We recently had the chance to connect with Stacey DeHay and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Stacey , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I wake up around 6:30 or when my cats get me up for breakfast. I start my day job (dog walking) at 10, so I like to spend at least an hour or so drawing in the morning while eating breakfast and doom scrolling.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
By day I walk dogs and by night I illustrate animals, food and monsters- that’s my little joke. I have worked with and love animals my entire life, so it was natural for me to draw animals. I am a self taught illustrator. I really took my practice more seriously after my husband gave me an iPad and the procreate app. Drawing digitally gave my little perfectionist heart the chance to mess up and keep going.
As to my brand, it’s fun and sassy. I love drawing animal puns, retro scenes with animals in them and telling a story in an illustration. I often get told my humor is similar to Gary Larson (Far Side) and I take it as the highest compliment.
This year I have been drawing a monster a day in order to really keep my creative muscles strong.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My husband Robert really saw me before I did. He knew long before I did that if I just put my mind to drawing I could do it. That first iPad really set my soul free.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I think every artist has a time where they want to pack it all in. I have had those moments when the shop isn’t selling well or after a terrible festival. But then I remember all the stories of writers, artists, etc.. who nearly gave up and then boom, they hit it big.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
This old lady doesn’t know how to be anything but herself. Even people who don’t know me super well will tell you I am not super warm and fuzzy and can be quite sassy.
While I am unafraid to be honest, I do keep my social media personality lighter. I leave the political posts and such for my private personal account. My art account is a place for people to escape.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would quit my day job. I love my dog and cat clients, but I would devote myself fully to my art. For now, those furry friends pay the bills though.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://coconutmoe.com/
- Instagram: @coconut_moe
Image Credits
All images are mine- Coconut Moe Illustrations
