Today we’d like to introduce you to India Monae.
India, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
India Johnson or creatively known “India Monae” is a Black woman illustrator and designer, and owner of iART Productionsj LLC, a creative business that offers a diverse collection of greeting cards, children’s books, tote bags, and novelty items, all crafted to celebrate the beauty and richness of Black culture. India is dedicated to creating art that shares joy and sparks imagination.
At the heart of the business is “India Monae’s” original designs, which blend vibrant illustrations and rich storytelling. The greeting cards, thoughtfully designed for a variety of occasions, are not just cards—they are messages of love, happiness, and mini stories made to share joy in every home. Her children’s book author/illustrator debut of, Zuki and the Oh So Amazing Band from Outer Space, pays homage to HBCUs and introduces the concept of HBCUs to early readers through the iconic experience of what it is to see and hear a HBCU marching band play for the very first time. Other illustrated works include, Soccer, Struggles and Superpowers: Tales of the Greenbriar 4 Book 1: 4Mation and two more major projects underway! These stories are full of colorful, engaging illustrations, immersing readers in exciting stories and imaginative worlds.
In addition to the books and cards, India Monae illustrates novelty items such as stylish tote bags, journals, gifts bags, and more that showcase bold, beautiful artwork. Each product is infused with the essence of Black culture and designed to make a statement, whether it’s a thoughtful gift, a cherished keepsake, or a personal style choice.
As part of the mission to share joy and imagination, India ensures iART Productionsj LLC offers custom illustration services for children’s books and other creative projects. These services are perfect for authors, businesses, or anyone looking to bring ideas to life in a way that is professional and authentic, while showcasing imagination.
I’m incredibly proud to build this business and I want my work to empower the community. I want Black children to not only experience joy but let that joy take them to new worlds and adventures. From greeting cards to illustrating new worlds, my goal is to craft products and experiences that resonate deeply with people and inspire others to dream bigger! Doing what I am doing now was once a dream and now I must step it up and dream bigger and impact greater!
iART products are available for purchase through iartproductionsj.com/shop. For creative projects, illustration services, and consultations visit, https://iartproductionsj.com/services.
For more information about iART Productionsj LLC and to see the full range of products and services, visit iartproductionsj.com and follow along on social media @iartproductions.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It took a lot of learning to create iART Productionsj LLC, my first book, how to illustrate for one, iART products, and so much more. In fact, I am still learning, but have come so far because I am curious and believe everything I learned has built on top of each other. Often times I have the vision of an outcome and the thing that pushes me forward is figuring out how to get there. For example, my first children’s book was a sketch of a little girl in overalls. I thought to myself this character can’t end here and got started. Not knowing that process would help me, help others get their books on the market. Not knowing this process would help me when I got a job working in animation. Not knowing that I was blending my passion for illustration with the technicalities of graphic design. I am becoming an expert on behind the scenes but not the way I had always planned but more fulfilling than ever!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
(put all info in Your Story section)
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
At this point I have had life experiences that have mentored me into becoming who I am and will be. My advice for anyone is: Be Authentic. You don’t have to force relationships to get where you want to be. In being who I am, life has outlined checkpoints along my journey that has questions/information/people/ and opportunities that align with who I am and where I am aiming to go.
It’s important to network and to be curious about things that interest you and maintain a balance to not exhaust yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: iartproductionsj.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iartproductions
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2302845373372792
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/india-johnson-m/
- Email: iartproductionsj@gmail.com
