CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?

ML: The work that I do is extremely vector-based and very happy and fun. I specialize in creating brands that have a lot of personality to them, so naturally my work has a ton of personality.

CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

ML: Nerdily, I’m constantly finding basic shapes to be extremely inspirational right now. I like to draw a lot of parallels between the things we found appealing as children and translate that into design for adults. Basic shapes really hark back to the first things we learn as babies and children, and that’s something I try and bring into my work today. 

CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new project/ piece of artwork?

ML: After a ton of research about a product, its market and competitors, I love to ingest a ton of visual inspiration before I dive into design work. If I’m not feeling in the mood or creatively inspired enough, I’ll wait until I’m at a time when I feel really jazzed to start designing. I don’t like to begin any design work until I feel really excited about what I’m doing. Sometimes that hits me late at night and on the weekends. I’m okay with that!

CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?

ML: All I want to do is make people smile and make the world a happier place. I want people to feel better about themselves and the world they live in through viewing my work.

CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?

ML: My life is pretty freakin’ fun. I make sure to only do work that is fun and work for clients who are incredible. This way, there is no need to concentrate heavily on work/life balance, because my work is fun and therefore, my life is fun! As a freelancer, I’m also able to have any schedule I want. So, if I feel like going for a massage or a solo movie in the middle of the day, I can! It’s great.

CH.89: When starting out an artistic task, do you think it is better to have a particular direction/set plan guiding your way? Or, is it better to act on impulse and go from there?

ML: I like mixing it up, so I don’t mind either method of working. If I had the exact same process each time, I would go crazy from the repetition. I love having projects where my client has very specific restraints and I equally love projects where I can do anything I want!

CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?

ML: MAKE FRIENDS WITH OTHER ARTISTS! It’s all about the friendships and being a kind and generous person. Other designers are constantly referring me for work, and I repay them with the same. It’s been so valuable having a network of other creatives who genuinely care about my success and well-being. 

 CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?

ML: Not really! I just live my life trying not to think about those things. I like what I like and it’s not a big deal. I’m more about making the quality of life as good as possible for myself, the people around me and especially the world we live in! That’s what is of highest importance to me!

CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?

ML: Like any career in the public eye, being judged is the hardest part to me. People having opinions about me based on what they see on the internet, judging me based on the talks I give. It’s hard knowing you’re being judged. I just have to remember that it’s making me stronger.

CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?

ML: People are seeking me out and paying me just to be myself. That’s pretty freaking cool!

CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artist’s that inspire you in any way?

ML: 100% absolutely Adi Goodrich right now. She is able to translate my brain into 3D spaces and environments, something that I have a hard time executing. I love her work and it’s really fresh and has had a huge impact on design trends today.

CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?

ML: My world revolves around technology as a digital artist. The internet, more than anything, has been extremely helpful. Being a part of an internet-based community and meeting people and clients online has been paramount in my career.

CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?

ML: I think a natural extension of being a creative is being a creature of the world and other cultures. That combined with my love of the internet and creating a community for myself there, means becoming friends with people all over the world. I feel bummed knowing the majority of the world doesn’t get to see life outside of their town and am so thankful that I get to.

CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?

ML: Traveling is extremely important to me. My favorite city is Stockholm. I love Stockholm because of it’s Scandinavian politics, climate, and overall demeanor of its people. Everyone is polite and quiet. The city is diverse (compared to other Scandinavian countries) and clean.

CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?

ML: My favorite book has always been The Bell Jar but as I’ve gotten older I mostly read Scandinavian crime novels. Henning Mankell, Camilla Läckberg and Arnaldur Indri∂ason are my favorite authors right now.

CH.98: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?

ML: I purposefully don’t make goals or think about the future too much. I love not knowing what’s next and I love taking whatever comes at me. Anything can happen and that really excites me!

CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?

ML: Being an artist is something I feel very fortunate to do. Being an artist, to me, means being able to fully reflect my emotions and my personality into something visual for the entire world to see. My work is exceptionally reflective of my views on life and it’s very fulfilling to be able to share my weird self with the world.

CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your artwork?

ML: Nope! Thank you!