Gela Castro / SAPPHIREVERIE

Level 23 Novice Creator who's obsessed with ink, coffee and everything Renaissance.

[sapphireverie]

05/31/2018: scanned Zendaya sketch, inspired by her #MetGala outfit last year, #JoanofArc. Pilot Brush Pen, Dong A My Metal, Superior Twin graphic markers on @hmtcomicboard 180gsm. #artPH #inksPH #art #fanart #draw #drawing #inkdrawing #penandink #brushpen #celebrities #fashion #renaissance #medieval #commissionsopen #commissionme #openforcommissions #commissionart https://www.instagram.com/p/B5rKINwBIPu/?igshid=14i2tm39lvqh0

[sapphireverie]

When things aren't going as expected, sometimes I can't help but tell myself: "I quit." . From being a freelancer with occasional gigs, I decided to try my luck to finally be a formal employee, starting with the BPO industry. It was hard to get myself into it at first, and I remember being the wave's underdog. My pessimism kept me at bay, and I always expected I won't make the cut— that way, if the worse did happen, it wouldn't be too hard to take it all in. After being certified, the first few months have admittedly been a struggle. If there was one thing I was good at, it was being consistent at failing my stats week after week. I even remember during one of my coaching sessions with my first Team Lead, that maybe the BPO industry isn't the right place for me. For the most part, it was true. I still had my heart set on doing art as my profession, but as a non-degree holder, being a CSR was the best resort for a stable funding at that moment. Knowing that everything is just temporary, I tried my best to avoid being attached with the people around me and focused instead on work. However, that part was inevitable. I became too emotional when my first team got dissolved succeeding my TL's promotion. I was handed over to another team lead, and with her help, I was able to finally hit all of my targets cosistently one step at a time. I did whatever I can to contribute to my new family, and they eventually became one of the reasons why I'm motivated to come to work and push myself to be better. A lot of unanticipated changes occured since then. Tears were shed; people came and people left. It was hard to keep up with all the things happening around us, and I've heard myself saying repeatedly how much I wanted to quit and leave everything behind. But even when work has been quite demanding, even when things doesn't feel too fulfilling as they were before, I'm still here. When you think hard and appreciate the good instead of the unpleasant ones, you suddenly remember the reasons why you're here, and why you do what you do. In my case, it's not about the company, the work, or the salary anymore. It's my family. #AugustPhotoDiarySeries https://www.instagram.com/p/B1JnIL6F-1P/?igshid=1pdgiijkd69tj

[sapphireverie]

#08022019 When I was a kid, I used to dream about castles, magic, kings and queens. Like the fair maiden I read in books, I put on a huge blanket over my head and mimicked how princess brides gracefully walk; their one true love waiting at the far end of the aisle. I was both a romantic and an idealist. I always held on to that extravagant version of a happily-ever-after wedding I had in my head. In my almost 9 years of experience being in a relationship, 2 of them were of long distance ones. My obsession with fairytales resonated even as I reached 18. I would give out a laugh even when people around me shook their heads whenever I mentioned my significant other back then. Nothing was at stake, and I had every reason to believe that it would work— or so I thought. But yeah, it didn't last long. I spiraled my way to the depths of regret. All those years, wasted for nothing. Though the experience had been nice, I blamed myself for not being able to maks ends meet because of my own incapabilities. I met James exactly at the aftermath of an abrupt LDR break up. To be honest, if I would recall what's written in my potential boyfriend playbook, he definitely wouldn't make the cut. He didn't fit anywhere into my list. Somehow though, it made him all the more intriguing. He did more than just casual talks. He delved deeper and made me see past all that was holding me back— my unrealistic expectations on life, the pressure I've put myself into due to countless disappointments, and my rather unexplainable fear of almost everything— to the point that take pride in embracing cynicism more than faith, trust, and pixie dust. He was the one who made me believe in myself again. When I reminisce on the things I used to dream about when I was a kid, I can't help but look him in the eyes and see my younger self once more—walking down that aisle, with a veil of a tattered blankie over my head, smiling as he reaches for my hand. This time though, I'm not playing pretend anymore. #AugustPhotoDiarySeries #August2 #photooftheday #photojournal #photography #mobilephotography #mobilephotos #photodiary #writingprompts #writing #writerscommunity #love #truelove #lifechoices https://www.instagram.com/p/B0xuCuDh2Z8/?igshid=1upkvno2fqetc

[sapphireverie]

