Luscious eyelashes, big eyes and heavy line work are recurring themes that flow through illustrator Monica Alexander‘s work. The women in her drawings come to life with vibrant hues and elaborate hairstyles that complement their curious eyes—all hallmarks of her signature style, which comes from her Mexican heritage and an early love of Sailor Moon and the Studio Ghibli films. Originally from Texas, Alexander came to Georgia to study illustration at SCAD in Savannah and just recently moved to Atlanta to intern at the Atlanta Printmaker’s studio.
We saw her work at Phoenix Fest for the first time, where she painted a large mural inside one of the many abandoned buildings at Urban Sprout Farms. Up next, she’ll be showing her illustrations at MINT’s Pin-up Postcard group show later this month. Slowly but surely, Alexander is carving a place for herself in the Atlanta art scene.
Here, Alexander talks to CommonCreativ about breaking into ATL’s gallery scene, her artistic upbringing and where she finds inspiration.
CommonCreativ: What brought you to Atlanta?
Monica Alexander: Love and an internship at Atlanta Printmakers Studio. I had lived in Savannah for school so Atlanta just felt like a good next step once I graduated. I didn’t want to move to a huge city like New York or Los Angeles, plus I knew Atlanta had a great local art scene.
CC: How did you end up on this artistic path?
MA: Art was the one thing I really cared about during my grade school years. When I was 14, I found out about SCAD and instantly fell in love with the idea of going to an art school. I initially wanted to study animation but quickly found out that I had absolutely no patience for it. I declared myself as an illustration major and I have never regretted it. I didn’t know how far I could push myself creatively until I went to school for it. I graduated with a BFA in illustration in June of 2012 and have been on this rocky creative path ever since.
CC: Do you work as a freelancer or do you have a 9-to-5 job?
MA: I currently work in retail, but I’m trying to break into the gallery scene here. Atlanta has some great ones! Freelancing is definitely something I’m interested in doing too.
CC: Your work often features heavy lines and a unique style of faces. How did you find your style?
MA: I’ve been developing this style since about my junior year in high school. Once I got to SCAD it became much stronger and people were able to recognize my work by looking at it (which was wonderful). I don’t really remember how I started drawing this way. As a kid I watched a lot of cartoons—I would sit in front of the television drawing whatever I was watching (Sailor Moon, every Disney princess, Powerpuff Girls, Legend of Zelda characters, Studio Ghibli films, etc.), so it’s probably a big mix of all of my childhood favorites. And I have always loved illustrations with bold line work with minimal color. I am also not the greatest when it comes to coloring, so I love using spots of strong color throughout my work.
CC: What are your favorite materials to work with? Do you do most of your work on paper or via a computer?
MA: My favorite materials would definitely have to be ink and watercolor. I’ve been painting with watercolor since high school and I think I have found a way to use it well for my style. I love inks because you can get really bold lines and bright colors. If I have access to presses, I also love relief and lithography. I usually stick to traditional methods but I’m trying to develop a stronger digital illustration process.
CC: What’s your creative process?
MA: I try to carry a sketchbook with me at all times. If an idea pops into my head, I’ll either write it down or sketch it out. If I’m having a block I’ll watch movies that have sparked my creativity before or I’ll sit at my desk with music playing and a pencil in hand. Once I have an image roughly sketched out, I’ll go ahead and draw a cleaner version of it on whatever paper I’m using.
CC: Was the Phoenix Fest mural you painted your first?
MA: It was my first permanent mural! I’m originally from Houston—I spent a year there between graduating school and moving to Atlanta. While I was there I had the opportunity to do a chalk mural for this great company called Black Sheep. They invite local artists to do a piece on it and they were kind enough to let me do one. I usually like working smaller, but it’s always kind of crazy to see my work at such a big scale. I am definitely interested in doing more!
Monica Alexander painting her mural at Phoenix Fest
CC: What inspires you?
MA: My family is from Mexico and I have been lucky enough to grow up around Mexican folk art. I think I derive my color choices from that, and even some of my subject matter. My environment is always a pretty important aspect of my inspiration. Music is a huge source as well—I tend to listen to music that has pretty heavy imagery in its lyrics. Sometimes I need to step away from the screen to be inspired. If I try too hard, if I’m looking at images to inspire me, or over-thinking what I’m trying to do then it won’t come to me. Talking to other artists helps a lot too!
CC: Are there any local artists you would like to collaborate with?
MA: I’m fairly new to the local art scene here so I only know a small handful of artists. One piece that has stuck with me since before I moved to Atlanta is Molly Rose Freeman‘s mural off of Dekalb Avenue. I was here during that Living Walls in the summer of 2012 and thought it was absolutely beautiful. I drive past it all the time and I still adore it. I also discovered Blackcattips at Phoenix Festival and I have seen his work around town. I think our characters would make a cool collab!
I do love how many gallery shows there are every weekend, and things like Phoenix Fest. My favorite project is probably Free Art Friday, which I have done once but I promise I’ll be dropping more things soon! I think it’s a great way for new and upcoming artists to expose themselves.
CC: How do you promote yourself as an artist?
MA: Social media! I have a website, an Etsy page, Instagram and a Facebook page. I also send out postcards and talk to people at art events. Phoenix Fest was absolutely wonderful for that. I’m pretty shy when I first meet people, but Atlanta has been very kind towards me and my work. You just have to keep making pieces and post WIPs (works in progress) to keep people interested.
CC: What do you think about Atlanta’s current art scene?
MA: I think it’s wonderful. The locals seem to really support their artists and everyone gets excited over them. I got to experience it firsthand at Phoenix Fest and it was overwhelming in the best way possible. All the artists were very approachable and everyone was doing great work. Every big mural in this city is respected as a piece of art. I’m excited to delve deeper into the scene.
CC: Are you hoping to do a few gallery shows in the future or just stick to illustration?
MA: I very much want to do some gallery shows! I’m submitting work for MINT Gallery’s Pin Up Postcard show that opens on December 13 and that will be my first exposure to the gallery scene here as an artist.
You can see more of Monica Alexander’s work on her website.
