We’re delighted to shine the spotlight on @leniepabelonia_, a Filipino multimedia artist known for her distinctive character illustrations, expressive portraits, and thoughtful approach to color and form.
As a self-taught artist, Lenie has built a recognizable visual style while continuously exploring different materials, techniques, and ways of drawing the human figure. Through both her artwork and tutorials, she shares not only the finished pieces, but also the learning, experimentation, and personal growth behind them. 🎨✨
1. Tell us a bit about yourself and your artistic journey. When did you begin developing the illustration style that feels most like your own?
I’m Lenie Pabelonia, a traditional and digital artist from the Philippines. Art has always been a big part of my life, but I started taking it more seriously during the pandemic in 2020. Like many artists, I struggled with consistency and self-confidence, but I kept practicing and tried to learn something from every piece I created.
At the time, I didn’t even have a proper sketchbook. I would draw in notebooks, on bond paper, and even on illustration boards, usually with just a regular pencil. The days during the pandemic felt very long, so I spent almost every day making art. I promised myself that within five years, I would grow as an artist and become more confident in what I could create. I worked really hard toward that goal.
Over time, I finally began developing a style that felt like my own and reflected who I am. My creative process can be messy, even when the final result looks clean and polished. I think what matters most to me is enjoying the process and allowing myself the freedom to explore without overthinking everything.
2. There’s a softness and slightly dreamy quality to a lot of your work. Where do you think that mood comes from, and is it something you create intentionally?
That quality developed quite naturally and wasn’t something I planned from the beginning. I don’t usually start a piece with the goal of making it look perfectly soft or dreamy. I simply focus on enjoying the creative process and following what feels right to me at the moment.
Sometimes, I don’t fully know how a piece will turn out until it is finished. I like being surprised by my own work, and I think that sense of freedom and curiosity is what gives my art its soft and dreamy feeling.
3. When you’re developing a character, what usually comes first for you: their appearance, personality, emotion, or a story you have in mind?
When I’m developing a character, the first idea usually comes from my imagination and the emotions I’m feeling at the time. I don’t always begin with a complete story or a clear picture of what the character should look like.
As I start drawing, their appearance and personality gradually reveal themselves. The character develops naturally through the emotions I put into the piece, so it often feels like I’m discovering who they are while I’m creating them.
4. What’s one piece you’re particularly proud of? Did creating it teach you anything new about yourself or your art?
(We’d love to include an image of the piece if possible!)
I love everything I create, so it’s difficult for me to choose one specific favorite. However, this piece featuring portraits of older people is one that I especially appreciate. I find their faces and features very unique, and that is what inspired me to portray them.
The references were simply photographs I found on Pinterest, but something about their faces immediately caught my attention. I wanted to draw them because, in a way, it allows them to live a little longer in my sketchbook. Nothing in this world is permanent, but art gives us a way to preserve the people, feelings, and small moments that might otherwise be forgotten.
This piece reminded me of how meaningful the existence of art can be. Artists have the ability to notice ordinary things, appreciate them, and make them feel special and lasting. There is a quote that says, “If an artist falls in love with you, you can never die,” and I think that perfectly expresses what this piece means to me.
5. Looking ahead, is there a particular project or creative goal you’re especially excited to work toward next?
At the moment, I don’t have one specific project or goal planned. I’m still open to exploring different ideas and seeing where my creativity takes me next.
For now, I want to continue making art, improving my skills, and enjoying the process without putting too much pressure on myself. I’m excited to see what I might create in the future, even if I don’t know exactly what that will be yet.
6. What has your experience been like using Ohuhu products in your creative process, and what has stood out to you most?
Using Ohuhu products has been such a colorful and enjoyable experience. I really love their quality and how much fun they bring to my creative process.
What stands out to me most is how smoothly the colors blend and transition into one another. I also love how rich and pigmented the colors are, which helps make my artwork feel more vibrant and expressive. Experimenting with the different colors has made the whole process even more exciting for me.
