The powerful and empowering illustrations of Monsie

"I want my illustrations to be a source of empowerment," says the Edinburgh-based illustrator Monika Monsie. "Beyond being visually appealing, I aim to create work that sparks joy, confidence and a sense of possibility. Each piece is an invitation to see the world a little differently – to feel seen, understood and inspired. My goal is to challenge perceptions and remind people of their own inner strength and creativity."

And when you talk to Monika, it's soon evident that becoming a freelance illustrator has empowered her. She is big on colour, with strong forms and a sparkling attitude, so her visual style chimes with her restless soul. She has bounced between careers, spending time in Spain, Japan, Vietnam, the US, and France before ending up in Scotland. How long she'll stay is hard to guess, and as winter sinks in, she's thinking of warmer climes.

What illustration gives her is a constant while feeding her need to explore new things – there's always a new brief, fresh challenge and the opportunity to grow. "What I love most is the incredible freedom it offers. It allows me to dive into new topics and explore fresh concepts, especially during the research and development phase – I learn tons! I love the entire creative process, from that first spark of an idea to bringing it to life. With so many varied interests, one aha moment always leads to another, keeping me inspired and curious."

Minimalist, with high-contrast palettes and playful vector curves, Monika's style has gelled, attracting clients like Adobe, The Guardian, The LA Times, and Vans. She's also created beer labels for Collective Arts Brewing, and one of her favourite projects has been with Like the Wind magazine, illustrating the lives of female athletes. Looping back to the theme of empowerment, this work challenged societal views and explored an overlooked topic.

"The project focuses on topics like miscarriage, IVF and periods, highlighting that the most productive years for many female athletes often align with both childbearing and career growth. It stood out for me not only for its creative elements but also for the meaningful conversations it aims to spark," she says.

For Monika, the freedom that illustration offers is balanced against global uncertainty. In the last two years, she's noticed fewer opportunities are available, and budgets are smaller when they do crop up. "I'm navigating these changes by exploring new avenues for passive income," she explains. "I'm also focusing on developing fresh strategies to reach out to potential clients who share similar vibes and aesthetics."

She's staying positive, always looking for new ways to learn, explore, and experiment, and seeking new forms of inspiration. Photography, cinema, and visual storytelling are areas she's interested in, while she also absorbs new styles from places like Latin America, Indonesia, and China. Unique perspectives and different cultures always help push creative boundaries.

"Don't be shy – share your work with the world," is Monika's advice to emerging illustrators. "Focus on what lights you up creatively, keep growing and enjoy your journey. Your unique style will naturally emerge when you trust your instincts and stay persistent."