Q: Originally from Manila, what are some of your favorite things about living and working in Brooklyn?

A: I like the freedom and independence. I feel lucky to have a chance to try to make it here. I also like the ease of public transportation, having four seasons and the endless places there are to explore in the city. It's so very different from the Philippines. Having a studio with a few of my friends is also great. They are good company.

How and when did you first become interested in art and illustration?

My dad's side of the family has several artists and my mom painted with oils growing up. I think it was something I was always aware of and fascinated with. Do cartoons count as illustration? I watched a lot of TV as a kid: Rugrats, Spongebob, Catdog, Hey Arnold. I think the first time I was really aware of illustration was when I saw a book called Fashion Illustration Next in the "fancy" bookstore. I wanted to be a fashion illustrator for a bit during high school.

The New York Times Sunday Review: The Unregulated Sperm Industry. AD Aviva Michaelov

What was your first commercial assignment?

I did a little illustration for the New York Spirit during my junior year in Parsons. One of my assistant professors recommended me for it actually. It was an opinion piece about how mothers can take a vacation from their kids by staying in a motel.  

What is your favorite part of the creative process? 

I like reaching that point where your mind just zones out and the worrying stops. The moment after you finish a piece is also really nice. For a few minutes you think it looks like the best thing you've ever done, then you hate it. 

Do you keep a sketchbook?

My sketchbooks are a place to work out ideas and test ways of painting. They are not very impressive to look at. I like doing more final pieces on loose paper that way if it's terrible it's not attached to that book forever. 

Lady Butchers, for Meat Maids, a story on the female butchers of Ho Chi Minh City

What is the balance between art you create on paper versus In the computer?

Most of the work that I've done is in watercolor and then edited in Photoshop. Sometimes I add color background in the computer, but usually it's for tweaking colors and cleaning up.

How do you spend the first hour of your work day?

The first hour is a bit of cleaning up my desk, because even if it's going to get just as messy, it makes me feel nice. After that I answer emails.

What are you listening to? 

My studio mates (Leah and Rachel) usually have something playing. Yesterday, we listened to a lot of Cupid Delux and Solange. I had this one phase when I was working at home and I would just listen to King of the Hill. It's one of the best shows ever. I like listening to podcasts and radio shows. There is something calming about hearing conversation. 

Who and what are some of your strongest influences?

Peer pressure and alcohol. 

What would your Karioke song be?

There was this one time when I was a kid, I sang "I don't know how to love him" from Jesus Christ Superstar on my grandfather's karaoke machine. I got 18/100 and haven't sung solo since. 

Did your participation in the AI32 LIVE Cover Project have any spillover into your studio practice? Do you recommend marathon art projects for inspiration or redirection?

If only I could be that prolific every day. It was pretty similar to what I do at the studio, but just more focused. I didn't touch my phone or computer the whole time—I was just painting. 

It's Not the End of the World, from the Hot Summer series

What are some of your favorite places/blogs/websites for inspiration?

I follow a lot of blogs online. Some favorites are This Isn't Happiness and Gurafiku, a site dedicated to Japanese graphic design. It's hard to pinpoint where inspiration comes from, since there is just so much content online. My strongest inspirations are always things that I have lived through or felt deeply.

Has social media been a boon for self-promotion? Or do you have methods you’ve always used that still work?

I have a blog on Tumblr that I update quite frequently. I think that it gets a good amount of views but that doesn't always translate into actual work. I'm not very good at Instagram or twitter either. I over think it or don't think about it at all.

Have you ever had a creative block with a deadline looming? What do you do to get crackin’?

I tend to stress eat. It probably doesn't help much. If I'm stuck on an idea, I like to make many little drawings and just throw out random ideas. Taking a short break helps too, if there is time.

Is there any particular new technology you’ve embraced as an avenue towards entrepreneurial adventures?

Not really. I bought a printer to make prints. Does that count? It's new to me. I need a new scanner too. 

What advice would you give to a young illustrator who is just getting noticed?

Be nice and don't slack off ! 

Monica Ramos is an island girl living and drawing in NYC.