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

Alright, Monica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

Yes, I finally feel I’m on the right path where I need to be. Even though majority of my experience has been in the creative field, becoming your own boss has been liberating. It is a lot of work and often do miss the comradery of being in office, but I wouldn’t change it.

Monica, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi everyone, my name is Monica and I am a Mexican American Illustrator who owns small business name Moniliza™ (combination of my first and middle name). A creative brand that focus on character designs and designing original comics. Offering services to bringing your character ideas into 2d reality while giving a cute trendy flair. My journey started off with a different career in mind for the long term. After graduating from Otis College of Art and Design with a bachelor in Fashion Design, I was on pursuit of wanting to be well known in women’s contemporary when only after three years decided it wasn’t creating joy for myself. Quickly after, I tried doing graphic design at Mattel and toy design for 6 years. After being let go at my last corporate job, reality sunk in that I truly wanted to become an illustrator and during the first year I was inspired to create my own original comic while launching my business Monliza™. I offer illustration services that is focus in character design for toy and animation studios. My role is to elevate clients ideas in 2d illustration while adding a trendy flair to inspire gen alpha.
On the spare time that I am not working on client projects, I am the most proud of creating the universe and story for my comic name Metzi. A sci-fi comic inspired by Mexican mythology, my love for astrology, and its crucial important to share more stories like these in a space that is lacking.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In a new era where creative jobs is slowly being taken over by ai, please support human artist. Continue by hiring them for work, engaging with them on social media, and of course if money allows it support their shop. With no laws in place to protect artist, intellectual property gets stolen and creative jobs are no longer in use. Essentially their will be a lost for illustration that is created with heart.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

Similar take with ai, there is no regulation with NFT and seems like a cash grab. I’ve seen a lot of small creators and even well known work being stolen due to anyone posting image for sale with no verification. I’m huge advocate to protect IP at all cost, especially since I’m creating original work on the side.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.moniliza.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monilizadraws/