Vitalstrats Creative Solutions (VCS) opens the year 2022 by formally welcoming its new Creative Director, Jan Agulto.

“Jan has worn many hats in VCS,” says Chief Creative Officer Amrei Dizon. “He has the balance of creativity and strategy, and is both innovative and analytical. He values excellent work, has the respect of his peers, and understands clients. He’s a fantastic fit for Creative Director.”

Walk into the VCS office in Puno Building anytime between 2015 and 2019, and find ever-punctual and unassuming Jan working quietly with his earphones on. Now and again, he would stand to check on other designers before returning to his tidy desk, a bunch of oranges often within arm’s reach.

“I remember Jan’s first interview [at VCS],” recounts Finance and Human Resources Director Teejai Joson. “He had an excellent CV so I found it odd that he appeared nervous. His credentials and portfolio should have made him very confident.”

A graduate of the Manchester School of Art in England, Jan earned Second Class honors in Graphic Design. He cut his teeth at cult studio The Designers Republic, under the mentorship of Ian Anderson.

“It was an honor to be given an opportunity [at The Designers Republic],” Jan says. “That was where my design and creative senses were formed, where I got my discipline. It was a tough environment to learn in-- very strict and passionate. That’s where I picked up the knowledge and skills that I try to pass on with the team I work with here at VCS.”

Unexpected circumstances in the Philippines led Jan to decide to come home permanently and eventually apply for a position in VCS.

Jan admits to having no background in marketing or advertising prior to joining the team. “Back when I was in art school, [marketing and advertising] were the least of our interests. When I began working, these were topics we detested as a design studio. But in VCS, I found that there isn’t much distinction between these fields.”

Jan joined VCS as a Creative Content Specialist, tasked to build project proposals. “Sometimes, I was working on a project single-handedly from pitch to execution,” he says. “I was all over the place, wherever I was needed, until teams were slowly built in VCS.”

These bumpy years of the company presented challenges which Jan sailed through by embracing opportunities to learn. Trying out different fields and responsibilities expanded his knowledge beyond graphic design.

“Instead of being consumed by the problem in front of you, try to look for possibilities of what you can achieve,” Jan advises. “Value ideas above all else. These will be the lifeblood of your creativity. Embrace the discomfort, fear, mistakes. If you do things long enough, you will always arrive at a solution.”

In 7 years, Jan climbed the VCS ranks to become a Senior Creative Content Specialist, Art Director, Associate Creative Director for Design, and eventually as Creative Director.

“The main reason I stayed [in VCS] is truly the people that I was able to work with,” says Jan. “That, and the creative freedom I was allowed to explore. No other agency, I think, will give me the freedom to pursue things the way I’ve experienced here at VCS.”

On CCO Amrei’s mentoring style, Jan has this to say: “Amrei is not the type of mentor who is hands-on in building an employee. At least, that was my experience when I was starting out. What she gave me are opportunities and the freedom to find my own way, so I can learn from my mistakes and experiences.”

Through the years, Jan has seen many changes in the company. ”We’re very organized now,” he says. “VCS has established robust processes that allowed us to transition easily to a Work From Home setup. There have also been several improvements to the tools that we use-- from HR related applications, to new software for design. VCS keeps with the times and ensures that the team is always updated with the best tools.”

Jan too has grown alongside the company, picking up new skills and life lessons with every position he has held.

“In his early days, Jan didn’t share much of his thoughts, and mostly kept to himself,” notes Teejai. “But we always encouraged the team to speak their minds. Jan slowly became more open and sociable, and it helped him in the new roles he progressed into.”

“VCS gave me an environment where I can hone my leadership skills,” says Jan. “Being responsible for others made me more aware of how to interact with other people, and to consider their thoughts and feelings outside of just the work.”

Jan admits to being reluctant in taking leadership and managerial roles. “I think I climbed [the ranks] passively, without actively wanting or expecting to move up. But I am always grateful for the doors the opened."

“Despite his skills, Jan is always humble,” observes Teejai. “He never seeks the limelight. When commended, he would always credit the team’s effort. He works quietly, but his work would resonate loudly. Even at the onset, we saw Jan’s potential to be a great leader.”

As VCS’ new Creative Director, Jan is taking things one step at a time while looking to the future. “I am excited for the new opportunities that will open up and the chance to create a more cohesive environment between departments. I want to be able to pass on experiences that were able to find success with the Design team, and share these with other departments. There’s much potential growth for the greater VCS team.”

THE CALM OF DEEP WATERS: VCS WELCOMES ITS NEW CREATIVE DIRECTOR, JAN AGULTO