Q: Can you tell us a little about your craft and how you got started?

A: Hi, I'm Inique Harris! I’m a talented art teacher, illustrator, portrait artist, and fiber artist. I recently won Artist of the Year, which was a huge (and happy!) surprise. I’ve always been inspired by Studio Ghibli movies - those soft, cozy vibes really stuck with me. I wanted to capture that nostalgia in my work, and that’s how my journey as an artist really began.


Q: Where do you find inspiration for your work?

A: A lot of my inspiration comes from childhood memories. I love imagining everyday scenes reimagined with little fairies or creatures running around. It's a fun, magical way to bring stories to life. I also create some of these creatures in 3D form - one of my favorite parts of being a fiber artist!


Q: What does a typical day in your studio look like?

A: My days start early or late - it just depends on how much sleep I got! I usually put on music or a video to get in the zone and pick up where I left off the day before. I’m often prepping for upcoming art markets, so there’s always something in progress.


Q: How does being part of the Monroe-West Monroe creative community influence your work?

A: I absolutely love how active and lively the creative scene is here. There’s always something going on, and that energy keeps me going. I’m constantly meeting new artists who inspire me to keep creating and evolving. This community pushes me in the best way.


Q: What’s one piece you’ve created that holds special meaning to you?

A: Definitely my first plushie - her name is Tadpole. I made her when I was 13, and my grandmother even helped me sew the eyes on. She’s a little beat up now, but I keep her close because she’s the reason I started making the plushies I do today. Looking back, it’s wild to see how far I’ve come.


Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out?

A: Don’t be afraid of where your skill level is. Just let your passion guide you. I look back on my early work and laugh a little - I wasn’t very good! But I loved what I was doing, and that love helped me grow. You’ll improve over time, just keep creating.


Q: Where can people find your work?

A: You can find my art in Monroe at Good Daze, which has a great vibe. I also post regularly on Instagram - @inkplushies & @inkplashes - where you can keep up with new pieces and markets I’ll be attending.