Government of Bohol’s Center for Culture and Arts Development, showing just how important it is to nurture local talent for a bright and creative future!
