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

Hi Monica, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
For now, the biggest goal I would like to achieve is launching my own comic book Metzi and successfully launching it. I can’t necessarily picture myself completely quitting from illustration in the long term. I almost feel like I would be like Hayao Miyazaki, in the sense of seeing myself retiring but will always be inspired to come back to create more.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I draw cute characters with a slight edge in trendy outfits even having fantasy twist. What sets my apart from offering these services is not only am I understanding of creating unique character, but with my fashion design background I understand how fabrics work on the human body and construction.

Currently most proud of working on my original comic book. Branching out my creative endeavors to write a sci-fi fantasy story about two sisters named Metzi and Sola inspired by my love astrology and curiosity of Mexican Mythology.

The road to where I am at currently is not easy, especially with the state of AI now being the biggest challenge to our industry. But it’s important for others in similar route is to keep going and protect your work at all cost. If you are independent artist, find ways to branch out in multiple streams of income and learn to monetize your work. I myself, is still trying to learn from this, but it will definitely be a huge support in the long term on not relying on one source of income.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For matcha would go to Damo or Yoboseyo. For food Jinsol Gukbap, BCD, Wax Paper, Yangs Kitchen, Mandarin Noodle House, Dumar, and Azay are few of my favorites. Outdoor experience would go to echo park lake, elysian park, Huntington Gardens, or switzer falls. Usually enjoy going to some exhibitions at LACMA, Broad, or Gallery Nucleus. The best thing about living in LA is that there is always a pop up or convention happening every weekend, ranging from arts to crafts. Whatever you interest you may have there is always a place to go.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yes, I have an amazing group of close friends and family that have always encourage my career endeavors. Two individuals who always been mentors to me is Eva Ozone and Sara Coon. Both I’ve worked with previously when I was in corporate and have now become my closest friend. They always give incredible creative and business advice especially now that I ventured out on my own.

Website: https://www.moniliza.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monilizadraws/

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