Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Le
Hi Monique, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Art was present in my life even before I was aware of my own consciousness. From squiggly characters etched into wooden chairs and marked onto the drawers and walls, crumpled tissues glued on paper to create flowers, to tiny air-dry clay figurines, the house quickly became my personal art gallery to my parents’ dismay, who found themselves in the presence of a little art menace.
My desire to create expanded in school as I was able to explore multiple traditional mediums. However, I always wanted to go into digital art but could never justify the cost of a tablet, especially as a middle school/high school student. The closest I could get to digital art then, was MS Paint with the tedious click and drag of the mouse. Though once I entered college, I was presented with an opportunity to be a book illustrator… which meant I finally found my justification! With the continued aid and support of my parents, I was able to have my first tablet (that I still use) and enter a new era with my art that led me to illustrate a children’s book and start my own small business.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Many of the struggles I faced were found within myself. Adolescent college students are not typically known for their superb time or stress-management skills, and that was when I became the most acquainted with burnout. After spreading myself thin with all of my commitments and facing multiple life events, I remained with no desire to pick up my stylus to draw, leaving my tablet to collect dust for years. It was difficult to maintain and consistently promote my small business as a result, so there was a period of time when my website was on standby. However, it was not until 2022 when I picked myself and my stylus back up again. I started applying for artist alley conventions and local markets, which helped reignite my desire to create and motivated me to put myself out there.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For the most part, I am a digital illustrator known for making cross-cultural references through my cute and simple illustrations. Some of these references include anime, food, memes and Asian culture/my Vietnamese heritage. My art is usually displayed as stickers, keychains, and stationery, which can be found on my website but also at local events on occasion! I wouldn’t say that there is anything that sets myself apart from others. Instead, I take pride in being part of the creative collective that can make a positive impact within our community through art.
How do you define success?
My definition of success may adjust with time, but I feel most fulfilled knowing that my art brings comfort and happiness to others. For example, even when in-person sales are low, seeing people smile or laugh as they pass by my booth energizes me. It flatters me to see someone gasp and run to my booth while dragging their loved ones over because they found something that resonates with them. Knowing that my work can be relatable or be met with such enthusiasm is one of the greatest rewards! I highlight bringing happiness to others through my work because you never truly know who needs a good laugh that day or what they may be enduring. Life can get unpleasant and overwhelming for everyone, but if my work can help anyone step back and smile, even for a moment, I consider that a success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://guacamomole.com
- Instagram: @guacamomole
