The Becoming series started in 2019. We wanted to hear from women in different walks of life and how they were approaching creativity, career goals, and more–mostly the WHY and HOW beneath it all. It’s been amazing to conduct these interviews and get a “behind the scenes” look at so many inspirational women. You can see them all here.
I’m thrilled to share an interview with artist Mika Rane. Mika is a new friend of mine who oozes creativity in every pore. She moved to Provo a couple of years ago from Portland and arrived with a infectious energy. I’ve been lucky to get to know her through Drawing Nights where I’ve witnessed her creativity first hand. She’s playful, experimental, chock full of ideas, energetic, curious. She’s already very accomplished, but the world is her oyster and I can’t wait to see what she brings to it!
What do you consider yourself? Example: Artist, designer, illustrator, maker, business person, educator, etc.?
I’m an illustrator/designer/maker/marching band enthusiast.
Where did you grow up? Were there aspects of your childhood that have influenced what you do now?
When I was four, my family moved to Mexico City from California to work at the American Schools. In the ten years we lived there, we visited many states around the country, experiencing traditions, hiking pyramids, and forming new friendships. I grew closer to my mexican roots, felt a deeper love and appreciation for my heritage and my family and culture.
Now, when I’m around Mexican culture, whether it’s music, food, language, dancing etc, I feel a deep sense of pride and excitement and want to share it. It brings me much joy.
What did you dream of becoming when you were younger?
Wooooweeee a chef!!! I remember flipping through magazines in the art room that were chopped up for collages and I’d carefully cut out the recipes and glued them into a ruled notebook for my personal “recipe book.”
My parents were very supportive in this career choice and encouraged me with easy baked ovens, aprons, and my very own special measuring cup set (which I still use). I still love to bake and cook, and feeding people is my love language.
And I wanted to be a Jazz, Saxophone player. Maybe in another life?
What sparked your interest in design and sharing on the Internet?
A strong concept and good design really excites me! (To the point that I will reward it – buy it, collect it, feast on it! etc. ) I love seeing what others do, and I have found a kind and supportive community on Social Media who cheers me on and have created a sense of community.
How does your culture affect your work?
I’m so proud of my heritage and culture. I’m really drawn to it, so I naturally recreate it – in my own way. It’s so colorful, vibrant, imperfect, playful, and communal.
What are three words to describe your style?
Playful, imperfect, colorful.
What is your educational background and how has it shaped or changed your current career?
I bounced around several majors (including archeology). I was accepted to both the Illustration program and Advertising program, and surprised myself by taking the advertising route – in hopes and dreams to become an art director. I studied and practiced art direction and minored in graphic design and completed an internship in Manhattan, working on the Oreo 100 year campaign at DRAFT FCB.
There was so much I loved about it. It was exciting, high production value, and talented people.
After graduating, I found myself in the dream fairy land of Portland Oregon, and quickly discovered the opportunities for Jr. Art Directors were limited. I started some little odd jobs, but kept returning to the “drawing table” and did small commissions for friends and it slowly started growing into its own beast.
I’m so grateful I went into art direction/design because it became a foundation to how I approach my work as an illustrator. It taught me how to do heavy brainstorming, have a spirit of collaboration, and to be playful.
What inspired you to become an artist?
Ever since I was little, I would prefer to create/paint/cook/make/draw over playing. It’s where I felt most like myself, felt growth and excitement.
My parents encouraged me and signed me up for art classes and they appreciated and framed my art work.
Seeing illustrations on social media inspired me as well! I think my initial understanding of illustration was children’s books/pixar and both of those felt impossible when I began. Seeing editorial illustration, and branding illustration got me excited and helped me understand the field better.
What is one project that you are especially proud of and why?
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw my work around the Utah Jazz area and on shirts and online. It was significant because it felt like a HUGE milestone. It was significant for my career, and also represented parts of my heritage that I love.
I was hired on two separate occasions. One for Dia de los Muertos and the other for Hispanic Heritage month.
Where do you find inspiration?
Hand drawn signs / Folk art / Costumes / Kids art / Other artists on social media
How do you make social connections in the creative realm?
Instagram has been a major player in my social connections. There are so many genius artists online and there’s a desire to connect with each other and cheer each other on.
