IJWBAA [eej-wah] is a Filipino digital artist and the first Filipino recognized in the Techspressionism movement. He is a neologist and the originator of Decolonial Minimalism—an art movement that reclaims minimalism through ancestral memory and cultural reawakening. His works, compiled in two volumes of I Just Wannabe an Artist, have been recognized, officially archived, cataloged, and made available in the collections of the Gallerie degli Uffizi, Museo Reina Sofía, the National Museum of the Philippines, Getty Research Institute, and other prominent cultural institutions worldwide.

The Digital Artist Digest by IJWBAA Year 2023 | Monthly Insights into Digital Artistry

The Digital Artist Digest is a convenient summary that offers a straightforward glimpse into a digital artist's journey over the past 30 days. It presents a concise narrative, capturing the essence of IJWBAA creative endeavors in an easily digestible format. With brevity as its strength, The Digital Artist Digest provides a condensed overview, highlighting the key moments and achievements of IJWBAA's recent artistic exploration. It serves as a convenient resource for anyone seeking a quick and informative update on the digital artist's story.

Year 2023

December 2023 was a month of visibility and validation, as my work found its way into esteemed platforms like Opulent Art, The Arches Project Org, and Artfacts, while also gaining online recognition through Agimat: Sining at Kulturang Pinoy and Creative Manila. Being interviewed by Insights of an Eco Artist allowed me to reflect on my journey and articulate my creative vision, reinforcing my belief in the impact of my art. While navigating the challenges of sustaining momentum and finding the right opportunities, I’ve realized that each feature and recognition is a stepping stone toward broader horizons. This month reaffirmed that persistence and authenticity open doors, and I look forward to seeing where my evolving artistic path leads next.

November 2023 was a whirlwind of excitement and reflection as my art found its way into a published art book, and I secured an interview in Portugal after responding to their Q&A. Being featured in the Art World Database UK/SG and Artist Database US felt like a significant step in expanding my reach. Concluding my collaboration with a UK-based gallery marked the end of one chapter, while art competitions proved to be a challenge—minimalist figurative pop art seems to have a tough time in these spaces. This made me question whether these contests are the right fit for my work moving forward. Still, every experience adds to my journey, and the road ahead looks bright with fresh opportunities waiting to unfold.

October 2023 was a month of introspection, adaptation, and new creative explorations. Revising my draft based on an art collector’s feedback proved to be a rewarding experience, as the updated version was met with enthusiasm and even reserved for a future project. While the disappointment of not winning the competitions lingered, I quickly shifted my focus to new opportunities, submitting materials for Opulent Art Gallery UK’s November edition and Goddessarts Magazine’s January issue. A significant personal milestone was stepping into traditional art with *Uno*, my first graphite pencil drawing on paper—a departure from my usual digital medium. This month reinforced the importance of flexibility, resilience, and the excitement of exploring new artistic territories.

September 2023 was a month of emotional highs and lows, beginning with the sting of rejection from a prominent art collector—a moment that cast doubt on what had once felt like a promising artistic direction. The initial excitement faded into uncertainty, but just days later, an invitation from The Arches Project Organization reignited my motivation. Being selected for their Hidden Talents international art magazine in the UK was a reassuring validation of my work, especially knowing that among the chosen pieces was one featuring Toto. This unexpected turn led me back to the same collector, now in a different context, and his gracious approval to be acknowledged in the publication was a reminder that setbacks can sometimes lead to surprising, even poetic, resolutions. This month reinforced that rejection is not the end of the road—sometimes, it’s just a redirection toward something greater.

August 2023 was a month of breakthroughs and forward momentum, as several long-held aspirations came to fruition. Being featured in Tokyo’s 365 Art Plus Magazine, with its striking red Pagani sports car cover, was a dream realized, while my interview with Al-Tiba9 Contemporary Art in Barcelona secured a permanent place on their website—an incredible milestone. I embraced the challenge of international competitions, submitting designs to *The Louvre Museum & Uniqlo* collaboration and Poster Heroes Org, hopeful for recognition. Beyond that, I expanded my creative reach by designing collectible stickers featuring my published artworks, offering collectors a new way to engage with my work. With each submission to open calls and exhibitions, I’m pushing my boundaries further, eager to see where these opportunities lead next.

