This month’s featured artist is someone I met on a random exchange of coffee and tea. She’s a coffee lover and a photographer by heart. Are you excited to know her? She’s none other than Dan Calagui hailing from Rizal, Philippines!

Featured Artist of the Month: Dan Calagui

Now, we haven’t caught up with each other yet since we both live far from each other. Both of us are pursuing different things in life but share a common love and passion for art. Nevertheless, we still see each other through each other’s posts on social media.

Here’s why I am featuring her this month.

One is that I want to share with every reader and follower of mine how great she captures memorable moments and very scenic views.

Let me share what she shared with me for this particular feature.

Getting to know Dan

Name:

Dan Calagui

What made you start with this craft?

When I was a kid, I was captured by different colors. I decided to create art using a computer, as time goes by, I joined the art organization in our school and it was there and there that my skills improved. I also began drawing and painting. Moreover, I taught myself to improve and do better. Sketching makes me feel satisfied and happy and that sense of achievement never fades away.

Fast forward to college, I got into coffee. A while after that, I was captivated and fascinated by latte art. At some point in my life, I joined cupping sessions whenever I can. From then on, I learned that there’s more to coffee than we did now know about. We analyzed the beans and their origins plus, I enjoy the various processes of making a cup of coffee.

I got overwhelmed since I did not expect it to be that complicated. There are a lot of things that baristas do to make our coffee taste the way we want it. I’ve been a barista and digital marketing for Narrative Coffee because that way, I can express my photography and share the craft with others. 

How long have you been doing this craft?

I have been painting and sketching since I was a kid. Ever since college, I am now doing photography.

Why did you pursue it?

It makes me happy and satisfies my creative needs. I love to inspire and discovering new things.

More about Dan

Did you have struggles in pursuing the craft?

Well, sometimes. There are times that I lose my creative touch and go blank.

What keeps are you doing the craft?

I think that I have a lot more to discover new places, people, and moments. It makes me want to pursue my craft and it gives me rest.

Top 3 favorite tools?

• Camera
• Canvas
• Pencil

If you are to share your tips and tricks with newbies, what would those be?

Be yourself, if you want something then go for it. But if you don’t feel like doing it, then don’t. Stop wasting time, take advantage of your time.

If you were to describe the craft in three words, what will those be?

Implausibly comfy

Don’t forget to pin this!

If in case you want her to take your photographs:

• Instagram
• Facebook

Are you ready to try something new?