Meet Monica Mikai | Author & Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Monica Mikai and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monica, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
My imagination has always been my personal space. Daydreaming, even as a child was my way of regaining balance. I remember finding any quiet moment, in my room, in the car, on the bus heading to school, playing outside, that I could fall again into the stories I had created in my mind.

When I was in undergrad I double majored in Education and Art, because I didn’t think I could make a career only as an artist. I taught art for many years, and only in the last few years when I shifted my mindset, and started creating a consistent body of work was I able to make art a full time job.

I realize now how much more complete I feel being able to escape into that space of imagination and dreaming full time, not just when I have spare time and I’m forever grateful for that.

But it did take me a while to figure out how to get there, and I honestly felt the word, “career” was something so serious and intimidating, and that art couldn’t be that because it was so enjoyable. So I gave up on the idea of art as a career and just kept creating because it was the way the stories in my head could come to life.

Everything changed when I chose to be an artist first, instead of trying to create a career first, it seemed to all fall together organically.

Once I started consistently sharing my art and writing on social media, art directors and illustration clients began hiring me for freelance projects. I signed with an illustration agency that represents artists mainly for children’s literature and now its my full time career.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Im most excited about story telling with my art. I dream all the time, and feel almost over inspired. My body can’t keep up with the amount of work I wish I could create. The stories I create I like to think of as “everyday mysticism” with a focus on spiritual growth. Its a reflection of how I see my own life. There are so many magical moments that happen in my life everyday. A bird flying over me, right when Im thinking of a loved one, Smelling the perfume of my grandmother when I just saw her name on a sign. These mystical moments have always happened to me. And I like to try and show in my artwork, that there is magic happening all around us in the seemingly mundane world we live in. I’ve really been working on showing this concept in my recent work.

I write and illustrate children’s books so I try and incorporate this in the picture book format as well. It takes on a less complicated structure but the real magic happens when we are children and still able to be open and see everything as wonderful as it is. We also experience so much personal growth in those years, I still reflect back on my childhood as a mirror to my personal growth now.

I’ve been learning, especially with my own two children, how to tell stories, that a meaningful and teach you something, while keeping that magic alive for children. My personal art can touch on more serious topics, but children are so capable of understanding complex ideas, so its a constant learning experience to translate my ideas into children’s books.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them to the beach, or the mountains. Somewhere outside in the sun where we could talk for hours. I think the most fun activities are the ones in nature. I always feel so inspired and it feels so memorable with others. There is always a sunset, or animal sighting that feels unforgettable for everyone.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have so much encouragement from my husband. I’ve always been an artist. But he really knew how unhappy I was with teaching art, and worked the extra hours, so I could devote more time to my work. He hyped every project I did, and celebrated each time I got a new client. He’s my manifestation partner in this career for sure.

Also my parents. They are both so creative in their own ways. My mother was a graphic designer and would always have art supplies available. My father could make something from nothing, he was always renovating our house, or creating a contraption to make something work better. I think having that creative perspective around me, allowed me the space to see things from the view of a maker.

There are many others, like my peers in art school, artists who I have become friends with through social media, and especially my agent Christy Ewers at The Cat Agency. Working with Christy and having someone who truly understands and represents your work is so important.

Website: monicamikai.com

Instagram: @monicamikai

Other: My illustration course https://monicamikai.mykajabi.com