We were lucky to catch up with Manon Tracy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Manon, appreciate you joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

When I first started ManonDeLArt, I had a hard time seeing myself as a real artist. I always liked to draw but I never considered it part of my identity. I hadn’t even taken an art class. I had a lot of other passions I pursued, but art was always just something I did when I was bored. I remember there were kids in high school who carried around clipboards and were constantly drawing. In my head, they were artists. I, however, was a pianist in jazz band and focused a lot of energy on learning American Sign Language, which would later become my major. While studying to become an ASL interpreter in college, I was required to take a digital media class where we learned how to use the Adobe programs. However, the professor didn’t actually teach us how to use them. He said he was only there to answer questions about the assignment after it was due and give feedback. He claimed the reason for his method was that the department noticed when students were taught how to use the programs in the class, they did better on the homework, but their portfolios at the end of the major didn’t compare to the students who had to “figure it out.” This was because the students who “figured it out,” weren’t limited by things they hadn’t been taught. While frustrating at the time, that skill was one of the most impactful things I learned in college.

While I think there is value in receiving a formal education in art and illustration, I don’t regret my choice to study something different. I still use ASL regularly and it’s just another part of my identity. I’ve been able to figure out a lot with my art and while I haven’t had a formal education in art, I have spent a lot of time studying different art techniques to get where I am today.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I grew up in a family that had to announce every time we saw a deer out the car window. I remember my dad pointing out cool birds when we’d go places. Every road trip we took, the wildlife we saw was a big part of the experience. My childhood really influences my passion for animals and the type of art I create. I draw a lot of exotic animals. Most people describe my art as kid-lit art, meaning it’s something you would find in a children’s book. I love character design and try to make every animal I draw have character. There’s something about “cute” that makes people’s shoulders relax a little, and I try and bring that serenity into every illustration I create.

As an artist, I hear people say all the time, “I love your art, but I don’t know where I’d put it.” Because of this, I’ve come up with ways that allow people to enjoy my art in a practical way. At my Painted Tree boutique, ManonDeLArt, in Orem, I sell my art on purses, shoes, shirts, stickers, scrunchies, and more. I also occasionally take commissions. I’ve done logo design, pet portraits, and family portraits.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I have a lot of goals for projects I want to create as well as goals to improve my skills. I don’t love the word “self-taught” because it implies a lack of education. While I lack formal education, I have sought education by studying many free resources online. I spend a lot of time studying anatomy, color theory, etc. I also analyze other artists’ work to figure out what techniques they use. I guess you could say, I’m differently educated. It motivates me to look back at where I was just a few years ago. It shows me how possible it is to get where I want to be.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

It thrills me to see how far my skills have come. I also love the interpersonal relationships I’ve created, both with other artists through networking or through clients and customers. There are a lot of cool people out there to meet.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.redbubble.com/people/ManonDeLArt/shop
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manondelart
• Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manondelart

Image Credits
Melissa Hamer – Full Boutique Photo