aAsbout Monica, the Illustrator:
Monica has had an interest in art and books since she was a toddler. During the years when she was unable to speak, write and draw, she always sought out books and looked through them. Monica could barely write when she was ten years old but desperately wanted to draw. "I wrote Monica's Silent World when Monica was at her worst and all I had for her was dreams and hope that they would one day become reality. " says Susanna.
Susanna continued, "Frustrated that she could not navigate a pencil well due to her motor deficiencies, she cried, begging me one day to help her learn how to draw. As a mom, I felt helpless. I have no control over her internal being. So I turned to God, prayed a short prayer with her and then took her to the library where she started checking out every book she could find about animation, cartooning and drawing."
Monica imitated many styles until she developed her own. She has since designed her website, www.cartooncool.org, where children with special needs will be able to showcase their gifts and talents. She has many comics, cartoons and online games in the works. Since she began to voice her interest in the arts, she has also been involved in Musical Theater, acting, singing, dancing, theater production and set design.
"Monica told me she wanted to try drawing for this book series. She read the first page and created little Monica. Everyone who saw her initial drawing, fell in love with it! I can’t believe it took 12 years to finally get the perfect illustrator. A joy beyond my imagination, is that it turned out to be Monica herself. God really does work in mysterious ways. Monica is a remarkably talented young lady, whose possibilities are endless! I am so proud of her." said Susanna with tears in her eyes and a smile on her face.
Susanna added, "I asked Monica if there was anything she wanted to say to our readers. She said she is excited about our book release and beginning her career. She is proud of her work. She said she would like to encourage you to use your gifts. She says, “Everyone has talents. Try to use them to do something good and to help people. It’s not about rushing. It’s about taking your time and creating from your heart.” Wow, that’s profound. I’m her mom and even I can’t believe she just said that!"
Monica is an inspiration to all who know her. She has used her artistic talents to create a website where other children and young adults with varying exceptionalities will be able to showcase their gifts. She will also be sharing her creativity and original comics strips, animated shorts and even an online game she designed. The site will also have many other cool functions and fun activities. It's a unique and safe place for kids of all abilities. Currently under construction, www.cartooncool.org is the first site of its kind. Please visit frequently to experience its development and sign up for cool alerts. If you work in web development and would like to donate some of your time and talents, please contact us, we would be grateful for any help! To learn more about Monica the Illustrator, please click on the 'About Monica' tab on the site menu.
To learn more about Autism and ways that you can help promote awareness and/or donate to advocacy and research, please visit www.handinhand4autism.org
Hand in Hand Autism Resources, Inc. was founded by Susanna Moses in 2001 to promote autism awareness, extend free resources to families with children with special needs and to provide parents and caregivers tools to help them effectively advocate for their loved one. Susanna has always believed that Monica has a purpose in life. In spite of horrendous obstacles, she has spent over two decades helping Monica overcome adversities, teaching Monica how to utilize her strengths and guiding Monica to find and develop her gifts. If you would like to learn more about Susanna, please visit www.susannamoses.com or click on the 'About Susanna' tab on the site menu.
A cool fact about Monica’s talent as an illustrator; she completes every illustration using only 1 sheet of paper per drawing. She draws all of her characters free-hand. Every circle and detail. She says she does not make any mistakes. When asked how she draws without making mistakes she replied, “I just draw it exactly the way I see it in my imagination.” She said she designs it in her head first so she won’t make mistakes when she draws it on paper. Pretty good, huh kids?
To invite Monica to your school, church, day program or special event, please contact us. Monica loves to meet new people and share her love of the Arts!
Monica has had an interest in art and books since she was a toddler. During the years when she was unable to speak, write and draw, she always sought out books and looked through them. Monica could barely write when she was ten years old but desperately wanted to draw. "I wrote Monica's Silent World when Monica was at her worst and all I had for her was dreams and hope that they would one day become reality. " says Susanna.
Susanna continued, "Frustrated that she could not navigate a pencil well due to her motor deficiencies, she cried, begging me one day to help her learn how to draw. As a mom, I felt helpless. I have no control over her internal being. So I turned to God, prayed a short prayer with her and then took her to the library where she started checking out every book she could find about animation, cartooning and drawing."
Monica imitated many styles until she developed her own. She has since designed her website, www.cartooncool.org, where children with special needs will be able to showcase their gifts and talents. She has many comics, cartoons and online games in the works. Since she began to voice her interest in the arts, she has also been involved in Musical Theater, acting, singing, dancing, theater production and set design.
"Monica told me she wanted to try drawing for this book series. She read the first page and created little Monica. Everyone who saw her initial drawing, fell in love with it! I can’t believe it took 12 years to finally get the perfect illustrator. A joy beyond my imagination, is that it turned out to be Monica herself. God really does work in mysterious ways. Monica is a remarkably talented young lady, whose possibilities are endless! I am so proud of her." said Susanna with tears in her eyes and a smile on her face.
Susanna added, "I asked Monica if there was anything she wanted to say to our readers. She said she is excited about our book release and beginning her career. She is proud of her work. She said she would like to encourage you to use your gifts. She says, “Everyone has talents. Try to use them to do something good and to help people. It’s not about rushing. It’s about taking your time and creating from your heart.” Wow, that’s profound. I’m her mom and even I can’t believe she just said that!"
Monica is an inspiration to all who know her. She has used her artistic talents to create a website where other children and young adults with varying exceptionalities will be able to showcase their gifts. She will also be sharing her creativity and original comics strips, animated shorts and even an online game she designed. The site will also have many other cool functions and fun activities. It's a unique and safe place for kids of all abilities. Currently under construction, www.cartooncool.org is the first site of its kind. Please visit frequently to experience its development and sign up for cool alerts. If you work in web development and would like to donate some of your time and talents, please contact us, we would be grateful for any help! To learn more about Monica the Illustrator, please click on the 'About Monica' tab on the site menu.
To learn more about Autism and ways that you can help promote awareness and/or donate to advocacy and research, please visit www.handinhand4autism.org
Hand in Hand Autism Resources, Inc. was founded by Susanna Moses in 2001 to promote autism awareness, extend free resources to families with children with special needs and to provide parents and caregivers tools to help them effectively advocate for their loved one. Susanna has always believed that Monica has a purpose in life. In spite of horrendous obstacles, she has spent over two decades helping Monica overcome adversities, teaching Monica how to utilize her strengths and guiding Monica to find and develop her gifts. If you would like to learn more about Susanna, please visit www.susannamoses.com or click on the 'About Susanna' tab on the site menu.
A cool fact about Monica’s talent as an illustrator; she completes every illustration using only 1 sheet of paper per drawing. She draws all of her characters free-hand. Every circle and detail. She says she does not make any mistakes. When asked how she draws without making mistakes she replied, “I just draw it exactly the way I see it in my imagination.” She said she designs it in her head first so she won’t make mistakes when she draws it on paper. Pretty good, huh kids?
To invite Monica to your school, church, day program or special event, please contact us. Monica loves to meet new people and share her love of the Arts!