Ara Laylo is a designer, musician, promoter, artist and educator based in Honolulu. Her art practice is informed by her Filipina-heritage, her immigrant experience, and by her work as a graphic designer. As a clear visual communicator, she prioritises her audience’s ability to quickly grasp information; as an artist she is prone to encode layers of messages and meaning into her photographic, video and installation based practice, from both a utopianist and transnational perspective.
Born in Laguna, Philippines, Ara immigrated to the United States when she was 11 after living in Germany for five years. She moved to Hawaiʻi when she was 17 and eventually pursued her degree in Design at UH Mānoa.
With over twenty years of experience in design, music, and art in Hawai‘i, Ara Laylo brings a distinctive style. Until the end of 2022, she served as VP of Brand for NMG Network. Currently, she leads as Brand and Vibe Lord at BoxJelly and Jelly Works Studio while also lecturing at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, where she has been teaching Design and Typography since 2010.
Ara often volunteers for local non-profit groups who support Hawai‘i’s arts and culture community. In the past she’s served as a board member for Hawai‘i Contemporary, the Chinatown Neighborhood Board and the advisory committee for the Merwin Conservancy.
In the fall of 2022, Ara wrote, directed, and co-produced her first film, K R O N O S.
hello@aralaylo.com
UH Manoa | pagibig@hawaii.edu
Art and Design Thinking
Naturally, the nature of storytelling has a way of romanticizing truth and fiction. As a designer, I think it imperative to consider the lens of the reader. I put myself in their shoes and together we ask: Why was this particular narrative introduced to me specifically? What medium are they using to convey the message? What is the tone of the message? What message did I receive? Where does Truth lie?
Conversely, as an artist, I want to manipulate my intentions behind a variety of tropes, hoping to reach out to a broader audience, bridging a language of solidarity; moving away from a nonlinear perspective utilizing different mediums most especially through video and live impromptu installations. In my past work, I’ve dabbled in blurring the lines between work and play. Currently, my obsession lies in which groups have access to power. What is power? What is success and who gets to define these conditions?
Music Background
Her work in the local music scene started in 2001 working with Avant Pop. In 2004, Avant Pop booked the Mates of State, The Thermals and Davey Von Bohlen thanks to funding by UH Manoa.
Through Ladyfest in 2005, Ara became their entertainment manager and organized a Deerhoof concert at Indigo Restaurant and UH Campus Center.
In 2006, Ara started a DIY promotions company called The Enterprise and promoted live concerts featuring Mirah, The Blow, Calvin Johnson, Jokers of the Scene, vitaminsforyou, Menomena and Of Montreal and curated first Friday art shows called The HAC (Honolulu Art Collective.)
Enterprise also booked the only regular independent music and local-band showcase called Kaleidoscope at thirtyninehotel and Next Door in the heart of Honolulu’s Chinatown.
In 2009, Ara founded a three piece electronic group called Clones of the Queen. COTQ has opened for Toro Y Moi, Menomena, Diplo, Little Dragon, Of Montreal, Warpaint and The Cure.
Ara has also been invited as Mr. X for Redbull Music Academy from 2010-2013.
Creative Consultant 