“Keep on creating cause we are created to create.”
Don’t be afraid to pursue your passion, because your passion might be something that the world needs”– Queenie Dungo of qletters
Some consider art as a display to be looked at, a hobby, a business, or a fun thing to try when you’re not doing anything. But for others, art means more. It serves as an expression of one’s passion and a means to fulfill purpose. For Queenie Dungo, a calligrapher, watercolor artist, and the woman behind Qletters, art is something you can grow and evolve with. Art allows you to express and share your voice by creating beautiful pieces with deeper meaning.
Art as a hobby of an artistically inclined woman
Queenie has always been interested in art since she was young and would do different kinds of artwork. In 2016, she started doing calligraphy after seeing a quote that was artistically written in calligraphy.
Learning despite challenges
After seeing the calligraphy post on Instagram, she started searching for materials and brushes used for calligraphy. But because she had just graduated from college and was unemployed, the materials were too expensive for her to buy. So, she researched to find alternative materials she could use for calligraphy. She found out that Crayola markers are suited for beginners that’s why she was overjoyed when her aunt from abroad came and brought Crayola markers as a homecoming gift for the young ones in their family. Queenie started with Crayola markers and some cheap materials just to be able to start calligraphy. As she pursued her craft, she realized that art materials are important to produce good art. Using substandard art materials makes her work look lifeless and dull, and her watercolor painting is chalky. To improve her art, she eventually used brush pens and nib pens with ready ink.
Overcoming hindrances to pursue her passion
Faced with challenges in pursuing her passion, Queenie prayed whether to continue doing art or not. She even wondered if it was the right one for her to pursue and allowed God to lead her course. Events confirmed that she was on the right track, as she was always able to manage the struggles she encountered. Her challenges led her to grow, and be more creative, skilled, and resourceful.
Queenie is a self-taught calligrapher. She learned the art without a mentor nor have attended any workshops. Her room became her learning area and workspace. Since she could not afford to enroll in any workshops, she patiently looked for resources that could help her learn watercolor painting and calligraphy. Although it was initially hard for her, she persevered and believed that practice makes progress. She watched tutorial videos on YouTube, followed watercolor artists on Instagram, and practiced until she learned. She also researched the materials she could use to improve her craft. Every time she completed an artwork she would post it on her wall thus making her room look like her gallery.
Evolving to watercolor painting
Initially, Queenie intended to learn calligraphy only, however, she realized her lettering would look better if it featured watercolor painting. As she practiced watercolor floral painting, she found herself enjoying the art because it allowed her creativity to flow and play with colors.
Art as a therapy
Queenie used to do calligraphy intermittently. She would only paint when she felt like doing it or when something had inspired her to create. When she suffered from depression and anxiety, she started taking art seriously. When her doctor said she needed an outlet and something that would keep her occupied and busy, she instantly thought of doing calligraphy and watercolor painting. For her, doing art is effective in coping with her anxiety.
Art as a means to inspire others
Having produced several pieces already, Queenie eventually created an Instagram account and posted some of her works on it. She was more motivated to share her art pieces on social media when someone told her that she was encouraged after seeing her posts. Queenie appreciates and is encouraged when she reads comments and messages like “Thank you, I needed this today”. She finds fulfillment in doing her art when people are encouraged by it.
Passion as a theme, motivation, and ingredient for uniqueness
Being a natural artist, Queenie doesn’t create just to impress others, or focus on gaining followers or likes. The themes of Queenie’s artworks are mostly bible verses and encouraging words. She believes that art is a powerful language and speaks to us, hence, she intends that her posters are not just displays but good reminders too. She wanted to use her talent to give glory to God and encourage others as well. In her own words, she shared,
“I want to use yung talent na binigay ni God for me for others, na ma encourage sila, and for His glory”
“I want to use the talent that God has given me for others, to encourage them, and for His (God’s) glory.”
Inspiration triggers and creative fatigue
Queenie also experiences creative fatigue when she paints every day, that’s why she believes that taking a break once in a while is helpful. When Queenie feels that God speaks to her through bible verses or a quote has impacted her, she immediately does lettering about it so she won’t forget it. Queenie also gets inspiration from other artists and some floral and nature-themed artworks from Pinterest.
Art as a trade
Though Queenie started doing art as a hobby, opportunities eventually came, hence became her bread and butter. People who knew her recognized her talent and became her initial clients. When she made her Instagram account, she was overwhelmed that despite being new and only having a few followers, she received messages from different people inviting her to collaborate. Eventually, some companies from abroad noticed her work and collaborated with her. It was then that she realized that you do not need many likes on social media to be noticed. You just have to create something that will have an impact on people. At present, Queenie keeps on honing her skills to produce more creative pieces for her business. She sells merchandise and also designs invitations, wedding signage, wall prints, and customized souvenirs. She also thought of conducting workshops in the future.
Words of encouragement for budding artists
Queenie can relate to budding artists, as she was once like them. Her limitations have enabled her to be resourceful. YouTube became her online classroom, Pinterest served as a book for inspiration, and Instagram as her portfolio to present and share her works. Although Queenie is a self-taught calligrapher and watercolor artist, she still believes that it is good to have a mentor and attend workshops if you have a budget. She shared that beginners could learn calligraphy and watercolor painting on sites like Skillshare.
Through her experience, she realized the importance of investing in good quality art materials because it will enable you to produce exquisite artwork. When asked about her advice to those who want to get into arts, she mentioned the importance of practicing and continual learning. Although she knows that it can be challenging at first, she emphasized that one should not give up because patience is the key. She also pointed out the significance of having the right motivation. Lastly, she said…
“Never compare your work to others, madi-discourage ka lang. And if you’re planning to post them online, don’t be motivated by likes, comments, or gaining followers. Keep on creating cause we are created to create.”
“Never compare your work to others, you will just be disappointed. And if you’re planning to post them online, don’t be motivated by likes, comments, or gaining followers. Keep on creating cause we are created to create.”
Queenie believes that we should not be passion-oriented only but we must have a purpose as well. Passion is important to motivate you to do what you ought to do in life. The courage to pursue your passion is also crucial to keep you going despite the hurdles. Remember that your passion might be something that the world needs. Just like in Queenie’s journey, she persisted and never stopped learning despite challenging circumstances. She persevered to be better for her wellness and her craft. She opted to remain true to herself, her passion, and her purpose. She believes that if you create something meaningful, something that has a purpose, and something that will have an impact on people, your works will speak for you and eventually be recognized.
Q letters by Queenie
Quennie is open to collaboration and commissions. She does calligraphy, watercolor painting, posters, glass lettering, embossed mugs and tumblers, and custom-made invitations. At present, she isn’t yet conducting any online or onsite workshops. Some of her artworks are available for purchase at the hecommandment.co under the name Q Dungo. To follow Queenie on social media you can check out @qletters on Instagram. To get in touch with her you can email her at qletters0@gmail.com or message her on Instagram.
You can also buy her merchandise at shopee.ph/mayblooms.art. To check out updates and the latest artsy products from her you can visit @mayblooms.art on IG.
Ciele 