A few months ago, I decided to go on a following spree of young PH illustrators. As someone who has always admired art but sadly has no talent in drawing (don’t judge me), I was completely floored at how many young digital artists you can actually find on Twitter, even more than on Instagram. There are several promising Filipino artists out there; and their skills, technique, and overall talent aren’t honed overnight.
It’s a shame that our young artists still find it difficult to make a living out of their passion. The problem? Well, us, or at least the majority who still can’t understand that what artists do isn’t easy. From the typical friend who’ll ask for discounted prices — or worse — a free commission, to people who think artists don’t actually have a “real job”, the struggles artists face come from all fronts.
So, let’s do our part to break this stigma and support #artph. You can start by simple commissions — say, a portrait? At some point, you must have been curious about what you would look like if artists drew you in their style, whether they specialise in semi-realism, anime, or cartoon-like illustrations. To help you get that new social media DP, I’ve compiled a list of young PH illustrators you might be interested to contact for digital commissions!
Tip: Some of these artists may not be currently open to commissions, but they always announce when they’re opening. Follow their social media accounts to stay updated!
Disclaimer: Please do not repost the works of the artists without their permission.
1. popcorncheek
With bold strokes and close attention to facial expressions, Aleya Nicole Vasquez’s semi-realistic portraits captivate every single time. Yela, who also goes by the artist name popcorncheek, specialises in illustrating human faces, painting warm scenarios, and studying human anatomy.
But aside from that, she makes it a point to reflect Filipino culture in her illustrations. “My art direction always points towards introducing my culture to the rest of the art community. With every portrait I paint, I make sure to capture the feeling and personality,” she shared with TripZilla Philippines. Yela’s rates currently range from ₱1,500 to ₱5,500 (prices may increase based on complexity of design).
See more of popcorncheek’s works, rates, and follow her on these platforms:
Twitter: @popcorncheek
Instagram: @popcorncheek
Facebook: Popcorncheek.
2. charlenesketch
Doesn’t this style just remind you of sweet and precious moments? It’s hard not to fall in love with these illustrations when joy and love are the driving forces behind Charlene Tan’s style.
In her own words, Charlene, aka charlenesketch, has reached a point in her life where she simply wants to illustrate things that spark joy for her.
“Right now, I love soft, warm, almost autumnal colours. I love my favourite textured brushes, and I absolutely love to illustrate facial expressions — especially when they portray sweet feelings like being in love. My art style sparks joy for me, and I hope it can spark joy for others as well,” she shared with TripZilla Philippines. Charlene’s rates currently range from ₱1,500 to ₱4,500 (prices may increase based on complexity of design).
See more of charlenesketch’s works, rates, and follow her on these platforms:
Twitter: @charlenesketch
Instagram: @charlenesketch
Website: charlenesketch.carrd.co; tip jar
3. shangluart
Edgy and detailed, this semi-realism technique is one you don’t come across every day. It’s as striking as it is mysterious. The artist behind this unique style is Carlos Belarmino, who also goes by the artist name shangluart.
She describes her style to be a blend of all the artists who inspired her to pursue digital illustrations. “It’s like combining all the flavours, fruits, or toppings, from your favourite desserts. The next thing you know, you’ve created a new flavour of dessert that you enjoy making,” she added. Carlos’ rates currently range from ₱500 to ₱1,000.
See more of shangluart’s works, rates, and follow her on these platforms:
Twitter: @shangluart
Instagram: @shangluart
Facebook: Shangluart
4. Patxi
A portrait illustration that’s perfect to hang in an apartment or studio is pretty much the first thing that comes to mind when looking at Patxi’s style. Patxi Punsalan, or Patxi for short, actually developed her pop art-inspired style from playing with her camera. From there, she started to see that the world was filled with “moments in motion” that she could capture with a simple click.
“Although I’m never without my camera, I discovered a new side to my creative identity with digital illustrations. With respect to light and shadows, my vision begins by breaking existing photographs down into layers with solid shapes and producing completely new, expressive, and detail-oriented art pieces,” she told TripZilla Philippines. Patxi’s rates currently range from ₱1,000 to ₱4,500 (prices may increase based on complexity of design).
See more of Patxi’s works, rates, and follow her Instagram.
Also read: 12 Aesthetic Retro Keyboards Available on Lazada
5. Jehnarts
Keeping her portraits soft and light, Jehniel Pangan, who also goes by Jehnarts, loves to express the feeling of warmth and calmness through her illustrations. Apart from that, she prefers to place distinct facial features on her portraits. “Big eyes, red button nose, and plump lips — those are some of the features that I usually like in my portraits. And if anyone asks what type of brushes I use, I’d say you can never go wrong with textured brushes!” she shared. Jehniel’s rates currently range from ₱1,500 to ₱2,500 (prices may increase based on complexity of design).
See more of Jehnart’s works, rates, and follow her on these platforms:
Twitter: @jehnarts
Instagram: @jehnarts
Website: jehnarts.carrd.co
6. daniberryyyyy
If you gravitate towards simple, sweet, and feminine illustrations, then you should check out Danielle Quiros’ work. Also known as daniberryyyyy, Dani considers herself a beginner artist and she continues to nurture her style much as you would a growing flower.
