Chris Monroe

Describe what you do for work and how your experience with it has been.
I am a freelance illustrator, cartoonist, author and fine artist. I keep going. It hasn't always been easy.

How did you get your job?
I created my job and built on it over the years.

How long ago did you graduate from MCAD?
10+ years

Where are you originally from and how did you hear about MCAD?

Duluth, MN. I heard about it in high school from a visitor to our art class.

What was your major and how did you choose it?

Fine Art. I switched majors in my Sophomore year from Design because I wanted more hands-on studio classes.

Who was your favorite faculty member and why?

Frank Gaard. His talent and honesty stood out from the others. I still think about things he said in class. Second place goes to Judy Roode, who taught me so much about drawing.

Describe your internship(s).

I was an intern at City Pages for a few years. I illustrated the food column mainly and eventually got a paid position. I met so many art directors over the years and learned a lot about communication and respect. Connections I made there helped me throughout my career.

Best thing you ever found on the free shelf?

I would be lying if I said I remember.

Did MCAD prepare you for life after graduation? In what way?

Not really. I didn't have a lot of practical skills for marketing myself.

Your biggest takeaway from MCAD?

Seeing the page as part of the art and not just a space to place it.

What inspires you/your work?

light, shadows, animals and the natural world. Funny things I see or read.

How do you network yourself and your art?

Relationships I have built over the years. Website, Instagram, and I have an agent.

What was your experience living in the Twin Cities? Any hidden treasures?

I lived there for almost 20 years. I loved living there until I didn't.

What is my fondest memory of being a student at MCAD?

The Halloween Dances. Hilarious, creative, wild.

Personal Pronouns

she/her