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

Monica, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

As my dedication to paint with watercolor grew, I identified a need for high-quality watercolor brushes in the market. This led me to establish my own business five years ago, where I combine my love for art with providing artists around the world with top-notch tools to enhance their creativity.

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’m Monica Schick, an artist and illustrator who goes by the alias Schimoni Art. I am living in Switzerland with its beautiful mountains and mystical forests.

I learn best by experimentation on my own and have never been in an art school. I’m inspired daily by my beautiful surroundings and I love spending time in nature from where I take most of my inspiration. This is reflected in my paintings.

My fascination with art started at a very young age. As a child I was very quiet and shy. I watched everything around me closely. I was often fascinated by small things and spent a lot of time observing, which is still the case today. My urge to create something was great even then. So I drew a lot, wrote poems and stories and photographed everything around me with an old camera.

Since then, I have experimented with almost all mediums, such as pencils, crayons, oils, pastels, acrylics, markers and since 2017 I have been fascinated by watercolor, which is what I mainly work with at the moment. I collaborate with clients, license my illustrations and run a business where we sell high-quality watercolor brushes around the world. I love to be in touch with my Instagram community where I share most of my works.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media has been an organic and enriching experience, reflecting both my artistic journey and the vibrant community I’m a part of. As an artist, connecting with people who appreciate and resonate with my work is a deeply rewarding aspect of my craft. Here’s how my social media presence evolved:

I started by sharing the authentic story behind my artworks. Whether it was the inspiration behind a painting, the creative process, or the emotions embedded in my pieces, I aimed to create a genuine connection with my audience.

Consistency in showcasing my art has been crucial. I established a recognizable aesthetic that defined my brand, making it easier for followers to identify and connect with my work.

Engaging with the Art Community:
Social media is not just a platform for self-promotion; it’s a community. I actively engaged with fellow artists, art enthusiasts, and followers by participating in art challenges, sharing insights into my artistic journey, and supporting others within the community.

People love to see the journey behind a finished piece. I started sharing glimpses of my artistic process, from initial sketches to the final strokes. This transparency not only demystifies the creative process but also fosters a deeper connection with my audience.

Advice for Artists Starting to Build Social Media Presence:

Be True to Yourself! Authenticity is your greatest asset. Share your unique perspective, voice, and artistic journey genuinely.
Quality Over Quantity! Focus on creating impactful content. Each post should reflect the essence of your art. Quality resonates more than quantity Allow your style to evolve, and don’t be afraid to share new aspects of your artistic journey. Social media is a dynamic space, and growth is part of the creative process.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I used to think that the number of likes my art got on social media determined how good it was. But I’ve learned that this isn’t true. Now, I focus on making art that feels true to me, and I enjoy the process without worrying too much about likes. It’s more about creating something meaningful and connecting with people who appreciate it for what it is, rather than just the numbers

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.schimoniart.com/shop/brushes/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schimoni_art/ and https://www.instagram.com/schimoniart.brushes/
• Other: Threads https://www.threads.net/@schimoni_art TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@schimoni.art?_t=8itNOfklDPM&_r=1