Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Monic Reyes . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Monic thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?

My inspiration and greatest teacher throughout my life and art career is my mother Malen Reyes a Nicaraguan fashion designer. My mother’s upbringing, unique style, and culture have impacted my vision of life, love, and self-expression. As a self-taught artist, I’ve had moments in my art career where self-doubt takes over, making me question my work, my purpose, and where I fit in. I am very fortunate that having her alongside my journey as a great role model, creative influence and motivating force has inspired me to believe in myself and share my work with the world.

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 background and context?

I am a self-taught contemporary artist born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. From a young age, I would spend my time sewing clothing and all things related to art. I loved projects where I could express myself and explore my imagination. For several years I co-designed for Malen Reyes Couture, a fashion brand created by my mother. As time went on I ventured into other areas to explore my interests in photography and make-up artistry. In 2015, I picked up a paintbrush and created a centerpiece for my mother’s living room. Little did I know, this would be the catalyst for me to enter professionally into the industry. My passion for abstract art has since been featured in several showings, exhibitions, and magazines. Through my artistic practice, my goal is to transfer “every feeling, thought, or idea” into each of my works.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In the creative process, we are our worst critics. We fill our thoughts with self-doubt, and we suppress our true self-expression in fear of the opinion and judgment we will receive from the crowds. It took me many years to overcome this, I had to find peace with knowing that my work is not meant for all to admire or feel a connection to. If I was happy and staying true to myself that is all that mattered and to this day that is the only way I see it. Many talented people go years or if not ever to pursue their dreams of sharing their work. I believe to pursue your true passion and potential you have to let go and be free from whatever is holding you back and please do not that let be you.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

To succeed as an artist you require a degree. This thought was something that held me back from pursuing my dream of becoming a professional artist. Growing up the idea is that a degree is necessary to be successful or to be taken seriously. I felt being self-taught would hurt my career or that doors would not open for me as they would for those with a degree but that has not yet been an issue or something that I feel now has negatively impacted my journey. Yes, a degree is a great achievement within itself to have completed that goal you set out and can be a great tool to move further in your profession. Learning and educating yourself in your area of interest to me is the evolution of oneself but the root of success as a true creative professional I believe is how much are you willing to push your imagination, the passion you have for what you do, and the ambition to achieve your goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.monicreyesarte.com/
• Instagram: @monicreyes_arte
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monicreyesarte
• Twitter: @monicreyes_arte

Image Credits
Profile photo credits: Photographer: Joan Karel
Hair and Makeup Artist: Letty Barolia
Fashion Designer: Malen Reyes