“I care for my artworks like a flower, in a sense that I still do things that can improve the portraits that I make. My artworks help make my sad days brighter thanks to the colours that I choose,” she said. Aside from portraits, Dani can illustrate your pets, your bias, and even your anime crushes! Her rates currently range from ₱170 to ₱330 (prices may increase based on complexity of design).
See more of daniberryyyyy’s works, rates, and follow her on these platforms:
Twitter: @daniberryyyyy
Instagram: @daniberryyyyy
Facebook: Daniberry Draws
7. Joie
Chic shouldn’t only be limited to describe a fashion style, but also an art style. At least, when it comes to Sarah Jose’s digital illustrations. Sarah, whose artist name is Joie, dabbles in stylised semi-realistic portraits that mainly consist of warm tones.
Her finished products always look impeccably clean, but like many illustrators, she doesn’t start that way. “I start off with a really messy sketch, figuring out the shapes of the subject, then I work my way to adding the details before I start rendering. I am most comfortable when applying my drawing style to portraits of real-life people,” she shared with TripZilla Philippines. Sarah’s rates currently range from ₱1,500 to ₱4,200 (prices may increase based on complexity of design).
See more of Joie’s works, rates, and follow her on these platforms:
Twitter: @painttoolsaie
Instagram: @painttoolsaie
Facebook: Joie
Website: painttoolsaie.carrd.co
8. Nicole Chavez Art
Pastel colours always make for clean backgrounds, and they’re especially popular to those who aren’t into loud, scene-stealing colours. You’ll find this concept of muted colour palettes prevalent throughout Nicole Chavez’s elegant portrait illustrations.
When it comes to portraits, Nicole likes experimenting to avoid producing carbon copies of the exact photo references. “I like experimenting with heavy shadows and details as well, so that’s why my portraits look more different over time. It’s all still pretty experimental overall, I’m also exploring more styles and working on various subjects that are different compared to the stuff I’ve been putting out before,” she told TripZilla Philippines. Nicole’s rates currently range from ₱500 to ₱1,100 (prices may increase based on complexity of design).
See more Nicole’s works, rates, and follow her on these platforms:
Instagram: @nicolechavezart
Behance: Nicole Chavez
Website: Nicole Chavez
9. midorikyrs
Ever wondered what you would look like reimagined into an otherworldly character? Maybe Krystel Valiente can help you there. Krystel, who also goes by midorikyrs, specialises in dramatic portraits, whether she’s illustrating humans or original characters. According to her, “I like to do ‘painterly’ renderings that are still soft in texture. I also like to use warm colours sometimes.” Krystel’s rates currently range from ₱900 to ₱1,200.
See more of midorikyrs’ works, rates, and follow her on these platforms:
Twitter: @midorikyrs
Instagram: @midorikyrs
Facebook: midorikyrs
10. Nami
When elegance meets cuteness, something utterly enchanting is born. Such is the style of Julia Tobias, also known as Nami to her followers. Julia loves drawing chibis just as much as she loves to illustrate semi-realism. At the same time, she bedazzles her illustrations with personal touches that reflect her personality.
“I also like incorporating dainty and whimsical elements in my works such as plants, flowers, clouds, and sparkles! I think they reflect my personality well and leave a lasting impression on my followers,” she told TripZilla Philippines. Julia’s rates currently range from ₱350 to ₱4,500 (prices may increase based on complexity of design).
See more of Nami’s works, rates, and follow her on these platforms:
Twitter: @namiirin_
Instagram: @namiirin
Website: namiirin.card.co
11. mugglebean
It’s quite enlightening to see illustrations that kick it old school, from the drawn out clothes down to the last colour shade. That’s what Justine Baguio’s illustrations have to offer and more. Justine, who goes by the artist name mugglebean, creates vintage portraits that are easy on the eyes.
In her own words, “My art style portrays soft features and a warm colour scheme with a touch of vintage hues that are comforting to the eyes. My style turns references and imagination into sweet and lovely characters; I also love to add cute details for aesthetic purposes and to show friendliness among art enthusiasts.” Justine’s rates currently range from ₱400 to ₱1,000 (prices may increase based on complexity of design).
See more of mugglebean’s works, rates, and follow her on these platforms:
Twitter: @mugglebean
Instagram: @mugglebeannn
Facebook: mugglebeann
12. Lily
Who says a feminine touch has to look fragile? Sure it can often look delicate but there’s strength in it too, and that’s something that Lily always strives to portray in her illustrations. She describes her art style as soft and delicate yet strong and ever-growing.
Sprinkled with “fantasy” accents, her portraits definitely steal the show. “Being a fan of fantasy stories, I like adding playful lighting as well as whimsical themes to add more interest to my art. Overall, I would say that my style is always a work in progress — a sweet combination of my developing artistic tastes and my own growing personality,” she told TripZilla Philippines. Lily’s rates currently range from ₱600 to ₱2,500 (prices may increase based on complexity of design).
