Monsters Are Eating Up My Brain – Artist Block by JP B. Bantigue

Semi-Finalist Entry, 1st Annual Artwork T-Shirt Design Competition (2007)

A Visual Representation of the Creative Struggle

In 2007, I submitted Artist Block—also known as Monsters Are Eating Up My Brain—to the 1st Annual Artwork T-Shirt Design Competition held by Artwork T-Shirts Philippines. This piece captures the chaotic reality of creative burnout, where distractions, self-doubt, and intrusive ideas overwhelm the mind.

At the center of the illustration is my sister, Alissa. I took a photo of her specifically for this project and transformed it into a stylized vector. Surrounding her are surreal elements—monsters, cityscapes, and abstract shapes—bursting from her mind. These visuals reflect the frustration of artists who struggle to translate thoughts into tangible work. The “HELP” signal and the tiny “idea” bubble floating amidst the chaos further emphasize this creative block.

A digital artwork featuring a girl sitting pensively while chaotic monsters, cityscapes, and abstract elements explode from her mind. The illustration represents creative struggles and mental blocks.

The Monsters Are Eating Up My Brain, aka Artist Block, Full Color

November 12, 2007

The full-color version of “Monsters Are Eating Up My Brain,” submitted to the 1st Annual Artwork T-Shirt Design Competition in 2007. A surreal take on artist’s block, featuring my sister Alissa as the main subject.

The Monsters Are Eating Up My Brain, 5-Color Variant

November 12, 2007

The 5-color variant of my entry for the competition—either a requirement or a cost-saving measure for production, I can’t remember!

Limited color variant of "Monsters Are Eating Up My Brain," adapted for the 1st Annual Artwork T-Shirt Design Competition. The same surreal imagery with a 5-color palette for optimized screen printing.

The Process Behind the Artwork

Concept & Execution: The idea was fully formed before I even started sketching. I worked directly in Adobe Photoshop, digitally illustrating and layering elements to bring the vision to life.
Vectorization: My sister’s image was transformed into a stylized, high-contrast vector, merging seamlessly with the surreal elements.
Color Variants: The competition required a 5-color variant (shown in the second image) for potential production, likely to optimize screen printing costs.
Recognition: My entry was recognized as a semi-finalist, and I received a certification from Artwork Philippines for the achievement.

Certificate of Recognition

November 30, 2007

Proof that “Monsters Are Eating Up My Brain” was a semi-finalist! A certificate of recognition from Artwork Philippines for my competition entry back in 2007.

Not-So-Fun Fact: I still have the original silkscreen pattern from this design at home—an artifact from this era of my creative journey.

Certificate of recognition awarded to JP B. Bantigue for being a semi-finalist in the 1st Annual Artwork T-Shirt Design Competition for his entry, "Artist Block."

Get the Shirt – Wear the Creative Struggle

Love the design? Monsters Are Eating Up My Brain isn’t just an artwork—it’s a statement. If you’ve ever battled creative blocks, this shirt is for you.

💡 Interested in owning a piece of this design? Let me know! I still have the original silkscreen pattern, and I’m considering producing a limited reprint for fellow creatives who resonate with the struggle.

📩 DM me on Instagram @tabitabbypo or send me a message if you’d like to pre-order or express interest. If there’s enough demand, I’ll make it happen!

🎨 Support independent art. Wear the chaos.