In a world where art is often seen as either an elite privilege or an undervalued hustle, Art by Minaenae is carving out a space where passion meets accessibility. Founded by digital artist and entrepreneur Mina Aglipay, the studio is a testament to resilience, sacrifice, and the unwavering belief that creativity belongs to everyone.
The Struggles Behind the Studio
Mina’s journey into the art world wasn’t easy. Pursuing a career in digital art wasn’t initially supported by her family, who saw it as an unstable path. “I had to fight for this,” she says. “I had to prove that art isn’t just a hobby; it can be a way to build something real.” With no financial backing and a mountain of self-doubt, she started small—taking commissions, working odd jobs, and reinvesting everything into her craft.
The idea of a studio wasn’t just a dream; it was a necessity. “I’ve been a freelance artist, and most studios are really expensive. I wanted a space that was budget-friendly but perfect for small-scale production. You don’t need a big prod to create something impactful.” The turning point came when her father, an artist himself, decided to help her build the space—literally—with his own hands. “He gave me a chance, and now, here we are.”
Making Art Affordable and Accessible
At its core, Art by Minaenae is about making high-quality art accessible—not just for clients but for aspiring artists who often feel priced out of the industry. “I know what it’s like to struggle for resources, so I make sure no one who genuinely wants to learn gets turned away,” Mina shares.
Beyond commissions and productions, Mina also takes on apprentices, offering mentorship to those who, like her, were once searching for guidance. “There are artists out there waiting for a mentor, for someone to believe in them. I want to be that person.”
Mina’s artistic vision is deeply rooted in underground creative spaces. A dancer and visual artist, she found herself drawn to the raw, unpolished beauty of hidden gems—talented individuals overlooked by the mainstream. “I’ve always been inspired by female R&B artists, zine culture, and the indie art scene. It’s about creating something meaningful, not just following trends.”
Her work blends conceptual storytelling with a hands-on DIY ethic, making Art by Minaenae a hub for out-of-the-box collaborations. “I don’t just work in one medium. I do on-site productions, murals, and conceptual shoots. It’s about pushing creative boundaries.”
Sacrifices and Successes
Building Art by Minaenae wasn’t without sacrifices. Mina left a stable job, stepped away from the competitive dance community, and even strained relationships along the way. “I had to trust myself. I knew this wasn’t just a hobby. It was something bigger.”
Many people didn’t believe in her vision at first. “Friends called me weird. Seniors didn’t take me seriously. Some treated me like a kid. But I kept going.” Now, three years since opening her physical studio, she’s proving the doubters wrong. Art by Minaenae has collaborated with local brands and even celebrities. “I’ve done everything—from concept to shoot to final render—as a one-woman team. It’s exhausting, but it’s a good kind of exhausting.”
Despite the hardships, Mina sees the journey as rewarding. “My biggest achievement? Turning this into my bread and butter in 2023. I built this from nothing, and now it’s real. That’s the magic of it.”
For Mina, success isn’t measured in numbers but in impact. “If even one artist finds the courage to keep going because of what we do here, that’s enough for me.”
Art by Minaenae isn’t just a studio—it’s a movement, proving that art, at its core, belongs to everyone.
