Canberra's digital artist, Hannah Pengilly, has taken the art world by storm, amassing an impressive online following and a unique career trajectory. With a background in traditional art methods, she discovered her passion for digital art through her iPad, Apple Pencil, and good Wi-Fi. Her journey began in 2018 when she started creating art for social media, and by 2020, her TikTok account (@pengoart) took off, attracting 2.8 million followers. Her YouTube channel and Instagram (@pengoart) have also gained over a million and 80,000 followers, respectively. This success has led to a series of exciting opportunities, including flying to London for Apple's iPad release, collaborating with renowned artists like Guy Sebastian and Delta Goodrem, and creating art for Apple's 50th Anniversary, which was displayed on the Sydney Opera House.
What makes Hannah's story particularly fascinating is her unique approach to art creation. She embraces the versatility and portability of the iPad, allowing her to create art anywhere, from a plane overseas to her car or home. This flexibility and the ability to experiment with effects like luminance brushes on Procreate have become integral to her artistic process. Her latest project involves designing an F1 helmet for Kimmy Antonelli, reflecting his personal roots and meaning.
Hannah's success can be attributed to her intentional and hard-working nature. She recognizes the importance of connection with her audience, understanding the emotional impact of her content and the reasons behind her creations. This mindset has helped her stand out in the fast-paced world of social media, where trends change rapidly. However, she also acknowledges the challenges of burnout and the pressure to maintain a constant online presence.
One of her key strategies is to focus on the positive aspects of her success while guarding against negative opinions that might affect her self-worth. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship with her audience and the content she creates. Despite the challenges, Hannah's journey inspires a new generation of artists, showcasing the power of digital creativity and the potential for a unique, fulfilling career path.