July 2023 was a month of growth, both artistically and personally. The steady flow of art commissions and digital print sales motivated me to invest in an iPad 10th generation, opening up new possibilities for refining my craft with advanced creative applications. This shift has expanded my digital artistry, allowing me to experiment and push my boundaries further. On a personal level, overcoming my stomach illness was a significant victory—by committing to a healthier lifestyle, proper nutrition, and regular exercise, I’ve regained my strength and focus. This month reinforced the importance of both artistic evolution and self-care, reminding me that creativity thrives when the mind and body are in harmony.

June 2023 was a month of action and perseverance, as I immersed myself in open calls, exhibitions, competitions, and magazine submissions—embracing both the triumphs of acceptance and the lessons from rejections. I also created new digital artworks, now awaiting publication, marking another step forward in my creative journey. A particularly fulfilling milestone was delivering my first commissioned painting to collectors in BGC via Lalamove, where I included a Pamilya art print and a copy of my first book as a token of gratitude. Meanwhile, book sales continued steadily, and I dedicated time to brainstorming future exhibitions, ensuring that my artistic momentum remains strong. This month reaffirmed that success is built on persistence, generosity, and the constant pursuit of new opportunities.

May 2023 was a month of reflection and accomplishment as I compiled a book documenting my artistic journey from its inception to the end of 2022. Seeing it published by PhotoBook and available for purchase was a deeply rewarding experience, made even more special by the support of art collectors in the Philippines. A defining moment was when Dr. Gerard "Toto" Salgado, a prominent collector, purchased a copy—his recognition of my work reaffirmed my purpose and fueled my drive to keep creating. This month reminded me that every step forward, no matter how small, contributes to a larger artistic legacy, and the support of a community can make all the difference in an artist’s journey.

April 2023 was a month of reconnection and artistic milestones. Celebrating my birthday with my brother after years of separation due to the pandemic was a deeply meaningful moment, reminding me of the importance of family amidst my creative pursuits. Professionally, the growing interest in my work was exhilarating—art galleries encouraged me to translate my digital art into acrylic paintings, and my inbox was filled with inquiries, commissions, and exhibition opportunities. The highlight was receiving my first-ever commission for an acrylic painting on canvas from a respected Philippine art collector, marking a significant step in my artistic journey. This month reinforced that growth often comes from embracing new challenges, and the encouragement of both family and the art community makes the journey even more fulfilling.

March 2023 was a month of expanding horizons and growing visibility. The excitement of engaging with art fairs and exhibitions in the Philippines brought valuable inquiries about my work, reaffirming the local interest in my artistic vision. At the same time, my reach extended internationally as I received invitations to participate in online exhibitions hosted by UK-based galleries. With a steady stream of email notifications for upcoming shows and opportunities, this month reinforced the importance of staying proactive and open to both local and global platforms. Each new connection and exhibition fuels my passion, reminding me that art knows no boundaries.

February 2023 was a month of exciting momentum as my work began to gain more attention. Art galleries started taking notice, leading to notifications about upcoming art shows and exhibitions, which felt like a significant step forward. Alongside this, I secured commissions for digital art prints and even made my first NFT sales, expanding my presence in the digital art space. The influx of inquiries and commissions was incredibly encouraging, reaffirming that the hard work and dedication are starting to pay off. This month showed me the power of consistency, adaptability, and staying open to diverse opportunities, both in traditional and digital art forms.

January 2023 marked the beginning of my focused and determined artistic journey. With a clear plan in mind, I actively reached out to art galleries, applied for exhibitions, art fairs, and biennales, and explored opportunities for artist representation. It was a month of laying the groundwork, stepping out of my comfort zone, and putting my work in front of the right audiences. While the process required patience and resilience, it also reinforced my commitment to growing as an artist. This month reminded me that success in the art world is built on persistence, initiative, and the courage to put myself out there.

SO, WHAT'S NEXT?

Hi, I'm Pao aka IJWBAA. I'm a digital artist, painter, and a book author from the Philippines. If you enjoyed reading this you might like to read also:

• The Digital Artist Digest

• Poems by IJWBAA

• Quotes from a Wannabe Artist

• Notes to Self

I would greatly appreciate if you could kindly share this to people whom you know will be interested to read this through social media, email, text, or message.

Thank you.