#08012019 AUGUST PHOTO DIARY SERIES: DAY 1 This was one of my second homes. College was, for the most part, I'd consider the pinnacle of my early adult years. It was a phase where your eagerness to seek independence, at the same time, not wanting to grow up, meet at a hysterical point. Every time you step foot within the campus, you feel like confidently walking towards a brighter future four years in the making, yet you end up going back home questioning if you'd even survive the following day, enough to make a name for yourself post-graduation. Back then, finishing school was an utmost priority, because I grew up thinking good education will grant me access to a better, easier, more successful life after. But that wasn't the case, and things don't usually end up as planned. Opening my eyes to the real world has brought about unprecedented challenges, which I only learned how to deal with by breaking out of my comfort zone; something I insistently fought for. Nothing about my motives has changed though — I still aim for success and happiness after everything — but I've since then dropped the harrowing idea that my future is highly dependent on a flimsy sheet of fancy parchment paper we proudly like to call a diploma. My life, my choices. At this point, I'm determined to make the most out of whatever I have, with whatever I can. #AugustPhotoDiarySeries #August1 #CSABinan #photooftheday #photojournal #photography #mobilephotography #mobilephotos #photodiary #school #campus #future #life #lifelessons #lifechoices #success #XiaomiRedmi (at Colegio San Agustin – Biñan) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0oGy9mABOA/?igshid=1pxmhz7sf7cxz

[sapphireverie]

Inktober Day 4: Princess Ariel of Atlantica — The Little Mermaid, 1989 Part of my custom Promptlist: #31DaysOfDisneyPrincesses (changed my hashtag since someone else already's using the previous one.) Everyone's too used to Ariel with the mermaid tail so I dolled her up a bit while wearing King Triton's crown. #inktober #inktober2018 #inktoberday3 #disney #disneyprincesses #princess #ariel #princessariel #thelittlemermaid #mermaid #trident #seashell #disneyfanart #ink #inking #inkdrawing #draw #art #fanart #illustration #artPH #inks #inksPH #brushpen #penandink #artistsoninstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/Bok6msiB3tL/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=kuvoxscjbqr0

[sapphireverie]

Inktober Day 3: Princess Anna of Arendelle — Frozen, 2013 Part of my custom Promptlist: #INKTOBERxDisneyPrincesses Srsly lagging two entries behind. Need to catch up! #inktober #inktober2018 #inktoberday3 #disney #disneyprincesses #princess #anna #annafrozen #princessanna #annaofarendelle #frozen #disneyfanart #ink #inking #inkdrawing #draw #art #fanart #illustration #artPH #inks #inksPH #brushpen #penandink #artistsoninstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/BoilrIGBv4f/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1mpu7nu2r76ee

[sapphireverie]

Inktober Day 2: Alice — Alice in Wonderland, 1951 Part of my custom Promptlist: #INKTOBERxDisneyPrincesses Well, Alice isn't technically a Disney Princess, but she's considered as one in the #KingdomHearts series. Also, she's from a somewhat elite family and the White Queen's 'champion' in Tim Burton's version. Either way, I'm counting her in! #inktober #inktober2018 #inktoberday2 #disney #disneyprincesses #princess #alice #aliceinwonderland #disneyfanart #ink #inking #inkdrawing #draw #art #fanart #artPH #inks #inksPH #brushpen #penandink #artistsoninstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/BobXMyvhzyM/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=10ole1khqhnp2

[sapphireverie]

Inktober Day1: Princess Aurora (Briar Rose) — Sleeping Beauty, 1959 Part of my custom Promptlist: #INKTOBERxDisneyPrincesses Nothing too fancy and refraining myself from overthinking. I recently got back after a few months on hiatus and my pen control has gone frail. I want to dedicate this whole month for self-discovery and improvement. Happy #Inktober, everyone! #inktober2018 #inktoberday1 #disney #disneyprincesses #princess #princessaurora #aurora #sleepingbeauty #disneyfanart #ink #inking #inkdrawing #draw #art #artPH #inks #inksPH #brushpen #penandink #artistsoninstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/BoaQxRPBeuM/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=gocuy49yylwd

[sapphireverie]

Long overdue #sketch of #Zendaya from her #MetGala2018 appearance. I fell absolutely in love with this year's motif, and the #JoanOfArc inspiration was so on point! Also trying out a different #artstyle. My markers are dying lol. Pilot Brush Pen, Dong A My Metal, Superior Twin graphic markers on @hmtcomicboard 180gsm. #artPH #inksPH #art #fanart #draw #drawing #inkdrawing #penandink #brushpen #celebrities #fashion #renaissance #medieval

[sapphireverie]

