A visual artist and calligrapher known for her freestyle lettering, Anina Rubio's works have appeared in the independent film Sakaling Hindi Makarating and various local and international brand collaborations. She shares her passion through workshops as well.
In this interview, she shares the things that inspire her and a personal mantra to start her day right.
Anina Rubio painting in progress.
Tell us a bit about yourself. When and how did you get started with art?
I'm a freelance visual artist who gets inspiration from nature and the outdoors. My works usually reflect my life mantras and color schemes / overall vibe from my surroundings—like sunsets, underwater life, gardens, etc. I've always been interested in the arts like how one loves and hates rain at the same time.
Are you a full-time artist? What made you take the leap to pursue art full-time?
Yes, I am a full-time artist. Generally speaking, I like taking risks. So when life was throwing me in constant career roller-coaster rides, I just decided to get off and take a leap of faith. I'm always after inner peace and happiness so when I found myself stuck in a work that's making me weary, unproductive, and unhappy—then that's when I knew it was time to quit.
An abstract work in moody hues.
Describe your typical day. Do you have a daily ritual to keep you productive and motivated?
My typical day starts with a mantra:
"Today is going to be awesome."
Good music and dark chocolates bundled with coffee get me going on stressful days. I take breaks in between long hours of work to give my brain and body a quick refresher.
What does your workspace look like?
My workspace is mostly white, black, and wood—to give that nature vibe. My desk can be a mess on most days, but I always make sure to end the day fixing everything.
Anina's monochromatic workspace.
Tell us about your art. Has your style evolved since you started making art?
I liked black a lot and when I was starting; my works were very monochromatic. I'm very experimental with style, and I want to make sure that everything evolves all the time. Now, you'll see my works gravitating towards colors. The mood can vary with the season, too. I used to have a gloomy/moody palette of colors during winter/fall days, but now it's mostly tropical or sunset colors. It depends, really. My artworks are inclined to geometry, botany, and typography.
Take us through your creative process. How do you go from a blank page to a finished piece?
Here's my default process:
- Research
- Study
- Draft
- Revise
- Do the final artwork
Artworks for indie film Sakaling Hindi Makarating.
Share your favorite milestone in your journey as an artist.
MY favorite milestone is having my artworks take part in a film! I painted a bunch of postcards and wrote some letters for the indie film Sakaling Hindi Makarating.
Can you share one important decision you made that completely changed your life or led you closer to where you are now?
I can sum it up in three words: take a risk.
Anina and her signature lettering and botanical illustration.
What are you excited about today? Any upcoming projects/events you want to share?
I'm excited about learning more techniques and creating more works of art. Upcoming projects involve a book, murals, and collaborations with brands. I'll post it across my social media accounts when it's already allowed.