Today we’d like to introduce you to Monserratte Hidalgo
Hi Monserratte, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Monserratte Hidalgo, but everyone knows me as Monseh – hence, “Monseh the Creator.” Born and raised in South Miami, Florida, My love for art began only as a little girl when my drawings caught my teacher’s attention. My teachers through grade school would go on to tell my mother that I excelled in art and had great potential. This encouragement led me to the magnet art program at Southwood middle school in Palmetto Bay, where I’d further explore my talents and flourish in fine art. I continued my education in art at Miami Palmetto senior high school where I’d meet many new friends and supporters of me and my art. My junior year in high school I began to receive praise, and a growing following through designing senior crowns, commissioned pieces and custom sneakers. Seeing all the support from friends, classmates and even strangers pushed me to keep going with my passion for art.
One of my most pivotal moments came when I attended the Rolling Loud festival here in Miami. I’ve always loved rap and R&B, so being surrounded by the music and the vibrant atmosphere felt like a dream come true. Seeing all the festival art inspired me to blend my two loves – art and music – by creating brightly colored, unique portraits of my favorite rappers. This marked a turning point for me and led me to truly discover my niche.
For the past three years, I’ve worked in the restaurant industry to support my art career, but in March 2024, I took a leap and decided to pursue art full-time. For the past few months, I’ve been dedicating all my time to building myself up to become a part-time tattoo artist and muralist (Monseh’s Murals), while trying to start my own clothing brand inspired by rappers and concert culture. When I’m not creating, I’m brainstorming on how I can grow as much as I can through social media by attending rap concerts in Miami, marketing myself and connecting with other influencers. Each day, I’m motivated by the support of my Miami community, and I’m excited to keep reaching new heights with my art.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s definitely been a bumpy ride from high school graduation up until now. I’m 23 years old, and since graduating, I’ve worked at various restaurants as a server, trying to make enough money to invest in art supplies while managing one or two projects a month. Working in hospitality has always been a balancing act—deciding whether to keep the steady income or take the risk of going full-time with my art and hoping to make just enough to get by.
It’s been challenging, especially since I don’t always know if I’ll have enough work to cover my expenses. But after a trip to California in March 2024, where I was inspired by the creative community, I returned to Miami with a new mindset. I suddenly felt ready to quit my job and fully commit to art, figuring out expenses and income as I go.
For the past five months, my mind has been scattered as I juggle tattoos, murals, and launching a clothing brand. But I don’t regret my decision at all—in fact, it’s been the best one I’ve ever made. I feel more inspired than ever, with new ideas every day. I’m young, and I’m fortunate to have a strong support system at home, which gives me the freedom to focus entirely on my art. I’m taking full advantage of that support to get to where I want to be.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I like to think of my work as having a few different facets, each one building on the identity I go by—Monseh the Creator. My main passion lies in creating art that blends with rap culture. I’m deeply inspired by rap music, so I make pieces of trending rappers using different mediums, including acrylic paint and stippling (pen drawings). This style has become my signature, and it’s what I’m most known for. I’m proud to say it’s also the foundation for my upcoming clothing brand, which will showcase my drawings and bring the rap and concert culture to life in wearable art.
In addition, I’m working on becoming a tattoo artist. I’ve studied various art mediums since middle school, and over the years, I’ve received a lot of positive feedback on my pen work, particularly my stippling technique. This encouragement pushed me to start tattooing part-time, with the goal of building a clientele soon while still having time for my other projects.
Lastly, I’m pursuing mural work here in Miami. I’ve already created a few large-scale pieces, which have given me the confidence to approach local spots in need of art. I’m grateful to have secured my first client, and I’m excited to continue sharing my vision in spaces throughout the city.
What sets me apart is my drive to merge art with music culture in everything I do—whether it’s on canvas, clothing, skin, or walls. I love connecting with people through art that resonates with them, and each day, I feel more inspired to expand my creative reach.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In the next 5-10 years, I see exciting growth and transformation in each area of my work. For my murals, I envision building a portfolio of large-scale pieces throughout Miami’s local spots, bringing vibrant, culturally resonant art to the community. I also hope to collaborate on murals for events like Rolling Loud, merging my work with the festival’s energy and reaching a broader audience.
In tattooing, I aim to develop a steady clientele, honing my skills in fine line and realism. Over the years, I see myself advancing both technically and creatively, becoming known for intricate, highly detailed tattoos that reflect my unique style.
As for ‘Monseh the Creator,’ I imagine this persona rising to iconic status in both the art and music worlds, much like Virgil Abloh did with fashion. Known for her visionary collaborations with top rap artists and influencers, she’s built a brand that defines a generation. Her collections have a devoted, global following that resonates deeply with Gen Z and sell out instantly, capturing the energy and soul of rap and concert culture. Monseh the Creator’s work isn’t just art; it’s a movement that inspires and connects with fans worldwide.
Overall, I’m excited to see how my work evolves within each of these spaces, each one contributing to a dynamic and interconnected career path.
Pricing:
- Pricing depends on the piece, how big, how much detail, and how quickly you need it by.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.monsehthecreator.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monsehthecreator/?igsh=MWt2a3VuenEwNndhdw%3D%3D
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monsehthecreator/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@monsehthecreator?si=XuMUv0mlqm0SM0__
