We recently connected with Alyssa and have shared our conversation below.

Alyssa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

To be honest, I started learning to paint on my own back in high school. I was really drawn to it, so I spent a lot of time practicing independently. Later, I pursued a Fine Arts degree in college, which helped me refine my skills and deepen my understanding of painting and drawing. That’s where I learned proper techniques, how to use brushes and other materials effectively, and developed more discipline in my work.

One of the biggest challenges for me was developing originality—finding my own style and voice as an artist. It took time to move away from just imitating what I saw and start expressing something personal through my work. That’s still something I continue to explore and push myself on.

Alyssa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a self-taught artist from the Philippines, and I specialize in acrylic painting. I started exploring art seriously in 2019—at first, it was just me experimenting with brush strokes and learning how to do portraits on my own. I didn’t have formal training in the beginning, but I had a strong passion for expressing myself through color and texture. Over time, I began developing my own color palettes—ones that I felt truly represented the mood and emotion I wanted to bring into each piece.

In 2023, I painted a portrait of my own pet, and that moment completely shifted my focus. I realized how meaningful pet portraits could be—not just to me, but to others as well. That’s when I began offering commissions for custom pet portraits. Each piece is personal, and I work closely with clients to capture not just the likeness, but the personality of their pets.

One of the biggest challenges I faced early on was reaching the right audience and finding clients. It was frustrating at times, especially being a small artist in such a large online space. But I stayed consistent—I kept posting my work on TikTok, sharing behind-the-scenes processes, progress shots, and finished pieces. Slowly but surely, my following grew. Now, I’ve built a community of over 90,000 supporters who genuinely love seeing the art I create.

What sets my work apart is the emotion and intentional color I bring into each painting. I don’t just replicate images—I try to tell a story and give life to the subject, especially when it comes to pet portraits. I want my clients to feel something when they see the finished piece.

I’m most proud of how far I’ve come by believing in my art, staying consistent, and building something from scratch. For anyone who follows my work, I want them to know that it’s not about being perfect—it’s about being passionate, personal, and real. My brand is rooted in warmth, connection, and authenticity, and that’s what I aim to share through every brushstroke.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I started posting my artwork on social media back in 2015, mainly on Instagram. At the time, I didn’t have a clear plan—I just wanted to share what I was creating. Over time, I realized how powerful social media could be, not just for showcasing work but for connecting, learning, and growing as an artist. We live in a world where technology and creativity are so closely linked, and platforms like Instagram and TikTok have made it easier than ever for artists to be discovered.

In 2020, during the pandemic, I became more intentional about using TikTok. I started posting consistently—old works, new pieces, process videos, and anything that showed my creative journey. I made it a habit to document almost every piece I created, turning them into short videos or reels. I wasn’t focused on being viral—I just wanted to share what I loved doing. That mindset, along with smart use of hashtags, helped me grow my TikTok following to over 50,000, and eventually to more than 90,000.

My biggest advice for anyone starting to build their social media presence is this: just keep creating and keep sharing. Don’t overthink it. Your audience will grow as long as you’re consistent, authentic, and passionate about what you do. Use your platform to spread positivity, and don’t be afraid to show both your finished work and your process—people love seeing the journey, not just the result.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the way it allows me to free my mind. Art is like an escape—it helps me process emotions, quiet my overthinking, and turn those thoughts into something creative and meaningful. The act of creating itself is therapeutic, but what makes it even more fulfilling is the joy and satisfaction I feel when I complete a piece. It’s like turning inner chaos into something colorful and alive. That feeling of accomplishment, no matter how big or small the artwork is, reminds me why I love what I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tiktok.com/@artbyaly.n?_t=ZP-8wHmMQdn7mx&_r=1
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbyaly.n?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbyaly.n
• Linkedin: https://www.behance.net/gallery/223763137/PORTFOLIO-2025
• Yelp: https://www.tiktok.com/@artbyaly.n?_t=ZP-8wHmMQdn7mx&_r=1

Image Credits

All image credits are mine :)