We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mlou Del Rosario a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

MLOU, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had started sooner?

I’ve been drawing ever since I learned how to use a crayon. I’ve been selling art on-and-off since I was in high school, maybe starting around 2012/2013. I would sell at local artwalks with my brother, who is also an artist. In college, I would make things here and there and was able to participate in campus art shows. But, it wasn’t until the most recent year or so where I’ve really started to be more intentional and consistent with my art endeavors as a profession. I guess the difference is that before, I would sell art on a whim (whenever I got the chance.) And I didn’t think about what I was selling, if it would sell well, etc. I’d make a drawing, print it out, and sell it at an event or to friends. At the time, I was a teenager and in my early youth so it was all for fun! And it’s still fun (with the added bonus of balancing a 9-5 and selling art on the side.)

Now, I apply to events with more intention. Events I tend to be more at are ones that are geared towards local artists, community building, and Queer & Trans Artists of Color. I think more practically about what I sell. As much as I love my drawings, I have to think about realistically what people would be interested in! Back then, framed digital art would do really well. But it feels like people are more interested in practical items like tote bags, notebooks, stickers, etc. There’s nothing wrong with that! It’s just interesting to observe from then vs now.

So, do I wish I started my creative career sooner or later? Or more like do I wish I started being more intentional and taking it more professionally sooner? Of course! I feel like I missed out on not only opportunities like events. But, also opportunities of growth. I see some folks that started in 2020 and already have amazing booth set-ups, an expansive online shop, and just really cool work in general. I’ve been doing this on-and-off for over 10 years and am barely at their level! But, comparison is the thief of joy. My artistry and style has evolved so much since when I started as a teenager. And I feel like just now I have developed more of a concrete style and also purpose as an artist. I’m more intentional about what I create. So even if I’m not exactly where I want to be in my art career, I am enjoying the process!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a disabled, queer, trans, non-binary, Pilipino artist residing in occupied Tongva land (also known as Orange County.) I love to create illustrations and zines (a DIY magazine/booklet!) A lot of my work ranges from detailed repetitive patterns, comical bunnies, or zines based off twitter ramblings.

I started selling art as a teenager early on. My brother, who is also an artist (Instagram: @t_crux) started selling at local artwalks and invited me to join him. From then, I would sell framed art and zines at local art walks and cute greeting cards and stickers to my classmates in school. Once I hit college, I had less time and capacity to focus on my art. So I’d occasionally submit to a few campus art showcases here and there. Then, I graduated in 2020 with a B.A. in Psychology! With school being finished (and the pandemic in full thrust), I decided to get back into my art and focus a little more. I opened my online shop and got invited to different online events as a guest speaker talking about Art and Mental Health.

Then, I had my first post-undergrad 9-5 job and had to put my art on pause. Now, after finally (and still learning) how to balance that work-art-personal life routine, I am working full-time while managing my career as an artist.

More recently, I started creating Art 4 Mutual Aid, where I create art for different mutual aid groups or campaign funds and direct all the sales back to said fund. Mutual Aid is really just about caring about other communities and working to make sure everyone gets their needs met. Some of the funds I’ve raised money for have been for: getting self-defense kits for trans people, grocery and resource distribution to unhoused people, and survival funds for Palestinian families. I am grateful that I am able to use my skills as an artist to not only raise awareness of these different campaign funds but also to contribute materially as well.

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

The most rewarding aspect for me has always been being able to connect with other folks through art. I have a zine about my gender identity as a Trans and Non-binary person. The zine is about translating terminology from Tagalog to English based on a personal letter I wrote to my family. It’s such a personal piece of work that I initially didn’t expect anyone else to find interest in. But, to my surprise it has been one of my most popular zines! I’ve had people share with me how they’ve resonated with what I wrote or that they want to share it with people that are important to them in their life. It’s an incredibly grateful feeling to experience.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

For me, my goal as an artist is to continue to create for the rest of my life. Whatever that looks like for myself. Even if it’s a few doodles here and there. I just want to have the mindset that what I create is never going to be my “last piece.”

I used to be really afraid of growing up and getting older. But, now I am eager to grow and to see how my art evolves as I age. I look forward to when I’m old and grey and the amount of art I will have created!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ko-fi.com/mloutheartist
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mloutheartist/