Your Cart is empty
Name: Keith C. Bueno
Location: Metro Manila
Filipino Artist Profile: Keith C. Bueno
Creating something that comes from your heart is never easy. You need to deep dive into who you are, confront your fears, and discover what makes you distinct from everyone else. For Keith Bueno, the outcome of that process is Craiglligraphy. Using her art as a vehicle, she gets to create and inspire people to the more beautiful side of life. Learn more about how this artist started and the kind of art she can give you.
How did your journey as an artist begin?
This is one of the most frequent questions I get every time. All I can say is that my parents always tell me that I started doing art ever since I was a kid! And the favorite subject that I love to draw is SMALL CIRCLES! I don't know why but, they always laugh at me because I put all of my effort into doing those circles. And then as I got into regular schooling, I wasn't able to focus on the arts that much because we had a different mindset before.
Then I was homeschooled in 7th grade, we were surprised by how the teachers encourage students to focus on their passion more. In 2015, I saw Abbey Sy's book of hand lettering. I got interested in it, so I bought it, tried to do some sketches, and fast-forward to what I am today! Ever since, I have only attended short courses and was able to put up my own business and focus on my career more! And I am very proud that my parents supported me in my decision.
How did you come up with Craiglligraphy for your brand name?
My brand name is what I am most proud of! I want to start off with my whole name first. My name is Keith C. Bueno ( Yes, I have a boy's name and I am a girl). My middle name "C" is CRAIG, and if you are wondering if it is a foreign name, yes it is! My grandfather is Scottish, my mom is a half/half, and that makes me a 1/4 Scottish! Then I added -LLIGRAPHY the CRAIG to make it sound like CALLIGRAPHY but to make it unique it is CRAIGLLIGRAPHY!
What is your favorite subject to create, and why?
That would be, flowers, bible verses, and inspirational quotes. If I don't know what to add to my art, I would go for different colors and types that would still go well with each other.
How would you describe your style?
For my style, I would say it is applicable to different age groups that make me unique in that somehow kids love my work. I have been thinking about that actually these past few days because I haven't got a feeling of CRAIGLLIGRAPHY STYLE. Because when you say Abbey Sy style, you know that it’ll be an aesthetically, swashy type of art.
When you say Simon Dee style, it is like a graffiti style, something like that. But for me, my style now, I would say it would be calming. When you read or see my art, you will feel calm, at ease, that everything's going to be okay style.
Every artist has that one creation they're proud of the most. For you, what is that piece and why?
My most favorite piece would be this 'Mystic Pop Up Bar Fan Art' because it is my very first time using my art tablet to do a digital painting (because I use it often in calligraphy) "Mystic Pop-Up bar" is a short Korean drama wherein the intro spill is made up of miniature things. As soon as I saw the introduction's ending, I said to myself that I wanted to try to draw it digitally, and it came out what I wanted it to become. It is also because I have known myself being impatient in doing detailed art, that's why I almost gave up on it but I didn't so I was able to finish this for three nights. And I am very proud of it.
What are the struggles you encounter as an artist?
As far as I can remember the struggles I encounter as an artist is ART BLOCK. Last year was a total art block for me, I don't know why, it's just I don't feel like doing art. Even when I try to, I hate the outcome of it. The next one would be, what I call high's and low's of monetizing your artworks; a season of many clients and a few to none.
It is a struggle to me before but I was able to understand that life can't be always high, sometimes you need to go through the low to reflect on, know what to upgrade and you'll definitely get your shot again, in God's perfect time.
What is the most important achievement you've accomplished as an artist?
The most important achievement that I have accomplished and still ongoing, is that I am able to bless and inspire many people because of my artworks. That, with even only 1 like on a social media post, I am grateful already. Second, is being able to help my family in our/their needs. It has always been a goal for me to be able to help others spiritually and financially.
What are the strengths that you possess as an artist?
The strengths that I would think of would be I am fast. I can create art within a short amount of time for a client if I really know what type of design he/she wants. If I haven't think about the output yet, it would take me a day to brainstorm. In brainstorming, I usually just go outside or listen to my favorite music setlist just to have a feeling and inspiration for the art.
What do people say about your designs?
This is what I love about my career. I am just a small calligraphy artist, and a simple "I LOVE YOUR WORK" or "YOUR ART IS PRETTY" or the people who don’t like my posts every day, but when we meet they would mention my artworks, hearing it would make my heart flutter and encourage me to do more!
How do you handle criticisms directed towards your works?
For this one, it depends on my type of criticism but I try not to let any of it affect me. I haven't experienced some direct criticisms these past few years, but hard to please clients is more often. I would still do my best in creating a new output, but if it still fails after two or three times, that is when I get help from my parents about it and know what to change in the output. I usually get their opinions first on the output before I send it just to make sure it is okay to send it already, bug for constructive criticisms, I certainly take it into consideration.
Are you more comfortable working alone, or do you prefer being a part of a group?
Before I am more comfortable working alone since I feel very nervous about doing live when someone's watching. I often do a mistake because of my nervousness. But when I thought of having a live personal art back when bazaars are a big hit, I was able to step out of my comfort zone and I was able to create art even when they are watching. What I do now is I still draft it in pencil to minimize mistakes.
Do you have any advice for talented individuals who are about to start their journey towards becoming an artist?
My advice for young talented individuals is to KEEP ON PRACTICING. There may be a time when you feel like you can't create art for the day, it's okay, take a rest, spend time with your family, listen to music, do other things you love to do aside from making art, then inspiration will come to you. When I experience art blocks from time to time, I always pray this "Come Holy Spirit and guide me in whatever art I may do today, may it bless me and bless others who may see my work. I thank you Lord for my talent that I may be able to help other people through this art." A simple prayer is powerful, especially when it comes from your heart. Keep on creating art from the heart!
How did you know about Merchiful, and why did you choose it as the platform of your designs?
I have known Merchiful because of my mentor @Jewie's Art Space. She is one of the reasons why I strive hard in creating art. I have known her and her family since we first got into Homeschooling! I asked her about your company and then I gave it a try. I have been active in many other online stores that are based in the U.S. and I haven't heard of any other companies that are based here. So I am very excited that Merchiful is a local company here so that I could be able to reach out to more people with my talent and I would be able to recommend it to my friends and relatives. Thank you so much Merchiful for giving me a chance! And to Ma'am Marie and Ma'am Gelai, thank you for being patient with me in editing my shop! Hope to be able to meet you all soon.
What can Merchiful customers expect from you?
I am very excited to be part of this platform dedicated to the Philippine market and may it encourage more artists. And to my Merchiful friends, you will be getting more pretty and inspiring artworks from Craiglligraphy regularly here on Merchiful. So get your eyes and hearts ready as you will be blessed with the designs that will be uploaded soon. God Bless you!
Make Keith’s art a part of your everyday routine. Find more of her work here in Merchiful and discover how inspiring Craiglligraphy can be. You can also check out her work on these social media platforms.
Merchiful Shop: https://www.merchiful.com/pages/craiglligraphy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Craiglligraphy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keith.bueno/?hl=en
