I’m Monica Maestrelo, an artist, illustrator, and designer inspired by the world’s beauty.
I’m Monica Maestrelo, an artist, illustrator, and designer inspired by the world’s beauty. I work primarily with watercolour, gouache, ink, and mixed media to create soft, movement-filled artwork—especially for urban and travel sketching, educational visuals, and well-being-focused storytelling.
I also love turning observation into learning: maps, architecture and interiors, food and drink illustrations, and digital pieces made with tools like Procreate and Affinity. Alongside my growing Urban and Travel Sketchbook course, I support clients through freelance illustration, editorial and online content creation, and calm, connection-driven creative projects.
A simple coffee run in a small New England town takes an unexpected turn, drawing one ordinary day into a mystery—and a government secret that could put the whole town at risk. Created during my MA in Illustration at UCA in 2025, this storyboard grew from exploratory sketches into a sequence drawn in an urban sketching style. It was a fun story to develop, and I may return to it in the future. Medium: Watercolour and ink
A Quiet Place Within is a self-initiated illustrated book project that explores anxiety through visual language, spatial metaphor, and gentle design principles. The work is grounded in the belief that emotional regulation can be supported not only through words but through colour, composition, rhythm, and imagery that encourages the viewer to slow down and feel held. I began this project in response to my own experience of anxiety and a growing awareness of how difficult it can be to articulate such internal states. These illustrations are part of a larger illustrated book that integrates reflection and visual pause, inviting readers not only to observe but to inhabit the spaces created. It aims to offer a gentle visual language for experiences that are often difficult to articulate. This is a work in progress.
Developed and launched an online Urban and Travel Sketchbook course focused on accessible sketching techniques, creativity, and observational drawing. Built an illustration portfolio across travel sketching, maps, food and drink, architecture, interiors, landscapes, fashion, products, and lifestyle topics. Produced educational and well-being focused visuals for online platforms, social media, and long-form creative projects, while managing branding, content creation, marketing, promotion, and client communication.
Provided one-to-one consultations and guidance to clients, supporting decision-making with a calm, reassuring, and respectful approach. Built and maintained long-term client relationships based on trust, empathy, and clear communication. Managed multiple responsibilities including planning, organisation, client communication, and problem-solving while running a small business and collaborating with suppliers, contractors, and creative partners.
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