The Digital Artist Digest

Year 2023

My artwork received recognition on various prestigious platforms, including magazines like Opulent Art and The Arches Project Org, databases like Artfacts, and online features such as Agimat: Sining at Kulturang Pinoy and Creative Manila. Additionally, I was interviewed by Insights of an Eco Artist. This positive momentum in showcasing my art suggests that more exciting opportunities are on the horizon as I continue to grow and evolve in my artistic endeavors. It's encouraging to see my work being acknowledged and appreciated, paving the way for further avenues to explore and share my passion for art with a broader audience. | Dec 2023

What a thrill! My artwork is being published in an art book, and I'm ecstatic! Plus, there's an interview lined up in Portugal after I answered their Q&A. Two artist databases, Art World Database UK/SG and Artist Database US, have featured my portfolio. The art journey is taking me to places I never imagined. My collaboration with a UK-based art gallery concluded. Although the art competitions I entered didn't yield the expected results, it seems minimalist figurative pop art faces tough odds in these competitions. Perhaps it's time to reconsider participating in them. Nevertheless, the horizon looks promising, and I'm eager to embrace the opportunities ahead. | Nov 2023

After taking several weeks for introspection and gaining a deeper understanding of the art collector's request, I decided to revise the draft. I shared the updated version with the collector via Instagram direct message, and it was received with increased appreciation. The collector even expressed interest in reserving the draft for a future project. Unfortunately, I received news that I did not win the art competitions I had entered, which was disheartening. Nevertheless, I promptly provided the required materials for the November 2023 edition of Opulent Art Gallery UK's art magazine and Goddessarts Magazine in Germany for their January 2024 issue. Additionally, I ventured into traditional, non-digital art by creating Uno, my first paper-based drawing using a graphite pencil. | Oct 2023

On September 19th, I faced the sting of rejection from a prominent art collector, turning what had initially been a promising vision for my artwork into a disappointing setback. The excitement I had once felt, like a bright screen in a dark room, now dimmed into uncertainty. However, a few days later, I received an invitation from The Arches Project Organization to showcase my work in an international art magazine titled "Hidden Talents" in the United Kingdom this December 2023. Interestingly, among the five images selected by the magazine publisher and art curators, one featured "Toto." Consequently, I reached out to the art collector to inquire whether he would like his nickname, "Toto," and a brief description as "a prominent art collector in the Philippines," to be included in the magazine. Fortunately, Dr. Toto graciously responded with, "Please proceed. It's an honor. Thank you." | Sept 2023

This August brought forth numerous opportunities for me. My dream of being featured in an international magazine came true with my inclusion in Tokyo's 365 Art Plus Magazine, which showcased a vibrant red Pagani sports car—a personal favorite of mine—on the cover. Additionally, I had the honor of being interviewed by Al-Tiba9 Contemporary Art, a prestigious international art magazine based in Barcelona, Spain, and my interview is now permanently featured on their website. Moreover, I participated in The Louvre Museum and Uniqlo collaborative design competition, along with another international competition hosted by Poster Heroes Org. I am hopeful that my artworks will be selected as finalists or even win a prize in these competitions. On the marketing front, I've designed stickers featuring my published artworks for collectors to enjoy. Furthermore, I've been diligently creating and submitting new artworks for international open calls, aiming for their acceptance into upcoming exhibitions. | Aug 2023

Over the past few months, my artistic journey has been fueled by art commissions and digital prints. This inspired me to invest in an iPad 10th generation, which has allowed me to expand and refine my digital artistry using a range of innovative applications. I'm thankful that I've successfully overcome my stomach illness by adopting a healthier lifestyle, maintaining a proper diet, and engaging in regular exercise. | July 2023

I actively engaged in numerous artistic opportunities worldwide, participating in open calls, shows, exhibits, competitions, and submitting to magazines. While some accepted my work, others did not. Additionally, I created digital artworks that are awaiting publication. Recently, I had the pleasure of delivering my first commissioned painting to art collectors in BGC, Philippines, using Lalamove. As a gesture of appreciation, I included complimentary items—a Pamilya art print and a copy of my first book. Alongside these accomplishments, I maintained sales of my book and dedicated time to planning and brainstorming ideas for future art exhibits. | June 2023

I created a book that showcases all of my artworks from the time I began until the end of 2022. Published by PhotoBook, I was thrilled to see copies being sold. As a new artist, I received incredible support from art collectors in the Philippines. It was particularly gratifying when Dr. Gerard "Toto" Salgado, a prominent art collector, purchased a copy of my book. This moment filled me with inspiration and motivated me to continue my artistic journey. | May 2023

I had a memorable birthday celebration with my brother, whom I hadn't seen since the pandemic began. Art galleries suggested transforming my digital art into acrylic paintings, and I received numerous email notifications about inquiries, commissions, upcoming art shows, and exhibitions. I was also thrilled to receive my very first commission for an acrylic painting on canvas from a respected art collector in the Philippines. | April 2023

I was excited by the engaging art fairs and exhibitions in the Philippines, where I received inquiries about my art. Additionally, I received email notifications for upcoming shows and exhibitions, and had the opportunity to participate in online international art shows organized by galleries in the United Kingdom. | March 2023

As I pursued inquiries, art galleries began to take notice of my work, leading to notifications about art shows and exhibitions. Additionally, I secured commissions for digital art prints, made NFT sales, and received numerous inquiries and commissions for my artwork. | Feb 2023

This year, I embarked on my artistic journey with a clear plan. I reached out to art galleries, applied to participate in exhibitions, art fairs, and biennales, and explored artist representation opportunities with various galleries. | Jan 2023

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:

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Thank you.