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Interview with Alex Monroe: A Glimpse Into the Creative Mind

Q: Thanks for joining us, Alex! Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do?
Absolutely, thanks for having me. I’m a multidisciplinary artist based in Chicago. I work primarily in digital illustration and animation, but I also dabble in sculpting and installation work. My goal is to tell stories that blend surrealism with everyday emotions, and I try to keep a balance between client work and personal projects that really let me explore new ideas.

Q: What does your typical day look like when you're working on a new piece?
It’s pretty structured, actually! I usually start my day with a walk and some sketching just to warm up. Then I’ll dive into digital work around mid-morning. I block out the general composition first and spend a lot of time iterating on color palettes. I like to take breaks often to avoid creative fatigue—it helps me see things with fresh eyes.

Q: Where do you draw inspiration from?
A lot of my inspiration comes from dreams, mythology, and music. I’m fascinated by how certain sounds or phrases can trigger a visual in your mind. I also love visiting old bookstores and watching obscure documentaries—sometimes a single line or image will spark an entire project. Nature plays a role too; I think there's a lot of magic in the mundane if you know where to look.

Q: What challenges have you faced as an artist, and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges has been managing self-doubt. When you're constantly putting your work out there, it's easy to fall into comparison traps or imposter syndrome. I’ve learned to value progress over perfection. Surrounding myself with a supportive creative community has made a huge difference. Also, just taking risks—even small ones—has helped build my confidence over time.

Q: Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring creatives out there?
Keep making things, even when it feels pointless. The only way to find your voice is to use it, over and over again. Don’t wait for permission or perfect conditions. Try new mediums, share your process, and connect with others. Most importantly, remember why you started—it’s easy to get caught up in algorithms and trends, but passion is what sustains you in the long run.