I moved to Provo Utah in 2021 and didn’t know the creative field here, but knew that my job as a freelance illustrator can be lonely and I needed that to change. Social media wasn’t going to be enough of a community for me. I had met Amanda Jones (freelance designer) and Michelle Everett (freelance illustrator) and bounced the idea of a monthly meetup of women/freelance creatives to gather/network/chat/mentor.
This group is a highlight of my life in Provo. When we meet, we network, connect and work on a project together as we catch up and discuss each others projects.
What artists and creatives do you look up to, both historical and present?
When I was first getting into Illustration, I was following Carson Ellis very closely. Everything she does is gold in my eyes. I especially love her gouache marks, her shapes, her noses!
Victor Melendez is a Seattle based illustrator who shares his mexican heritage in his work. I think he was the first illustrator I saw doing that and made me feel like I could too.
Eleanor Davis is a brilliant illustrator and cartoonist. I highly recommend her graphic novel, “You, a Bike and a Road.” A journal she documented on a cross country bike trip and the encounters and friendships she made. I especially love how she draws bodies.
Brett Stenson is a Portland illustrator and a carver and he inspired me to use simple shapes, color block and have simple color pallets.
I love folk art and costumes. From all cultures and peoples. I feel like their playful/wonky/connection with people and place that I’m drawn to.
What books, movies, shows, or music are making you excited these days?
Shows: I’m really excited about some animated shows lately. Animation can be so much more imaginative and wild vs. live action. This last year we watched Scavengers Reign, Blue Eyes Samurai, Boy and the Heron.
I’m constantly returning to the classics, 30 Rock and The Office, Great British Baking Show.
Oh and Taskmaster. It’s an easy laugh, good time, british comedy panel show.
Books: I audiobooked 100 years of solitude last year and that one took me places. I still imagine some of the scenes it put me in.
Music: Bad bunny/Reageton is a hard hitter in my household. Jungle – can’t get enough of their groovy sounds.
What is a piece of advice that you have carried with you and who is it from?
This is something I heard recently by my new friend, James:
Make sure you have these 3 people in your life:
Someone to learn from (Builds knowledge)
Someone on your level (Builds relationships)
Someone you can teach (Builds Impact)
On the flip side, is there a comment or critique that motivated you to do something differently?
Make more and share more of the kind of work you want to be hired for.
Don’t share a concept you wouldn’t want to make.
What is your workspace like?
Chaotic hoarder vibes. 🙂 I’ve collected many interests and hobbies and it’s slowly filling my office/closet/under the desk. This year I upgraded to a cintique and it’s changed my work dramatically, but takes up my entire desk space.
Describe some habits that keep you motivated and productive. How do you climb out of a creative slump?
I keep a growing list of personal projects I want to pursue. Varies from zines, sewing, cooking, ceramics, etc. I keep this list in a “journal” of sorts, but that’s where I do my crude sketches and thoughts and when I want to do something – when I’m in a funk, I try to draw something up in there. And then eat a treat. Eep. 🙂
I also invitest in those new mediums and materials to play with and experiment. That really gets my mind churning and projects blossom from them. Some favorites from the past have been polymer clay to make skeleton wall pieces, paper mache hearts, needle felting ornaments, needle punching rugs, and making comics. Since making them and sharing them, I’ve been hired to make polymer skeletons and paper mache projects.
What is a typical day like for you?
I have little ones. Every morning consists of getting them ready (before my preferred wake up time) for school. Once they are in school, I try to do something active, lately that’s pickleball at the local rec center and getting my ass kicked by 70 year olds.
After that I try to get work/projects/day trips completed before picking up the little ones.
Then little ones take up the rest of the day with eating, cleaning, eating and cleaning and then bed time!
And then I stay up way too late working on my personal projects like making rugs, sewing, etc and avoiding going to bed.
It’s a good life.
What is one skill you wished you learned when you were younger?
Talk about myself more/being proud of myself. I think I was conditioned, or believed that talking about myself was a negative thing?? BUT WHHY? I love it when others do.
And I wish I learned more music theory and developed more musical skills like playing the mandolin.
Is there anything more you would like to “become?”
I would like to become more involved in my community.
You can find Mika Rane
On Instagram @mika_rane_makes
On her website: mikarane.com
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