WITH just a cell phone and a dream, 21-year-old Marvin Enila from Barangay Tibal-og, Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte, is making waves in the art world.
His digital masterpieces, created entirely on his phone, reflect his raw talent and determination. Despite limited resources, Marvin has earned national recognition, inspiring others to believe that creativity knows no bounds.
Marvin stumbled upon digital art in 2020 during the pandemic. Online art contests became both his escape and motivation.
“I saw numerous digital art contests online, which I tried to win to take home some prizes,” he said.
What began as a way to adapt to pandemic restrictions soon turned into a passionate pursuit.
Marvin’s success speaks for itself. He’s clinched prestigious titles, including the Manila Bulletin Sketchfest 2024 (Digital Category), MDAG 55th Anniversary Painting Contest 2024, SK Digital Painting Contest 2024, and Turismo Tomasino Painting Contest 2024. Despite his limited resources, his work continues to impress.
Drawing inspiration from comics, manga, and manhwa, Marvin is especially fascinated by how digital artists tell stories.
“The themes I would like to explore are culture and heritage, specifically Mindanao heritage,” he said, hoping to help preserve cultural traditions and bring them to life through animation one day.
Although Marvin dreams big, he works with simple tools: the ibisPaint X app on his smartphone.
“I only use the ibisPaint X app on my cellphone to create digital art pieces since I don't have a drawing tablet. It’s flexible and easy to use, even though it’s limited in many ways,” he shared.
His creative process involves brainstorming, research, and drawing inspiration from nature, culture, and personal experiences. “I try to stay true to my artistic vision while remaining open to new ideas and surprises,” Marvin said. This balance results in vibrant, cartoon-like art that celebrates heritage and identity.
For Marvin, digital art is more than just a medium—it serves as a platform to connect and inspire. He believes art should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their resources.
By winning national competitions with nothing more than his phone, Marvin demonstrates what’s possible through dedication and passion.
To aspiring artists, Marvin advises, “Have fun and enjoy the process of creating. Don’t be too hard on yourself if your early attempts don’t turn out as expected—every artist starts somewhere. Practice consistently, experiment with different styles, and don’t feel like you need expensive equipment to get started.” He adds, "As Vincent Van Gogh said, ‘Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.’”
Through his journey, Marvin is not just creating art—he’s making a statement. His work embodies perseverance, creativity, and the celebration of culture. From his cellphone screen to the national stage, Marvin proves that talent and vision can overcome limitations. KBP