Creative of the Month: Monique Bianca

Creative of the Month

Monique Bianca

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you consider yourself a Creative.

Hello! My name is Monique! I am a twenty something year old California chick through and through. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California and now dwell in Ventura; a small beach town on the Central Coast of California. In 2011, at 19 years old I left home to seek out a new adventure in the city of San Francisco. San Francisco became my city of LOVE! It’s truly where I feel my creative mind went wild, and it’s remained wild ever since.

I am a lover of the ocean, the 70’s, golden light, being barefoot, VW’s, wild hair, getting lost in new places, dancing, sushi, and good music.

Simply put, I am a creative because I CREATE. I didn’t go to college to study art, hell I didn’t even take photography classes in high school. Know what I did? I picked up a disposable camera and shot whatever the heck I wanted to. I fell in love with the art of photography, and have been photographing what makes me happy ever since. I go with my gut when it comes to art, and so far it’s paid off!

2) Who inspires you the most?

Funny enough, I am inspired the most by people I have never met. Instagram has been such a valuable outlet for me to draw inspiration from others. Some of my favorites are: Denise Bovee (@denisebovee), Jessica Kraus (@houseinhabit), Bri Emery (@designlovefest), India Earl (@indiaearl), and Krista Ashley (@krista.ashley). These women create with grit and authenticity.

Other things that inspire me: places I visit, photographs, MUSIC, the 1970’s era, my friends, my family.

3) What is the last book you read and what is your all time favorite read?

I am a sucker for a good memoir. With that being said, I am also a sucker for reality television haha. Uhhh Bachelor Nation anyone?! The last book I remember reading was Andi Dorfman’s “It’s Not Okay: Turning Heartbreak into Happily Never After.”

My all time favorite read is also surprise surprise related to The Bachelor franchise; and is “I didn’t come here to make friends, Confessions of a Reality Show Villain” by Courtney Robertson. This book was the first time anyone from The Bachelor franchise stepped up and chronicled what the entire experience of being a contestant on The Bachelor was ACTUALLY like. Courtney is hilarious and witty, and overall it’s a funny feel-good read.

4) How do you express yourself?

I express myself in all sorts of ways. In the music I listen to, to the clothes I wear, to the words I write, to the photographs I take.

5) What is your most favorite project that you’ve ever worked on?

My favorite project (if it can even be considered that) would have to be my personal instagram account: @moniquebianca. I love it because it’s something I do 100% for myself. I post what I want when I want. And although I love photographing for others, I feel that when I do it for myself it becomes more of a passion project.

6) What would be your biggest and wildest dream concerning your creative talent?

I think just being able to do what I love (photograph people in love) full-time, inspire others, and be able to travel and see the world while doing so would be my ULTIMATE.

7) Describe your perfect day.

Waking up early-ish next to my dude, packing the car full of snacks and things. We’d embark on a road trip up the coast with my Spotify playlist “happy chill chill” and good conversation on repeat. We’d end up in San Francisco a few hours later, grabbing some lunch at my favorite restaurant “Kingdom of Dumpling” and head to Ocean Beach just a few blocks away to walk off the grub and full bellies. Afterward we’d head to Dolores Park for some sun time + snacks + beer. And we’d cap off the night with rum cocktails at our favorite tiki style bar “Smuggler’s Cove” and maybe some In-N-Out.

🙂

8) If you had one tool for the rest of your life to express your creativity with, what would it be?

What instantly came to my mind was hands down, my camera. And then I thought WAIT duhhh, my iPhone! I would have the ability to take photographs, write, AND listen to music. WIN WIN WIN.