At CIIT, we take pride in our Senior High CIITeens who are making strides in the creative industry even before they graduate. This month, we feature Larah Katigbak, a young artist and entrepreneur who has successfully transformed her passion for illustration into a growing career.
A Young Creator with a Vision
Larah, also known as “TAKOPIIE,” is a 19-year-old freelance illustrator, graphic designer, content creator, and business owner. She is the creative mind behind TAKOPIIE Online Art Shop, where she transforms her artwork into shirts, mousepads, prints, and other merchandise.
Her art revolves around her favorite games and fandoms, such as Valorant, Genshin Impact, and K-Pop, allowing her to connect with a wider audience. Through her growing platform, she has been invited to booth at art conventions, share insights with aspiring artists, and collaborate with major brands like Genshin, Globe, Xiaomi, and RaketPH.
Discovering CIIT: Finding the Perfect Fit
Larah’s journey to CIIT was unexpected yet life-changing. Coming from Laguna, she initially planned to take a business-related track. However, after learning about CIIT’s Arts & Design Track, she realized that her true passion lay in the creative field. Encouraged by her mother, she made the bold decision to enroll at CIIT Senior High School, where she found a community that nurtures artists like her.
Achievements Fueled by Passion and Hard Work
Larah’s dedication has led her to numerous milestones. She finished Grade 11 as the Top 1 honor student and continues to maintain her rank in Grade 12. During CIIT’s Arts and Tech Week, she participated as a booth exhibitor, an experience that inspired her to join larger conventions outside of school.
Beyond her academic achievements, she has built a strong presence in the creative industry. She has grown her social media following to over 125,000 followers, allowing her to reach and inspire aspiring artists. From starting with zero engagement, she now collaborates with major brands and has become a recognized name in the art community. Her influence has also led to speaking engagements, including invitations as a guest speaker at Mapua Malayan Colleges and STI College Malolos, where she shares insights on passion, creativity, and the realities of building a career in the arts.
The Power of the Media and Visual Arts Track
For Larah, CIIT’s Media and Visual Arts track is more than just an academic program—it is a gateway to real-world opportunities. She believes that in today’s digital world, art and technology play a crucial role in shaping industries. With the training she receives at CIIT, she has gained valuable skills in design, media literacy, and business, all of which she applies in her own creative career.
Dreaming Big and Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Larah aims to expand her personal brand and business further. She envisions partnering with more global brands, creating courses that will help aspiring artists, and continuously growing her platform to reach a wider audience. She also hopes to intern at companies like Warner Bros. or Riot Games, where she can refine her skills and gain industry experience. Her determination and passion for her craft continue to fuel her growth, and she is eager for the opportunities that lie ahead.
Advice for Future CIITeens
To those who want to pursue Media and Visual Arts, Larah emphasizes the importance of preparation. This track is not just about drawing but requires dedication in developing both creative and technical skills. She advises students to be mentally prepared for challenges, including creative blocks and burnout, and to find ways to manage them effectively. Every project, no matter how small, should be taken seriously, as each one contributes to a growing portfolio that can open doors to future opportunities.
Larah’s journey is a true CIITeen success story—proof that with passion, dedication, and the right learning environment, dreams can turn into reality.
About CIIT College of Arts and Technology
CIIT College of Arts and Technology is the leading institution in the Philippines specializing in Multimedia Arts, Game Development, Technology, and Business Education. Focused on industry-relevant learning, CIIT equips students with practical skills, technological expertise, and real-world experience to excel in the creative and digital industries.
With 15 years of excellence, CIIT has built a strong reputation for producing top-caliber professionals in creative and tech-driven fields. 61%* of graduates secure employment immediately, reflecting the school’s industry-aligned curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and hands-on learning. CIIT is also home to two cutting-edge architectural landmarks, Interweave and Glitch, in Quezon City, designed to inspire creativity and collaboration.
*Rate of graduating students from Batch 2024 (AY 2023-2024) secured employment on or before their graduation day.
Media Contacts:
CIIT College of Arts and Technology
Trunkline: (+632) 8441-1816 / 8441-0737
Kathleen Doma
kathleen.doma@ciit.edu.ph
Abbygail Jann Canono
abbygail.canono@ciit.edu.ph