See more of Lily’s works, rates, and follow her on these platforms:
Twitter: @siningnilily
Instagram: @siningnilily
13. mhaikkun
There’s really nothing like admiring pencil-like texture on digital illustrations. Match it with creamy pastel colours and you’ve got yourself a portrait that looks comforting as much as it is intricate. If this is your cup of tea, say hi to Mhai, who also goes by mhaikkun.
Despite the common elements found in her artworks, Mhai still plays with various styles depending on her vision. “My favourite colour palettes are definitely on the warmer side, with lots of pinks and yellows. I adore drawing smiles and creating illustrations that make people happy; but I still love challenging myself by trying out new styles, colour palettes, and digital rendering techniques!” she shared. Mhai’s rates range from ₱3,400 to ₱5,000 (prices may increase based on complexity of design).
See more of mhaikkun’s works, rates, and follow her on these platforms:
Twitter: @mhaikkun
Instagram: @mhaikkun
Facebook: mhaikkun
14. shami
Any artistic piece inspired by Disney will always result in something that can tug on our heartstrings. Mixed with a little bit of personal style and various inspirations, you get something that’s as charming as Shami’s illustrations.
“My art style is inspired by various artists I look up to. I always apply different techniques from different artists and the style used on Disney animations. My way of interpreting portraits is to break them into shapes and apply my own style according to my preferences, while of course taking into consideration the unique features people have,” Shami told TripZilla Philippines. Shami’s rates currently range from ₱500 to ₱3,200 (prices may increase based on complexity of design).
See more of Shami’s works, rates, and follow her on these platforms:
Twitter: @sa_shimiii
Instagram: @sa_shimiii
Ko-fi: shami
Website: shami.carrd.co
15. paintelle
Who wouldn’t look at these stylised cartoon illustrations and go “Awww!”? They remind us too much of our inner child; and for that, we have Gail, who also goes by the artist name of paintelle, to thank. Gail doesn’t shy away from creating cartoon illustrations, whether they’re icon headshots, full body illustrations, and even pet portraits. In her own words, “My art is mainly inspired by cute cartoon-like art styles and pastel colours, made with my love for textured brushes.” Gail’s rates currently range from ₱500 to ₱1,800 (prices may increase based on complexity of design).
See more of paintelle’s works, rates, and follow her on these platforms:
Twitter: @paintelle_
Instagram: @paintelle
Ko-fi: paintelle
16. tipaniart
As the saying goes, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and if you’re curious as to how your facial features standout to another person, let Tiffany Cariño illustrate her interpretation of you. Tiffany, otherwise known as tipaniart to her followers, uses the differences in everyone’s facial features as her style guide.
“Everyone’s faces are different, and I admire those differences. Drawing their faces based on how I perceive them is one of the things that I can do to show how beautiful they are through my eyes. The spark in their eyes isn’t always visible in photography and even through naked eyes; hence, I am glad to show it with my art,” she told TripZilla Philippines. Tiffany’s rates currently range from ₱100 to ₱1,200.
See more of tipaniart’s works, rates, and follow her on these platforms:
Twitter: @tipaniart
Instagram: @tipaniart ; IG gift shop @panengkit
Facebook: Tipaniart
17. ozowa
Perhaps the best kinds of portrait illustrations are also the ones that simply enhance natural beauty, sort of like makeup. So in case you’ve been looking for this type of approach in your own digital portrait, check out the artworks of Zoe Buesa, aka ozowa. Zoe’s style is clean semi-realism, and she can also draw cute icon headshots in a similar technique. According to her, “The models I draw are already gorgeous, my art just mirrors their beauty and turns them into the masterpiece versions of themselves.” Zoe’s rates currently range from ₱250 to ₱1,215 (prices may increase based on complexity of design).
See more of ozowa’s works, rates, and follow her on these platforms:
Twitter: @ozowa_
Instagram: @ozowaa_
Facebook: Oh Zoe
18. Lacunaorphic
Who would have thought that textures matched with acid colours could somehow give a feeling of authenticity and sentimentality to a portrait? Denise Aliana De Guzman, aka Lacunaorphic, loves to explore this art style to evoke such appealing emotions. “I love playing with textures and warm colours, especially with green! Incorporating the colour green and sparkles in my art gives me warm and nostalgic feelings,” she told TripZilla Philippines. Aliana’s rates currently range from ₱700 to ₱3,000 (prices may increase based on complexity of design).
See more of Lacunaorphic’s works, rates, and follow her on these platforms:
Twitter: @Lacunaorphic1
Instagram: @Lacunaorphic_
Facebook: Lacunaorphic
Also read: Must-Read Interview: Pinay Who Authored Children’s Book About Travel Will Inspire You
I’m sure that this list of talented and promising young PH illustrators doesn’t even scratch the surface. There is plenty more undiscovered fresh talent out there that not only specialise in portrait illustrations but also landscapes and merchandise art. It’s up to us to give them all the spotlight they deserve. Just enter #artph on your social media accounts, and you’re bound to find a PH artist whose works speak to you!
