Color and Canvas: Monika Verma's Leap from Finance to Fine Art

In the energetic streets of Bombay, Monika Verma's artistic journey began. A self-taught digital artist, illustrator, and graphic designer, she has carved a niche for herself in the world of art & design. Graduating from Mumbai University with a degree in banking and business, she initially embarked on a different path. However, destiny had better plans for her.

In 2021, Monika's artistic journey truly began after she dropped out of BBA and explored the world of digital art. Her relentless self-improvement led her to become a sought-after artist, collaborating with renowned brands and companies like AdobeLive and Huoin. Monika's ability to find inspiration in the ordinary and infuse it into her art sets her apart. Her typical day blends creativity, focus, and joy, from brainstorming ideas to collaborating with clients.

Outside of her digital canvas, Monika is passionate about nature and mindfulness, which evidently feed back into her art. Her journey from a banking student to a celebrated digital artist is a journey of following one's passion. Monika continues to inspire others through her vibrant and engaging creations, reminding us that inspiration can be found in life's simplest moments.

Monika Verma's creative journey is a story of reinvention and unwavering dedication to one's passion. Her story begins in the vibrant city of Bombay, where she graduated from Mumbai University with a degree in banking and business. Like many young adults, Monika initially followed a conventional path, enrolling in BBA after high school. However, life had different plans for her.

In 2021, Monika's life took a turn when she decided to drop out of BBA, feeling lost and burnt out. It was during this period of self-discovery that her true passion for art surfaced. Guided by her brother's encouragement to explore design, Monika embarked on a journey of self-learning. She delved into Skillshare classes and YouTube tutorials, honing her skills in Adobe Illustrator, After Effects, and Procreate.

Monika's journey as a self-taught artist was not without its challenges. While she had created several pieces for learning purposes, it was a significant moment when she completed her first piece of art. This milestone marked the beginning of her artistic journey. She also opened shops on platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, and Society6 to share her creations with the world, even though she faced initial challenges with minimal sales.

As she continued to evolve as an artist, Monika discovered the power of teaching content. She started creating educational content, particularly tips and tricks related to Adobe Illustrator and After Effects. This decision proved to be a turning point in her art business. Her teaching content resonated with a broad audience, garnering attention and engagement. Monika recalls the exhilarating feeling of reaching 100k views on her content, a significant milestone that paved the way for new opportunities.

Monika's dedication and passion for her craft attracted her first-ever client, a moment she cherishes. It was the validation of her hard work paying off, and it marked the beginning of her professional journey as an illustrator. She continued to attract more clients, including a dream collaboration with Adobe, a pinnacle achievement in her career. Working with Adobe was a dream come true, and it solidified her position as a talented and respected digital artist.

As her journey unfolded, Monika focused on simplifying her artistic style while infusing it with a sense of fun and positivity. She adopted the motto "work smarter, not harder," emphasizing the importance of efficiency in her creative process. Monika's art became a reflection of her journey, vibrant and joyful, radiating positivity and inspiration to those who viewed it.

A typical day in Monika's life as an illustrator is a harmonious blend of creativity, focus, and joy. Her mornings commence with a refreshing walk in nature, followed by a soothing cup of tea as she settles into her cozy workspace. The day begins with checking emails and messages for project updates and client requests. Once up to speed, Monika immerses herself in her current illustration projects.

The creative process starts with brainstorming ideas and seeking inspiration from sources like Pinterest. Monika's imagination runs wild during this phase as she sketches out rough concepts. Interestingly, some of her best ideas strike when she least expects them, often during casual doodles or moments of daydreaming. The true magic happens when she starts adding colors, breathing life into her illustrations. Witnessing everything come together is a moment of pure joy.

Of course, challenges are an integral part of the creative process. Deadlines can be stressful, and revisions are par for the course. However, overcoming these obstacles and witnessing the final piece is immensely satisfying. Lunchtime serves as a welcomed break, offering a chance to step away from the screen, take a short walk, or engage in creative activities unrelated to work. It's a time to recharge creative energy.

In the afternoon, Monika often collaborates with clients, sharing progress and receiving feedback. Knowing that her work meets their expectations and brings their visions to life is a rewarding aspect of her day. As the day winds down, she wraps up tasks, organizes her files, and prepares a to-do list for the following day.

Amidst the creative process, there are several small moments that bring Monika joy. One such moment is when a concept starts to take shape, a visual representation of her ideas coming to life. Another highlight is when she successfully tackles a tricky detail or discovers the perfect color palette for her work. These small victories add a sense of accomplishment to her day, making the challenges of her artistic journey all the more worthwhile.

Monika Verma's art is not limited to her digital canvas; it extends into her love for nature and mindfulness. Her passions outside of illustration significantly influence her creativity. Nature plays a crucial role in clearing her mind and reinvigorating her creative spirit. Exploring new places and soaking up the beauty of the natural world provide her with fresh ideas and perspectives.

Mindfulness, especially through meditation, helps Monika find a peaceful state of mind that enhances her focus and creative thinking when she returns to her art. Her love for nature and mindfulness forms a feedback loop with her creativity, enriching her work with new ideas, deeper emotions, and a perspective that transcends the digital realm.

Of all her creations, one holds a special place in Monika's heart: a character design of a powerful and bold woman. This creation embodies the essence of empowerment and showcases the limitless capabilities of women in overcoming challenges with unwavering determination. The character design features smiles and clouds, symbolizing joy, confidence, limitless possibilities, and dreams. It goes beyond art, amplifying the voices of women and contributing to a collective narrative that celebrates their power and resilience.

Monika Verma's emotions and experiences play a significant role in shaping her illustrations. She strives to convey positive emotions, such as happiness and joy, through her art, aiming to inspire and uplift viewers. Her artistic style has evolved over time, transitioning from intricate illustrations inspired by women's empowerment to more straightforward, clean, and flat designs. This shift not only increased engagement but also led to more work opportunities. Outside of her digital canvas, Monika finds inspiration in nature and mindfulness, which clear her mind and provide fresh ideas. Her journey from a banking student to a celebrated digital artist is beautiful tale of following one's passion.