Renowned for his bold and captivating color palettes and dynamic forms, Kiefer’s illustrations redefine contemporary visual aesthetics. Kiefer Indiongco, an illustrator and creative director based in Manila, Philippines, is also a dedicated entrepreneur who is building a thriving community through his self-founded brand, BLANK-SIX. Beyond his artistic pursuits, he is an avid basketball player and gamer, often engaged in discussions about sports, fashion, and streetwear trends.

To delve deeper into the captivating world of Kiefer Indiongco and his brand, BLANK-SIX, we spoke to the basketball-themed artist to gain valuable insights into his journey.

Please introduce yourself and your brand.

Hi! I’m Kiefer Indiongco, but you might know me better as Kiefsix. I’ve been building a career as a versatile creative, juggling roles as an illustrator, visual artist, creative director, and even a local streetwear brand owner with BLANKSIX (@blanksix___co).

I started steering the creative direction for BLANKSIX in 2019, and since then, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with some amazing brands like Nike, Hennessy, NBA, WUBS, Rakuten, and many more. My freelance illustration work under the Kiefsix moniker has also been gaining traction since 2020.

How and why did you enter this field?

I found my artistic style during Mamba Week in August 2020. Paying tribute to the late Kobe Bryant, I created my first contemporary minimalist basketball illustration. The piece captured his legacy in a unique way.

My artistic process is quite fluid, like freehand drawing. I let my emotions guide me as I envision basketball as a fine art. This approach allows me to tell stories through my perspective and share my unique vision of the world.

How would you describe the general aesthetic of your works?

My craft is known for its bold colors and dynamic forms, creating visually compelling pieces. I approach my art in a fluid, freehand style, expressing the emotions I associate with basketball as a form of fine art—a way for me to share narratives through my perspective.

Which streetwear or sneaker collaborations that you’ve done are you most proud of?

I wouldn’t trade anything for the experience of collaborating with Nike and celebrating our country’s hosting of the FIBA World Cup nearly 75 years later. Together, we created a range of product designs, including shirts, hoodies, caps, and pins, as well as a striking basketball installation in the heart of Bonifacio Global City. This experience has significantly shaped my career as an independent creative, and I’m eager to continue working with global brands on exciting projects in the future.

What streetwear or sneaker trends or advancements do you expect to be on the rise soon?

As a basketball sneaker fan, I am convinced that the revival of Kobe and KD signature silhouettes will soon gain significant popularity in the world of sneakers. Observing many individuals wearing basketball shoes like these at recent sneaker and streetwear conventions, each with unique colorways, paired with cargo pants, carpenter pants, parachute pants, baggy jeans, mesh shorts, and more, suggests that the sneakers allow them to integrate into various fashion styles seamlessly. This expansion isn’t just limited to basketball enthusiasts but also extends to everyone who appreciates the designs of these shoes.

What’s your take on the intersection of basketball and visual design, and how would you say your work makes use of and/or highlights this intersection?

When I step onto the court, it’s like stepping onto a blank canvas, ready to be transformed by the strokes of my creativity. Each dribble, pass, and shot is a brushstroke, adding depth and meaning to the masterpiece unfolding before me. I use the rhythm of the game as my melody, orchestrating plays that resonate with passion and purpose.

With every movement, I express a part of myself, revealing layers of my soul through the artistry of basketball. It’s not just about winning or losing; it’s about the beauty of the game and the stories it allows me to tell. The details of the game are everything for me.

On a lighter note, one of your handles has “sixgod” in it. Are you a Raptors fan, and if so, why the Raptors?

Haha, it’s just a moniker my friends used to call me because of my artist name, “Kiefsix”. Six has been my favorite number ever since; every time I get a number, there’s always a six in it.

Hmmm, a Raptors fan? Not that I know of, but I do appreciate the love from the Six for their home team, something every basketball nation should take inspiration from.

Is there a specific basketball moment that you have planned or are planning to reimagine through your art?

There’s a lot for sure! Including basketball court murals, canvas paintings, basketball designs, sculptures, prints, and products; there’s a lot, really. I hope I can share them one by one soon.

What advice do you have for anyone planning to enter this field?

Like I always tell my creative friends, never count yourself out; take time to study everything related to the culture you belong to. Follow all the people who dominate the market and draw inspiration from them.

There’s no recipe for success; it’s only you and the things that make you authentic because I believe every person has a story to tell, and that story is always worth sharing. Even though the world is big, make it anyway and do it scared.

What’s coming up next for you?

Right now, I’m working with a global brand on activating a basketball court in my country and, hopefully, a future sneaker collaboration as well! While I’m still navigating my way through the modern contemporary world, I am aiming to use my art more effectively to express and narrate stories of the culture I belong to.

To all who are reading this, please follow me @kiefsix and my brand @blanksix___co on Instagram. While I may not have a large following, I believe in my heart that I have a significant story to share. Thanks for your time!

Images via @kieferindiongco, @kiefsix, @blanksix___co

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