We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dar San Agustin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dar, appreciate you joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

Honestly, it wasn’t like that from day one. I actually started out with a hobby—photography and doing aerial arts—and from there, a few friends who were also into it asked me to take photos of them. Back then, I was just having fun with it and didn’t really see the monetary value. It was purely out of passion. I loved the concept of creating Renaissance-inspired images—models in the clouds, highlighting their form, kind of like how classical paintings did. That’s when I thought about combining this concept with aerial and pole photography.

It was such a hands-on process for me. I would style the models from head to toe—makeup, clothes, accessories—you name it. I even made halo crowns and wings for them to wear, really bringing that heavenly vibe to life. It wasn’t until people started reaching out and inquiring about the theme and style that I realized there was real interest in it.

From there, I had some incredible opportunities to collaborate with other artists. We worked together to make those visions a reality, like the Wonderland and Twisted shoots, which were such a big hit that we had to extend the shoots to two days just to accommodate everyone. I was genuinely surprised at how much the concept resonated with people.

This all took place in the Philippines, by the way. I collaborated with amazing people like Liyan Aprieto for set design and shot at Elite Aerial Arts studio. That’s when it clicked for me—I could actually make a living from something that started purely from my passion and a hobby.

Now, I’ve taken it a step further. I’ve started mixing my photography work with physical artwork. For example, I print these Renaissance-inspired images using inkjet over gold metal leaf on film, which transforms them into physical pieces of art. So in a way, it’s come full circle—from photography to creating something tangible that people can collect.

Looking back, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of staying true to your vision, but also being open to collaboration. A lot of my best work came from teaming up with other amazing artists who brought new ideas and skills to the table. It wasn’t always easy, though—learning to balance the creative process with the business side of things, like pricing and organizing large shoots, was definitely a challenge at first.

Now, I’m excited about the future of my work, especially combining photography and fine art prints. I’m looking to expand on these Renaissance-inspired aerial concepts and take them to different mediums and venues. I want to push the boundaries of what aerial art/ pole can be and bring more attention to the strength, beauty, and form of the human body in motion.

If I could give one piece of advice to aspiring creatives, it would be to follow what excites you—even if it starts out as just a hobby. You never know where it might lead. And don’t be afraid to collaborate and learn from others along the way, because that’s where the magic really happens.

Dar, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hey, I’m Dar San Agustin. I’m originally from Manila, Philippines, and I’m currently finishing my MFA at CalArts (California Institute of the Arts). My work is really influenced by my personal experiences and my cultural background. I explore themes like Filipino folklore, superstitions, gender identity, female empowerment, and body positivity—subjects that are close to my heart. I like to experiment a lot in my work, using non-traditional processes like cyanotype, Van Dyke, and casein printing, along with photography, collage, and installations.

My journey into art actually started through photography, but it’s expanded into many different directions. While I’m currently focused on installations and printmaking as part of my MFA work, I’m also very passionate about aerial and pole photography. That began from my own hobby of practicing aerial arts, and it grew into a unique way for me to capture the beauty and strength of the human body in motion.

What I think sets me apart is how I blend different elements—cultural narratives, visual aesthetics, and personal themes—into everything I do. Whether I’m working on a aerial/pole photoshoot or an installation, I want my work to start conversations. I love mixing old-world beauty with modern techniques, like printing aerial images over gold metal leaf, which transforms the photographs into fine art.

At the end of the day, whether someone is seeing my work as a photograph or as part of an installation, I want them to walk away thinking a bit deeper about their world. I want them to see that art, just like life, is layered and complex. I’m most proud of how my work speaks to those layers, whether I’m exploring cultural identity or celebrating the strength of the human form.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

One thing I really wish I had done sooner in my creative journey is seeking out mentors beyond the school environment. Back then, all I knew was what I learned in school, and I didn’t fully realize how transformative having the right mentors could be.

I remember once applying for a photography apprenticeship without much thought. I saw the opportunity and jumped in immediately because apprenticeships in photography felt rare at the time. I was really doing it more for the experience, and I did learn a lot of skills which helped me later on.

But looking back, I wish I had taken the time after that to further seek out mentors whose work resonated with me – people who could guide me toward my creative goals. I’ve since learned that there are so many artists who are willing to teach and share their knowledge—you just have to reach out. Finding the right mentors can shape your path in ways that school alone can’t, and I wish I had realized that sooner.

Now, I always advise others to look for mentors who not only have the skills but the vision that aligns with where they want to go. It’s such a valuable part of the creative journey, and I’ve found it to be a critical component in my own growth.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was chasing money too much. There was a point in my career when I got caught up in pursuing monetary rewards, and it ended up becoming a bad cycle for me.

The backstory: I used to work for a wedding photographer, and while it was a lucrative job, the hours were brutal. Yes, I was earning well, but it led to serious burnout. I had no social life, no time for personal creative projects, and I couldn’t explore or express myself as an artist. The irony was that even though I was making money, a lot of it went to de-stressing and recovering—whether that meant taking care of myself or maintaining my photography gear. It became a cycle of working just to keep myself going.

Eventually, I realized that money isn’t everything. I believe that when you’re passionate about your work, money and opportunity will naturally come to you. Yes, we need money to sustain ourselves, but I’ve found that what matters most is striking a balance—enough to live comfortably while maintaining a happy, fulfilling creative life. I don’t need to chase after more than that. Now, as a full creative, I’ve found that balance. I have time for my own projects, I’m part of a community that shares my passions, and I feel more fulfilled because I can express myself through my art.

Unlearning the idea that success equals chasing money was a game-changer for me, and I’m much happier now because of it. I’ve learned that it’s not about making the most, it’s about making enough to sustain both your life and your creativity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://photographsbydar.wixsite.com/portfolio
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photographsbydar and https://www.instagram.com/aerialportraitsbydar/

Image Credits

Personal photo taken by Rafael Hernandez-Ispache