Art, in its diverse form and meaning, has been utilized by humanity for a wide range of purposes. Illustrations of identity, exhibits of expression, establishing influence, and connection to the world – the long list goes on, limitless as it always will be. 

​

In the time of pandemic, every day presents a struggle after another and for whatever existing reason, we are, somehow, wired to stretch ourselves out in order to fit the shape of any situation. Even in this narrative, art is involved. As resources have gone a serious turn, art commissioning has been the way for some of our fellow iskolars to provide for themselves. 

​

Karla Angela Banzuelo, a 20-year-old journalism student, is one of the many who put her skills up to business. Juggling academics, work and personal endeavors have been her life since her younger years. Determined to provide for her family after losing her father, Karla started accepting homeworks at the age of 11 in exchange for school supplies and art materials. 

​

“He was a security guard in a big company, and the only provider of our family. When he died, the first thing that came to my mind was how I would be able to earn money.”

​

Honing her craft as years go by, she has made commissions from scrapbook and portfolio designs to portraits and digital art. She also tried accepting paper crafts, formal letters and scripts, and even styling for events as needs increased when she entered senior high school. 

​

“Bigger challenges came when I entered PUP Senior High School in 2016. I continued accepting writing commissions for students... I made several paper art crafts like flower bouquets, envelopes for special events, and explosion boxes with handwritten letters. I also entered event styling for birthdays, weddings, and other special occasions. All these work helped me survive senior high school.”

​

After hitting a pause due to hectic schedules and tons of requirements in college, Karla had only started accepting commissions again as the pandemic greatly affected their financial situation. Currently, she sells stickers online and accepts digital arts on her page, Art by Karlalily, wherein most of her requests are from international clients. She was also hired by an international YouTube channel where she works as a video editor. 

​

As grateful as she is for her growing business, she also has her fair share of doubts and breakdowns posted by the pressure of providing for her family and herself. 

​

”It's really hard to manage academics, work, business, and commissions all at the same time but I need to earn money to support my studies and help provide my family’s necessities. I also experienced having breakdowns and other mental health issues... My only motivation is our current situation and my father’s death.”

​

Bounded by passion and sense of responsibility, Karla strives to continue doing her craft amidst all hardships and uncertainties. According to her, she owes it to the people who constantly support her. Motivated by his father’s virtue, she also shows gratitude by extending herself through giving donations. 

​

“I keep on doing art, not only for myself but also for the people who support me…  A part of my income from commissions and online business will be donated to those who are greatly affected by the pandemic. I learned from my late father that whenever there’s an excess, share it to those who have none. He taught me the value of being kind and not letting our own struggles hinder us from helping others.”

​

Another isko who found his way to the business is Kenosis Willer Capistrano, 20, from the Department of Communication Research. Aspiring to further establish his brand, Kenosis’ hunger for self-improvement pushes him to pursue his art journey. 

​

“I officially started accepting commissioned totebag paintings this January 2020. This year, I was able to open my Facebook art page, Guhitkineso, where I openly post my commissioned artworks on totebags and portraits on special papers”

​

Motivated by the satisfaction of his clients and self-fulfillment, Kenosis aimed more, knowing that his works have built meaningful outcomes. The pressure of creating a unique art style occupied his mind for some time until he was given the opportunity to work for a known brand. 

​

“I will never forget the time when I collaborated with Converse Philippines in one of their events. During that night, I was able to personalize totebags of Instagram personalities and paint on the jackets of some celebrities present in the party.”

​

More than earning an additional allowance budget, Kenosis shared how his love for the country drives him to better his craft. Opinionated as the youth he is, aiming to be heard through his visuals paves his way of art. 

​

“I want to use art as a platform to voice out the opinion of the youth and color my piece with activism. When I become known, I want to create art works reflecting the state of the nation in the hands of incompetent administration.”

​

He expanded his reach through online art communities such as Artist Na Di Naliligo, Guhit Potato, Mga KAGUHIT, PH Artist for Hire, and Kalma Artist Tayo. As this pandemic stirred up attention and interest in art commissioning, he firmly emphasizes the call for artists-appreciation. 

​

“I want to give emphasis to a culture in the Philippines where people look down on us (artists) and do not give so much value to the field of art. It's hard to put a price on your service with the fear of not getting any commission.”

​

Karla and Kenosis are only two of the countless local artists who are making such an effort to flourish their ventures. Given the circumstances, it is laudable that they have found an avenue to pursue what they are passionate about and at the same time, sustain their needs.

​

As much as compliments flutter the heart, respecting their craft and setting proper compensation would be the best way to admire them because for artists, it is not just an output they give away but a piece of themselves they have refined for the longest time.

​

​