Monet Alyssa Kifner
How Monet Alyssa Kifner mastered the art of putting herself out there while staying grounded
“Everything happened kind of quickly”: that’s what Monet Alyssa Kifner remembers about starting out as a young illustrator. It’s also an understatement. Just a few years out of college, she’s already worked with high-profile clients like The New Yorker, Wired and The Hollywood Reporter. But none of that would be possible today if she hadn’t boldly put herself out there. We chat to her about what it takes to make yourself known without burning out, losing your sense of self or chasing unrealistic expectations.
What I do
How would you describe what you do?
I’m an illustrator, designer and artist – of posters, books, editorials and more – who tells stories and builds worlds through my artistic mediums.
What are the main influences and inspirations behind your work?
Femininity, nature, music and my curiosity about the world at large. The illustrator that’s inspired me the most, though, is James Jean.
Would you say you need any specific training for what you do?
I’d say that yes, you do. As an illustrator, you should be trained in draftsmanship, visual storytelling and the principles of design. While you can totally be self-taught (especially in today's digital age), I would still recommend a structured learning environment that you can attend alongside other creatives. Personally, I studied illustration at the Fashion Institute of Technology and found it really helpful.
“Everything happened kind of quickly, and I think that’s because I was putting myself out there on a ton of platforms, from my website and social media to features in publications.”
What’s been your favourite project to work on from the past year, and why?
My favourite project was a screen-printed triptych I did for Buffalo AKG Art Museum. It was part of a group show called “Hi-Vis” and it explored one’s relationship with God using the motifs of mind, body and spirit.
What does a normal day-to-day usually look like for you?
I wake up by 6am and eat, pray, and make coffee in my home studio. Then I begin the work day, typically by going through emails first before diving into projects.
Monet Alyssa's home studio
How I got here
What was your journey like when you were first starting out in your career?
Everything happened kind of quickly, and I think that’s because I was putting myself out there on a ton of platforms, from my website and social media to features in publications like It’s Nice That and The Society of Illustrators & Communication Arts. All of that got eyes on my work – and eventually, an offer to be represented by artist agency Jacky Winter.
How did you go about landing your first few jobs, clients and/or commissions?
Clients reached out to me after seeing my work on social media or the publications I was featured in. I only know this because I asked how they came across my work – so don’t be afraid to ask questions like that!
“My creative work has taught me how to manage expectations, especially around trying to attain perfection since that’s often just been futile.”
Ice Cold, The New Yorker, 2024
What has been your biggest challenge along the way?
That answer has evolved over the past few years. Today, I’d say it’s time management and being my own boss. As an independent illustrator, no one is breathing down my neck. So I strive every day to cultivate the discipline and maturity to do the work as well as stay consistent.
What skills from your creative work have you found helpful — and vice versa?
My creative work has taught me how to manage expectations, especially around trying to attain perfection since that’s often just been futile. I’ve taken this principle into my daily life by not having a perfectionist mindset and giving myself grace instead, which has helped me to grow with a positive mindset.
How important are social media and self-promotion to your work?
For me, social media is an online portfolio of my work that anyone can access at any time. It’s been essential so far: many of my first jobs came from people who found my social media accounts and were impressed by what they saw.
So I’d advise that you put yourself out there online. First, have a website. I know cost can be a deterrent for some people, but you have to look at it as an investment in your career. In addition to that, share your work on Instagram. You don’t have to post all of the time either! Just share good and interesting work that displays your personal brand and aesthetic.
“Show up ready to work, hungry to grow and easy to work with – so that you become somebody that clients see value in bringing on to the next project.”
What are three things that you’ve found useful to your work or career, and why?
Talking with creatives from other industries is very helpful, as it gives you outside perspectives while still within that same creative world.
Living a healthy and balanced life is also crucial. In the past, I didn’t have that and ended up burning out – but you can’t make a habit of burning out because it can lead to health issues and, ironically, stop you from doing your best work. Having balance helps you be a better creative.
Finally, I’ve found it immensely useful to seek wisdom from those who have successfully done what I’m trying to do, so I often study other illustrators and find out about their career journeys.
What have been your greatest learnings with making money and supporting yourself as a creative?
If you’re a freelancer, stay on your toes. The next project is not guaranteed and you have to plan accordingly. Show up ready to work, hungry to grow and easy to work with – so that you become somebody that clients see value in bringing on to the next project. You may not be the best illustrator, but you can strive for a top-tier work ethic.
On the Trail of the Fentanyl King, WIRED Magazine, 2022
Advice
What’s the best career-related advice you’ve ever received?
Learn from failure. Success isn’t linear, so take those instances of so-called “failure” with grace and have gratitude even when your patience is tested.
Where do you go to feel connected as a creative?
Here in Buffalo, I go to art gallery openings called “First Fridays” with friends who are also artists or in the arts. Taking time to catch up with them while gallery hopping is an easy way for me to feel connected as a creative. The only thing, though, is that I don’t have any illustrator friends – so I kind of miss out on specific types of conversations that I crave from time to time.
Dave Chappelle, Collectionzz, 2023
What advice would you give to someone looking to get into a similar role?
First off, just draw. You get better with everything you make. Also, study the foundational principles of design and familiarize yourself with successful career illustrators by looking to see what they did and how they grew successful. After that, put yourself out there!