We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Monika Galikova. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Monika below.
Monika, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later?
It’s a great question. I think I could have started sooner! I hesitated a lot, especially about the quality of my work and whether it was even worthy of sharing. However, once I created my instagram account and started to share my digital illustrations, I was pleasantly surprised by the positive response from people who liked my art who were supporting my art journey.
That said, looking back, there’s a temptation to wonder if starting sooner would have propelled me further. Yet, I believe that everything unfolds in its own time. Each step, even that initially perceived as delay, can contribute to our growth and maybe eventual success. So, while I’m grateful for the journey and the lessons learned, I also recognize the importance of not hesitating for too long. My advice to others would be to trust in your abilities, take that first step, and you will learn on the go.
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?
Hello everyone, I am Monika, a digital illustrator from Slovakia with a passion for traveling, good coffee paired with delightful desserts, yoga, and, of course, for drawing. My aim is to create art that radiates calmness, softness, and positivity, and to share those vibes with others. I love small magical everyday moments and I am always inspired by beautiful architecture on my travels, meeting kind people and probably never could get bored of watching sea waves and sunsets. My illustrations often feature little stars, dots, and soft details that add a gentle touch to each piece.
I have loved drawing since my childhood but I have joined a digital illustration journey just a few years ago.
I am active on Instagram, where I share my digital illustrations and encourage others to create. I also organize drawing challenges in collaboration with other talented artists, using seasonal prompts to promote self-love and the joy of creating. These challenges are open to everyone, so feel free to join us next time!
Looking ahead, my next goal is to open an online store featuring products with my designs. I hope these products will help people with motivation, self-love, or simply brighten their days.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I would say it is spreading good vibes and inspiration. I love to bring calm and positive feelings into people’s lives through my art. Whether it’s an illustration with affirmations or a piece that encourages self-love, my aim is to bring smiles to people’s faces and help them find a moment of peace and joy in their day.
It may sound simple, but I believe it is incredibly important and sometimes much needed to just stop and surround ourselves with gentle self love reminders and inspiring art during rushed days.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Of course! While I do not have a huge audience yet, I can share some tips and insights on how to gain your first 1,000 followers, which can sometimes be challenging for brand new accounts and individuals who have recently discovered their passion and want to establish their online presence.
– Be authentic. While it’s beneficial to stay aware of online trends and participate in them, your authenticity is always the most valuable. Do what you love and enjoy, when people sense the authenticity and originality that comes from your heart, they will happily join your journey.By being genuine and passionate about your work, you’ll attract followers who resonate with your art and your message.
– Be patient and persistent. Keep posting and creating even if you don’t receive many likes, shares, or followers at first. Every post is an opportunity to improve, reach new people, and express your creativity. Enjoy the process!
– Be friendly and kind to others. Show genuine interest in what others do and support their work if you like it. You can inspire and lift up each other. Try to find some challenges or collaborations with other people who share same or similar interests as you, it can help you with growing on social media definitely too.
Finally, don’t be afraid and just start your journey! :)
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