TITLE: "An Uncanny Rivalry" CHARACTERS: Butterfly & Murad CATEGORY: Traditional Art: inks on A4 size Vellum Board 200gsm. Entry for Arena of Valor's Valentine's Fan Art Contest! Feel free to like and share this piece, but I'm honestly way behind sched so chances of this being a fan favorite is off the hook. Still though, this was a fun challenge! It’s hard to come up with a proper reasoning why I chose to ship two #AOV characters with little to no background history or lore references compared to the others, but I drew #Murad and #Butterfly simply out of their similarities as the two most powerful Assassins in the realm and the intriguing possibility of a romantic affair caused by a deadly rivalry. I decided to go for their school uniform outfits – Butterfly’s Academy and Murad’s Class President skins – to further reinforce their story: Mr. Student Council President meets Ms. Badass Sorority Leader. I included subtle details in the drawing such as Murad’s somewhat stoic yet possessive personality, and Butterfly’s passive-aggressiveness - her allowing Murad to hold her, but not putting her hands around him in the same way he does out of hesitancy/ (In short, attachment issues lel) You can read about their story through the comment section on my FB post. Beware though because it's quite lengthy. #ArenaOfValor #ArenaOfValorPhilippines #ArenaOfValorPH #AOVph #AOVart #AOVfanart #AOVphilippines #AOVButterfly #AOVMurad #Garena #GarenaAOV #AOVGarena #GarenaPH #ink #inkdrawing #penandink #art #fanart #moba #games #couple #Valentines #love #ishipit

[sapphireverie]

Finally, after two months on hiatus. First finished artwork for 2018! Hopefully, I'd be able to sustain this art drive in the months to come. Inks and watercolor on 8.5"x11" paper 180gsm. #Fran #FFXII #FF12 #FFXII_TZA #FFXIITZA #FinalFantasyXII #FinalFantasy12 #TheZodiacAge #viera #skypirate #Ivalice #YasumiMatsuno #bunnygirl #art #fanart #artph #FinalFantasy #SquareEnix #games #RPG #sketch #inking #penandink #inkdrawing #commission #commissionart #artcommission

[sapphireverie]

Joining the bandwagon. Best picks for 2017. I personally don't think I have improved nor have I been productive enough this year since I prioritized my graphic design work more than anything else so here's hoping 2018 will be better! #ArtSummary #bestof2017 #art #artph #artist #artistoninstagram #artistsofinstagram #traditionalart #digitalart #inks #ink #inkdrawing #penandink #HappyNewYear!

[sapphireverie]

Testing my newly bought fine tip brush pens today. Something inspired by #PrincessLeia before 2017 ends. I haven't been very productive since last month, and I simply will not let this year pass without accomplishing a single piece for December. Commemorating #CarrieFisher's 1st anniversary. You will always be missed. 😢 #PILOT Brush pen, Sumiiro Thin Line, Dong-A MyMetal Gold on 6"x 9" Vellum 240gsm. #Starwars #Leia #LeiaOrgana #PeincessLeiaOrgana #LeiaOrganaSolo #princess #royalty #gold #ink #inked #inkdrawing #penandink #draw #drawing #sketch #sketching #brushpen #art #fanart #artph

[sapphireverie]

Finalized piece submitted this afternoon for @cancervantsph 's #PayInkForward, an art auction for the benefit of young cancer patients in the Philippines. #Warrior #Princess inspired by three #native #Filipino #ethnic tribes – the Ifugaos, T'bolis and Maranaos – an epitome of Hope, Strength and Courage. Simbalion #Watercolors, Dong-A MyMetal Gel Pens (silver and gold), inks and gold beads on A3 size vellum board 200gsm. #PayInkForward2017 #StayGolden #draw #drawing #art #artph #Philippines #Filipina #ink #inks #inked #inkdrawing #penandink #pendrawing #tribal #tattoo #design #ifugao #tboli #maranao #details #artistsoninstagram

[sapphireverie]

Almoat done with this piece, just need more metallic Gold accent on specific details... Which I still need to purchase lol. A #Warrior #Princess nspired by three #native #Filipino #ethnic tribes – the Ifugaos, T'bolis and Maranaos – an epitome of Hope, Strength and Courage. This piece was made for @cancervantsph 's #PayInkForward, an art auction for the benefit of young cancer patients in the Philippines. #PayInkForward2017 #StayGolden #draw #drawing #art #artph #Philippines #Filipina #ink #inks #inked #inkdrawing #penandink #pendrawing #tribal #tattoo #design #ifugao #tboli #maranao #details #artistsoninstagram

[sapphireverie]

Congrats to everyone who joined and finished #inktober2017! I was really desperate to make the cut that I was willing to give up my obsession to details... And later realized that compromising quality of your work will never be satisfying, especially seeing how all of my friends here and on facebook are giving it their all. It's like losing your trademark– your identity. Nope. So I decided this month will be dedicated to finishing all 23 inktober entries I have left (and restarting from the 9th because the last three are crappy and I really do want to finish the challenge with quality pieces), but with a twist = merging it with #Huevember! This is also a great opportunity for me to practice on a new medium, which is #Watercolor~

[sapphireverie]

Sorry, I kinda neglected catching up with my inktober since I'm havig too much fun with this new baby! Recreated my first #inktober entry using 4 color swatches. Oh and hey, it's officially the start of #Huevember! #ink #inktober2017 #inking #brushpen #watercolor #painting #watercolorpainting #colors #colorpalette #simbalion #harpy #fly #wings #woman #creature #mythology #mythicalcreature #draw #art #artph #illustration