Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Alexander.
Monica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I moved to Atlanta a little over three years ago a year after graduating from school. I had visited Atlanta a handful of times before thanks to a long distance relationship and I was always blown away by the murals around town. For some reason, I never expected Atlanta to be an “artist” city. I had people asking me if I wanted to move to New York or California, but they never really appealed to me and they seemed so massive in my head. Atlanta started to call to me. The person I loved was there, the art scene was much more impressive than I had previously thought, and I had already lived in Georgia for school.
I saved up some money working as a server back home and stuffed my whole life in my car that summer. I started going to shows. met artists thru my job, and just kept learning about Atlanta’s visual talent.
It took me about a year and a half to break into the scene. I did my first mural at Phoenix Fest 2014 over in Urban Farms thanks to Squishiepuss. People kept coming up to me asking me about my work while I painted. That was my first taste of the local art scene. All the locals just embrace their artists and show an amazing amount of support.
It’s been, thankfully, kinda going uphill from there. Making art is exciting again. This city has revived me and has reminded me how wonderful it feels to be an artist.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not. Trying to make a name for yourself and starting from zero is always going to be difficult. School can only prepare you so well for the real world of illustration. You are your business so you have to play every role it takes to be successful. I am so proud of the progress I have made, but I’m not where I want to be yet!
Tell us about your childhood, what were you like growing up?
I think I was a pretty shy kid. I was really quiet in class, had a handful of friends, but I was drawing all the time. I came out of my shell towards the end of high school. I was never a good student (math is my sworn enemy). I grew up loving dogs, traveled to Mexico about twice a year growing up, listened to a lot of music, enjoyed reading, loved animation, developed a love of cooking thanks to my mom, and just drew as much as I possibly could. It acted as an escape from school.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
I can’t really think of just one? I remember getting my childhood dog with my dad and sister. I was 7 at the time but the memory is imprinted in my mind.
Almost every Sunday my dad would put the grill on. It was always a family event. My dad and siblings will yell at whatever soccer game was on while I helped my mom in the kitchen. She can make salsa like no one’s business and my dad is a grill master. I try and recreate those meals with my boyfriend and friends. There’s just something about real homemade Mexican food!
So, what should we be on the lookout for, what’s next in store for you?
My biggest plan would be to be able to quit my daytime job and sustain myself with my art. I want to grow my business and make a name for myself. A solo show is definitely the next goal on my list. I have been part of a lot of great group shows here in Atlanta but I wanna show this city what I’m about! And I would love to add more murals to my list. I also have plans to grow my online shop.
Contact Info:
- Website: monicalexa.weebly.com
- Email: mmalexander90@gmail.com
- Instagram: itsmmmonica
- Other: monicaalexander.bigcartel.com
Image Credit:
Monica Alexander
