At just 18 years old, Aron Michael Damiano, known by his artist name Dnd Axl, has already made significant strides in the world of scribble art. His journey into this unique art form has been both challenging and rewarding, driven by his determination to help his family and his passion for creativity.
“Since I was young, I dreamed of becoming a good artist in the field,” he shares with The Global Filipino Magazine.
This initial interest evolved as he explored various art forms, ultimately leading him to discover scribble art.
“It is not that easy to do, but I worked hard until I learned and honed my skills in it,” Aron explains.
His dedication to this intricate and demanding style has paid off, providing him with a means to support his family.
Sacrificing education for family
Aron’s decision to stop his education in Grade 12 was driven by necessity.
“We are struggling in our daily life,” he candidly admits.
With his mother working part-time and a young brother to care for, Aron felt the need to step up.
“I thought of sacrificing my education for the sake of my family who needs me more,” he says.
This selfless act led him to commission his scribble artworks and take on a part-time painting job to contribute to the household income.
Tribute to UAE leaders
Aron’s recent works include portraits of UAE leaders, a strategic move inspired by his hope for a scholarship.
“I’m hoping to be given a scholarship program by the leader of Dubai to study in college,” he explains.
By creating these artworks, he aims to gain recognition and appreciation that could open doors to further education.
“I hope they will notice and appreciate my work because I know that tuition is very expensive,” Aron says.
The artistic process
Creating a piece of scribble art is a meticulous process for Aron. He begins with a reference and carefully sketches the outlines before moving on to the intricate details.
“We have to prioritize the eyes, nose, mouth, and eyebrows because that’s the most important thing in a portrait,” he notes.
The key to his technique lies in the delicate balance of creating shadows and highlights, giving depth and life to the artwork.
“The shadows are what bring life to the artwork,” he emphasizes.
Promoting and selling art online has been a challenge for Aron. Initially, his attempts to grow his social media presence met with limited success.
“My page never grew,” he recalls.
However, he did not let this setback deter him. By joining artist pages and continuously posting his work on Instagram and Facebook, he slowly gained visibility.
“I can’t give up and get tired; my family needs me,” Aron asserts.
Financial pressures and creative vision
Despite financial constraints, Aron remains committed to his art. He takes on various jobs, from deep cleaning to office assistance, to ensure a steady income while continuing his artistic pursuits.
“I don’t neglect my art because it has helped a lot to my family,” he says.
The community in Dubai has played a significant role in Aron’s development as an artist. He expresses deep respect for the leaders of the UAE, whose governance has inspired him.
“Their governance in Dubai is beautiful,” he remarks.
Looking ahead, Aron aspires to become an even better artist and hopes to inspire other young people.
“I hope to be an inspiration to young people who want to help their parents,” he says.
For those interested in commissioning Aron’s work, he is accessible through various platforms:
Instagram: @chxkebtw
Facebook: Dnd Axl
Whatsapp: +971 58 586 7134
Email: arondaron08@gmail.com