We recently connected with Donna Ibelli and have shared our conversation below.
Donna, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Developing my confidence and self-esteem has been a transformative journey. At first, confidence felt elusive, something that either took years to build or could be tricked into existence. For me, it involved a long process of reprogramming my mind to understand that I don’t need anyone’s permission to create my art. Only I can bring my unique vision to life. Embracing the belief that my art is special and unique gave me the confidence to truly show up for myself.
I shifted my mindset from comparing myself to others to always striving for my personal best. This change made confidence less of a concern. My motivation then transformed into a desire to create from the heart, aiming to bring joy to others. It became less about me and more about making creative contributions that uplift, delight, and inspire. This shift in focus allowed my confidence and self-esteem to flourish naturally, grounded in the purpose of spreading love and creativity through my art.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m Donna Ibelli, a Filipina-American digital artist with a big imagination and even bigger dreams. I’m all about healing others through my unique creative process. I love capturing the essence of individuals and weaving their stories into my art. Every piece I create is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, tailored to the soul of each person, couple, or family. With my skills in photography, digital art, animation, and the magic of augmented reality, I craft engaging and immersive experiences that touch people’s hearts beyond the canvas.
What really excites me is inspiring people to expand their own imagination and deepen their connections through collaboration and creativity. My mission is to use art as a way to connect and heal. I’m constantly exploring new ways to innovate and share my work, including projects that blend traditional artistry with cutting-edge technology. Stay tuned for exciting new pieces and interactive experiences designed to uplift, delight, and inspire!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Giving Myself Permission to Begin: I had the idea of launching Sunnitude Creative 11 years ago when I turned 30, but I lacked the confidence to start. Even when I created a few art pieces, I kept them to myself, doubting anyone would appreciate or pay for them. Over the years, I continued creating art for my own healing and manifestation. The rise of AI-generated images hit my confidence hard, and I stopped creating altogether. Then, at 40, something clicked. I dared myself to fulfill my heart’s desire of having an art show to showcase my digital portraits. For one month, I focused on creating art featuring my loved ones. This experience was incredibly special, allowing me to bond with them and express my creative desires. The positive feedback I received motivated me to keep going. Ultimately, I realized that my art is special beyond what AI can ever generate, which gives me even more motivation to continue on this path.
2. Building Confidence Through Trial and Error: Ideas can get stuck in your head, and the “How Hole” of not knowing where to start can be discouraging. I built confidence by diving into the unknown, experimenting, and trying anything my mind wanted. Through trial and error, I refined my creative workflow, which boosted my confidence and helped me work more efficiently.
3. Staying Consistent and Showing Up: For me, the hardest parts of the creative process are starting and staying consistent. It’s easy to get distracted by the next shiny object. I realized that to take my digital art business seriously, I had to commit to creating on a consistent basis. This commitment creates pressure and stress, but it’s the challenge I need to overcome to achieve success in any of my creative endeavors. It’s an ever-evolving journey, but I’m proud of how much I’ve shown up to keep the creative momentum going, share my art, and continue to expand my creativity.
My advice for those starting their journey is to give yourself permission to begin, embrace trial and error to build confidence, and stay consistent. Keep showing up, and remember that every step you take brings you closer to your dreams.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal clients are those who embrace the profound potential of transformation through creativity. Whether you seek to capture a moment of celebration, commemorate a milestone, or embark on a journey of healing, I am here to support you. I deeply believe in the power of visualization and the ability to manifest desires by embodying their essence and energy.
Through my digital portraits, I offer tools for both manifestation and healing. The creative process of each photoshoot is inherently transformative, guiding clients to tap into the energies they wish to embody through intentional visualization. This holistic approach ensures that our collaboration transcends mere transaction, fostering a profound journey of personal growth.
My art delves beyond surface appearances, delving into the depths of the subconscious to help individuals authentically embody their aspirations and perceive themselves from a higher perspective. If you are ready to embark on this enriching voyage of self-discovery and transformation, you are the client I am eager to collaborate with!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sunnitudecreative.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/sunnitude_creative
