Becoming an artist is a wild ride. It’s like skydiving but instead of a parachute, you’ve got your paintbrush, pen, or guitar—and you’re praying it’ll catch the wind.
Now, imagine doing that in the Philippines, where "art" sometimes feels like it’s appreciated only as an Instagram post or a backdrop for selfies.
But trust me, creative souls, it can be done!
Making a living as a Filipino artist is not just possible; it’s absolutely achievable if you’ve got the right mindset, systems, and strategies.
In this article, I’ll share juicy insider tips, some personal anecdotes (looking at you, 3 a.m. art deadlines), and actionable steps to help you thrive as an artist in the Pearl of the Orient Seas.
🌺 Let’s dive in!
1. Embrace the Filipino Hustle Mentality 🏋️♂️💪
First things first: being a Filipino artist means you’ve got your work cut out for you.
Let’s face it—there’s a certain stigma around pursuing art as a “real job.”
You’ve probably heard someone say, “Paano ka kakain niyan?” (How will that feed you?) more times than you can count.
Instead of letting that drag you down, use it to fuel you.
We Filipinos are natural hustlers. From sari-sari store owners to tricycle drivers, we know how to grind.
Channel that energy into your art career. Here’s how:
- Be versatile. 💡 No one’s saying you have to sell out, but in the beginning, you might have to juggle different gigs. For example, if you’re a painter, try venturing into digital commissions, murals, or even teaching art workshops.
- Learn to pivot. 🌀 If one avenue isn’t working, don’t be afraid to try something new. Maybe selling physical art isn’t moving the needle, but digital prints or NFTs might. Experimentation is key!
2. Build a Rock-Solid System for Your Art Business 🏗️
Yes, you read that right—business.
To make a living as an artist, you’ve got to treat your craft like a startup.
That means systems, structure, and a little bit of elbow grease.
Here’s a blueprint:
Showcase your art in marketplaces ✨
You should list your artwork in art marketplaces like ObraMaestra, where you can highlight your work and meet potential buyers.
ObraMaestra is the perfect place to network with fellow artists for collaboration and connect with art collectors for commissions.
ObraMaestra stands out by offering features tailor-made to fuel an artist’s growth.
1. Built-in messaging system 💬
You can chat with potential collectors or fellow artists in real time—no more waiting days for an email reply.
2. Auction feature 🔼
Let your biggest fans and collectors go head-to-head in bidding wars, driving up the price of your most coveted works.
It’s a thrilling experience—like watching a local cockfight, except the prize is your painting, and nobody gets hurt! 😀
3. Featured listings ⭐
Lastly, to address the age-old problem of “how do I get people to actually see my art?” ObraMaestra offers featured listings.
This function is pure gold for artists hungry for visibility. By becoming a featured listing, your works appear front and center, giving you more eyeballs, likes, shares, and ultimately, offers.
Set Up a Portfolio Website 🌐
You need a digital home for your work.
Sure, Instagram is great, but a website screams professionalism.
- Include high-quality images of your work.
- Add a short bio that highlights your journey and artistic style.
- Don’t forget a contact form for potential clients or collaborations.
Create Multiple Income Streams 💸
Relying on just one source of income is a no-go.
Here are some ideas to diversify:
- Commissions: Offer custom art for clients.
- Merchandise: Sell prints, stickers, or even tote bags featuring your work.
- Workshops: Teach your craft to aspiring artists.
- Freelancing: Explore gigs like graphic design or illustration projects.
Automate Where You Can 🤖
Time is money, my friend.
Automation tools like Zapier can even help you streamline repetitive tasks like social media posting.
3. Master the Art of Self-Promotion 📣✨
Let’s address the elephant in the room: promoting yourself can feel cringe-worthy.
I get it—Filipino culture values humility, and shouting about your accomplishments might feel uncomfy.
But if you want to eat (and maybe even thrive), you’ve got to put yourself out there.
Here’s how to do it without feeling sleazy:
Use Social Media Like a Pro 📲
The Philippines is the social media capital of the world, so use that to your advantage!
Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are perfect for showcasing your work.
- Post regularly and engage with your audience. (Pro tip: Use hashtags like #FilipinoArtist or #SupportLocal to boost visibility.)
- Share behind-the-scenes content. People love seeing the process, not just the final product.
- Collaborate with influencers or fellow artists to expand your reach.
Network, Network, Network 🤝
Building connections is just as important as building your portfolio.
Attend art fairs, join local art groups, or even participate in online forums.
Remember, every interaction is an opportunity.
- Join groups like Art Association of the Philippines.
- Attend events like Art Fair Philippines or Komiket.
- Collaborate with local businesses to display your work.
4. Cultivate a Resilient Mindset 🧠💡
Let me tell you a quick story: I once poured my heart and soul into a piece for a client only for them to ghost me at the last minute.
Yup, no payment, no explanation—just radio silence.
It stung, but it also taught me one of the most valuable lessons: resilience.
As an artist, you’ll face rejection, criticism, and dry spells. The key is to keep going.
Here’s how:
- Celebrate small wins. Did you sell your first print? Land a small commission? Treat yourself to a milk tea because every step counts!
- Learn from feedback. Not all criticism is bad. Use it to improve your craft.
- Take breaks. Burnout is real. Don’t be afraid to rest and recharge.
5. Leverage the Filipino Culture in Your Art 🌏🎭
One of the best things about being a Filipino artist is our rich culture. Tap into that!
Whether it’s traditional folklore, vibrant festivals, or the stunning landscapes of the Philippines, there’s no shortage of inspiration.
- Infuse local elements into your work. Think bahay kubo, carabao, or even jeepneys. These elements resonate deeply with Filipinos and make your art uniquely yours.
- Collaborate with local artisans. Partnering with weavers, sculptors, or craftspeople can open up new creative avenues.
6. Price Your Work Like a Pro 💰🎨
Ah, pricing—every artist’s nightmare.
Too low, and you feel undervalued; too high, and clients might ghost you.
Here’s a quick formula to help:
- Calculate your costs (materials, time, and overhead).
- Add a markup for your skill and experience.
- Don’t forget to factor in taxes (yes, BIR is watching 👀).
Pro Tip: Look into local pricing benchmarks. For example, digital illustrations might start at ₱2,000, while custom paintings could go for ₱10,000 or more, depending on complexity.
7. Stay Inspired and Keep Evolving 🌟
Finally, remember that art is a journey, not a destination.
Stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to evolve.
Here are some ways to stay inspired:
- Follow other Filipino artists like Monnar Baldemor, Levi Yu, or even contemporary creatives like Dex Fernandez.
- Travel locally. The Philippines is brimming with inspiration, from the beaches of Palawan to the mountains of Sagada.
- Take online courses or attend workshops to sharpen your skills.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This, Kaibigan! 🫶
Making a living as a Filipino artist isn’t a walk in Rizal Park, but it’s far from impossible.
With the right mindset, systems, and a relentless passion for your craft, you can thrive in this creative world.
Remember, every masterpiece starts with a single stroke—so pick up that brush, pen, or tablet, and get to work!
Got any tips or experiences to share?
Visit our social media pages and introduce yourself—let’s inspire each other. 🌟
Mabuhay ang sining! 🇵🇭🎨
