Tom Mimo
Visual Artist / Digital Illustrator / Founder of The Moody Mimo
Laguna, Philippines
instagram @themoodymimo
tumblr
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Q What do you do?
“I’m a digital illustrator and visual artist who creates eye-zapping and soul-bearing art for creative businesses with a vivid vision.”
I help transform ideas into visuals in the form of illustrations, posters, and labels, to name a few!
I create illustrations that capture the human eye and the human spirit of my client's ideal audience. I also think of what I do as being in the business of inspiring individuals to embrace their authentic selves— their individuality, vulnerability, and self-expression— through the art that I create!
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
My creative story was about me overcoming being in denial that the creative path was for me for most of my life. I did not study art in uni — instead, I majored in Human Ecology for my Bachelor's and International Communications for my Master's. Basically, I continued to fool myself until I couldn't anymore.
It wasn't until I was in my last year of my Master's that I realized the only reason I was getting by was that I had an emotional outlet where I created things on the side. I was freelancing for fun (and mostly for free) and was creating posters, illustrations, zines, or anything a friend or an acquaintance might need. The idea of not being able to do that anymore if I pursued my current trajectory was painful, scary, and unthinkable. Yet the thought of diverging from the path I had already curated for myself was just as frightening, uncertain, and nerve-wracking.
Stuck with this dilemma as graduation day loomed in, I channeled my fear and anxiety into a commitment to make one poster a day (only for the sake of staying sane and encouraging self-expression without much expectation). I challenged myself to get my artworks out there without much of a plan (and yes, I uploaded my art once a day on Tumblr back in 2019!). And 120+ days in with 120+ posters uploaded, I started getting inquiries on whether or not I sell my prints and/or if I did commissions! I was mind blown!
As someone who has grown up with sentiments such as “there is no money in art” this experience was truly pivotal for me. The thought of people wanting to pay for what I enjoy doing the most was incredibly bewildering in the best way!
It wasn't a smooth ride transitioning to becoming a creative full-time. But I had made the decision! I had taken a leap of faith which also meant breaking free from the societal expectations I had internalized growing up. To sum it all up, I guess these were the steps I had taken:
Listening to my gifts. These bring effortless joy to your days, something you're excited to be doing even for free! -- for me, it was creating visual things digitally.
Listening to my gut instincts and feelings. I guess I always knew that art was my thing, but I was too stubborn to listen to my inner guidance hence, being in denial for most of my life.
Continuing what it is that brings joy! And putting my work out there! It's the internet age, where anything and everything is possible! You'll never know what could be unless you give your works the chance to be seen!
Learning from my experiences and integrating what I learn into bettering my biz!
Q How do you stand out in your field?
What makes me stand out is my “why” I create what I create. My art emphasizes that even during a person’s most vulnerable time, they remain powerful, capable, and beautiful in their own respective way. This is true regardless of everything — regardless of what other people tell them, what their minds are tricking them into thinking, or what mainstream media emphasizes. They are who they want themselves to be — vulnerable, yes, but always beautiful and powerful at the same time. I want my art to remind people that we get to define who we are as individuals. That only ourselves get to define and decide who we are. I want to help them embrace their vulnerability and their individuality. To face their demons head-on. That it’s okay to feel. It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to be different. It’s okay to finally be true to who they are.
Q What are you working on right now?
Currently, I am working as a digital illustrator with Mad Lemon, a craft-cocktail business based in Denver, Colorado.
I also have various personal projects like my “One Poster A Day” project, tarot series, and an online shop to name a few! Also, I'm big on self-development and am always looking for references to help better my biz!
Q What’s your style?
My work’s focal point is my intent of showcasing and encouraging human vulnerability, individuality, and self-expression. I specialize in creating trippy illustrations - an homage to the 70s psychedelic art movement where I mix illustration with graphic design elements in creating vivid, eye-zapping, and soul-bearing pieces. Color, expression, emotions, and feelings are my favorite elements to explore! I am very grateful that my current project with Mad Lemon on developing their craft cocktail labelling is in perfect alignment with my style and perspective! I get to create a character for each cocktail flavour that embodies a certain vibe and culture which excites my whole being! The whole brand identity and direction is a vibe I am definitely digging! Peep Mad Lemon here!
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I would love to explore fashion illustration and go crazy with the whole thing! So many talented and skillful emerging designers inspire the color-fanatic in me, and it would be so amazing if I could mix fashion with the art I create. So many fashion pieces that would be a dream to draw! And also, I would love to explore and hone in on album art creation! It always brings this electric synergy when I get to collaborate with fellow artists who align with my vision and values, and this is an experience I want to focus more on.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Lately, it’s been frustrating unlearning that my productivity does not equal my value and importance as a person. Although the idea of “I can do so much more” narrative can truly help fuel professional and personal growth to some extent, there comes a time when I need to ask myself “how much more” and “at what cost”? Internal dialogues such as this can be so frustrating but just as meaningful if I allow myself a moment to pause. Sometimes getting stuck in this mind-loop stunts my creative process, which causes another frustration. Lol.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Funnily, I can’t think of anything at all! Hmmmm actually — maybe have someone teach me how to make coffee so I can stop drinking instant ones! Coffee is life!
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would have told my younger self — probably high school me — to just trust my inner guidance and to start paying attention to my gifts! Our gifts are not here to be ignored. We’re here to use them to help make our world a much more beautiful, loving, and caring one!
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
As a relatively new comer into to the freelancing world, I would love to consult about how to get more client leads and how and where to find my ideal clients. I’m at a stage of my freelance experience where I need to double-down on this topic! Exciting times ahead!
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I am excited to work with musicians, fashion brands, creative studios, food, and beverage businesses, event organizers, and other creative industries— start-ups or established! I'm happy to work on projects that need unique and striking visual collaterals! I'm open to working on different kinds of projects as long as it is in alignment with my values!
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My ideal client is passionate about their business, a clear communicator, and someone with a clear and established vision of their end goal. I would love to work on projects that tap into my specialties — color, expression, and emotions. And collaborations that encourage creative exploration and expression!
Q: What is your rate?
Like most freelancers, my rates vary depending on the project scope. If we’re talking about personal art commissions — say the ones used for personal use only — my rate starts at $250 for one A4-sized artwork. So far, I’ve worked on projects ranging from $250 to $50,000, depending on the project scale and scope. We can always have consultation calls and I will provide you with a free project estimate!
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Please write to me at themoodymimo@gmail.com!
Please include info on:
1. Project brief
2. Your vision for the project (and how do you want my skillset incorporated?)
3. and lastly, your budget! So excited to be creating together!
Q Who is a creative you admire?
@thesunshinecollective.ph Tish is one of my college besties and we happen to be in the same freelancing biz! She helps podcasters shine on air and online! She inspires me to build my business with the right strategies, approach, and sense of humour to pair!
@Sofia.cope Sofia is an artist and a graphic designer who centers femininity and meaningful life stories in her work. She remains one of my most trusted online role models when it comes to creativity and self-development tho we've never actually met in person yet!
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
By exploring the world and my inner world!
This member profile was originally published in July 2022.