For many Filipina artists overseas, the quiet fear is not failure but stagnation—the idea that talent alone might not be enough to move a life forward. Izza Gaile Camaya Manabat discovered early on that growth would require stepping beyond comfort, even when the direction felt uncertain.
At 21, Izza is a freelance artist and social media manager who has spent more than half her life abroad. Now based in the UAE, she works across disciplines—fine art, calligraphy, live activations, and workshops—while building a career that blends creative instinct with strategic thinking. It is a balance shaped as much by curiosity as by courage.
Where art stopped being just a hobby
Art was never a late discovery for Izza. “I’ve always loved and delved into art as a kid. So it was my hobby ever since to make and create art,” she shares with TGFM. What changed was the moment she was encouraged to take it seriously—not by an artist, but by a finance professor during her university years.
Her academic path led her to a bachelor’s degree in business, majoring in finance. But in 2023, a conversation shifted her trajectory. She recalls being told that not everyone excels at the same skills, and that her creative strength could give her a rare advantage. “My professional journey towards art started back in 2023 where I was encouraged by my finance professor to pursue art as an actual career,” she says.
That nudge prompted action. Izza began reaching out directly to artists and galleries, asking questions and finding her way into the creative community. That outreach led her to Fosca Garcia of FoscArt, who invited her to a painting workshop. “One thing led to another and I’m working for her freelance for almost 3 years now! A dream come true I could never have imagined as a kid,” Izza says.
Between live activations and quiet studios
Much of Izza’s work happens in public view—brand activations, festivals, hotel events—where speed and interaction are part of the craft. She thrives in that environment, despite its pressures. “Although live art and activations can be hectic considering that there is great time restraints and queues, I supeerrrr love seeing the people appreciate art especially art that I do,” she says. The most rewarding moment comes when the artwork leaves with someone else. “For them to take it at home too as a souvenir. Their reactions make me inspired to do better and make more beautiful things.”
Studio work, by contrast, demands a different discipline. “In a studio, it’s a completely different atmosphere. Super quiet and individually focused. It’s all about the nitty gritty and focusing on one single art for long hours,” she explains. Moving between these two worlds has helped her develop range—both technically and emotionally.
Her portfolio reflects that versatility, spanning acrylics, gouache, mixed media, coffee painting, and even detailed leather painting on bags and jackets. Whether working on handwritten calligraphy or interactive installations, her work maintains a handcrafted identity that resists automation.
Staying flexible without losing your voice
In an industry driven by trends and competition, adaptability has become essential. Izza is candid about the risks of rigidity. “In this competitive world, it’s a must to adapt and be flexible to the work you do. Otherwise there’s risks of losing behind,” she says.
Rather than seeing client demands as limitations, she treats them as creative challenges. “I take new things as challenges as an artist to grow. And create new things, hone it and make it mine without compromising the preferred style of the client,” she explains. For her, authenticity lies in process. “The process and how I approach it is how I would say I stay true to my artistic voice.”
She also believes that the rise of digital tools has renewed appreciation for traditional methods. “There is an increasing adaptation to technology and digitalization and that’s more so why traditional handwritten art becomes so much more appealing,” she says. “It’s imperfect but having a real person and not computer to do the calligraphy for you makes it so much more special.”
Teaching, courage, and what comes next
Beyond commissions and collaborations, Izza has hosted over 100 workshops across the UAE, working with corporate groups, lifestyle brands, and five-star hotels. Teaching reshaped her understanding of creativity. “What I’ve realized after few years of teaching is that, making art is something that can enjoyed by anyone,” she says. “It’s heartwarming to see people enjoy art and return to their childhood as they make art.”
One moment stands above the rest: her first solo workshop at what is now Al Zorah Beach Resort. “It took great courage and self confidence to take part in that very first project,” she recalls. Hosting alone, in front of senior hotel executives, was daunting. “It was nerve wracking. But because of that and taking that huge step is what led me to the next level.”
Today, Izza draws inspiration from nature—its freedom, imperfections, and quiet complexity. Looking ahead, she is eager to learn engraving and to develop a collection of handmade clay jewelry. It is a continuation of the same instinct that has guided her so far: to keep exploring, adapting, and creating—one deliberate step at a time.
