An Inspired Chat with Cleonique Hilsaca of St. Louis City

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Cleonique Hilsaca. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Cleonique, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Drawing and painting in my sketchbook is an activity I enjoy doing for hours on end. I love listening to music, or an audiobook, as I work on a page or a whole spread. I use my sketchbook to explore ideas, media and techniques at my own pace. I usually prefer working on my sketchbook in the mornings, on my work desk by the windows, when I’m having a slow day, It is a meditative activity that helps me slow down and center myself, and which I try to do daily if my schedule allows.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Cleonique Hilsaca, a multi-media freelance illustrator, designer, and painter based in St. Louis, MO. My creative process is inspired by mythology and nostalgia, fueled by research and idea exploration to bring whimsical stories to life. As a professional, my work can be found in picture books, newspapers, magazines, board games and galleries, having worked for clients such as Penguin Random House, MTA Arts & Design, Sesame Workshop and Renegade Game Studios. My projects have been honored by Spectrum: Fantastic Art, The Society of Illustrators of NY and LA, 3X3, and La Bienal de Ilustración de México. I’m represented by Nicole Tugeau at T2 Agency for children’s publishing.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before I knew I could study and practice art for a living, I didn’t have big dreams. As a child, I was always interested in art, writing poetry, singing in the school choir, playing the piano, drawing and painting; but I had no big motivation to have great grades, other than for passing my classes. I figured I’d become a psychologist for a career, as I was interested in psychology and philosophy since I was young. It wasn’t until I attended a college fair that I realized there were art programs I could attend to become an artist. Everything changed then, and I’ve been working hard since in pursuit of living as the artist I want to be every day.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was a time when I did give up art. While visiting my cousins on my mother’s side when I was around 9 years old, I learned that one of my cousins was amazing at drawing. I compared my drawings to hers, and because I thought I wasn’t as talented, I decided to stop drawing altogether. It wasn’t until two years later that I started drawing again, while idle in class, and realized how much I enjoyed and missed drawing. I haven’t stopped since, and both me and my cousin are now professional artists, colleagues and best friends who attended college together, peer review each other’s work and sometimes get to collaborate on projects as well.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes and no. I do have a front-facing persona that is extroverted and community focused. I’m a YES person who is ready and eager to engage with others, participate in a variety of activities and who often tackles positions of leadership. I greatly enjoy being this fearless person, because it is through connecting with others that I have met amazing people, collaborated in wonderful projects and have lived incredible experiences throughout my life. But I’m shy, anxious and quiet. My happy place, and most comfortable space, is one where I’m alone usually writing, reading, drawing, and doing other fulfilling activities I enjoy. I believe it is the balance of both of these sides of who I am that allow me to engage in the world while still making time to take care of myself.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If immortality were real, what would you build?
If I became immortal, I don’t know that I’d build anything other than a mountain of sketchbooks and tiny paintings. Knowing there is no running clock anymore, I’d probably spend my time exploring the world, learning all kinds of things, and doing more of what I love.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Cleonique Hilsaca

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

Highlighter Series
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than