Meet the illustrator: Monika

Monika is an India-based illustrator whose work revels in playfulness, vivid colors, and the beauty of the ordinary. She regularly takes time to disconnect and get fresh air, finding inspiration all around her. In addition to her illustration career, she’s built a successful art business making Adobe Illustrator tutorials and sharing the creative processes behind her work. 

In our interview, Monika offers her advice on the importance of sharing your art, nurturing a supportive artist network, and never waiting for perfection.

Who are you, and where are you from? 

I am Monika Verma (known as @ambartive). I’m an illustrator and designer from India. I specialize in creating whimsical character illustrations, pattern designs, and short motion graphics. 

How would you describe your artistic style? 

I love to create illustrations inspired by nature, retro style, bold graphics, and whimsical characters. My work often features bold, vibrant, cute, and abstract elements, incorporating grain textures to add depth and playful gradients for dynamic visual effects. I also enjoy illustrating food, seasonal themes, and special occasions.

How do you stay creatively inspired? 

I find inspiration everywhere! From observing the world around me to staying inspired by other artists’ work and styles I admire. I also look on Pinterest, explore current trends, and experiment with new styles and techniques to push my creative boundaries. 

How do you handle creative blocks? 

As an artist, I definitely experience those moments where inspiration seems to vanish. When I hit a creative wall, I find it most helpful to step away from my work for some time. Taking a break to explore nature, whether it’s a walk in the garden or a bigger trip, helps me reset my perspective and come back feeling refreshed. Disconnecting from screens is key for me – staring all day can be draining for both creativity and health. That’s why I make sure to exercise and get some fresh air daily to maintain my physical and mental health.

What’s the most unusual or unexpected source of inspiration you’ve drawn from one of your illustrations? 

That’s a great question! I was creating illustrations featuring strong and elegant women, but I felt like something was missing. Then, one day, I was just having some fruit and this random idea popped into my head: what if I designed something inspired by this? It felt totally out of the blue, but I decided to go for it. Stepping outside my comfort zone and exploring this new idea completely transformed my art style and opened up a ton of new possibilities for me.

What initially sparked your interest in art, and how did that passion evolve into a career in illustration? 

Drawing has always been a passion of mine, but it wasn’t until after graduating with a business degree that I truly considered illustration as a career path. With some encouragement from loved ones, I delved into the world of illustration. To improve my skills, I took Skillshare classes and watched YouTube tutorials, focusing on mastering Adobe software. After creating a handful of illustrations, I started sharing my art on Instagram and opened shops on Etsy and Society6. However, I didn’t find much success in it. I then shifted my focus to making tutorials about Adobe Illustrator, and sharing the drawing process of my illustrations. People loved seeing behind-the-scenes of how I create my art. This was a turning point for my art business, as it started to grow, and I received a lot of support. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work with amazing clients like Adobe, Huion, and of course Unsplash. As I continued to evolve, I adopted the motto “work smarter, not harder,” prioritizing simplicity and fun in my artistic style. 

What is your illustration setup?

For my illustrations, I use my Laptop, iPad and Adobe Creative Suite. I mostly use Adobe Illustrator for vector illustrations, and Procreate for sketching my ideas. Additionally, I use After Effects for animation and Premiere Pro for video editing. 

What advice do you have for aspiring illustrators? 

Don’t wait for perfection, create what you love! The key to growth is making art and sharing it. Your unique style will emerge as you practice and experiment. Focus on your own journey, not comparing yourself to others. The art world needs your voice! Keep practicing and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and techniques. Seek feedback, and stay persistent even when facing challenges. Networking with other artists can also provide valuable support and opportunities.

What’s your favorite thing about being an illustrator? 

There are two things I love most about being an illustrator. First, I have the freedom to set my own schedule. This flexibility allows me to find a healthy work-life balance and work at my own pace. Second, I get to choose projects that resonate with my artistic style and vision. It’s truly a dream come true to be paid for doing what I love! 

What’s the most challenging aspect of the profession for you? 

Of course, there are challenges too. As a freelance illustrator, I sometimes face periods with less client work. But I see this downtime as an opportunity for personal growth. I can use it to develop my skills and work on personal projects, which ultimately helps me attract even better clients. The constant need to network, market myself, and showcase my work on social media can be overwhelming at times, but take it easy and maybe I just thrive under pressure!

Do you have a past project or client you’re particularly proud of? 

It’s hard to pick just one! I find something fulfilling in most projects I take on. However, designing a magazine illustration for freundin was a fantastic experience. And, of course, I enjoyed so much working with Unsplash, because it allowed me to create art that aligned perfectly with my artistic style.

What do you watch and listen to when you’re creating? 

When I’m illustrating, I love putting on lo-fi music playlists or ambient soundtracks. They help me focus. I also listen to a lot of podcasts for inspiration. Some of my favorites include “The Creative Boom,” “On Purpose with Jay Shetty,” and “The Future with Chris Do.” 

Is there a particular place or environment where you feel most inspired to create your illustrations? What about that space fuels your creativity? 

My creativity definitely thrives in a calm and peaceful environment. That’s why I find my workspace to be the most inspiring place to work. That being said, I also enjoy working in peaceful nature for a change of scenery.

What do you hope viewers take away from your illustrations? 

I want my illustrations to spark a sense of joy, wonder, and playfulness to my viewers. Maybe they’ll make someone smile or see the beauty in something ordinary. 

Describe yourself in 3 emojis.