Mónica García | vistaenplanta: turning fears into passions

VISTAENPLANTA is a project led by Mónica García, a Mexican architect and illustrator whose gift is listening to spaces and bringing them to life through architectural graphic representation, with an exceptional touch all her own. Through the language of colour and line, she tells the story of buildings, exteriors and other architectural projects, capturing their essence in vivid illustrations.

For Mónica, her creative passion proved stronger than her fears, and she has shown it by growing this project. Her work rests on her professional training but takes a purely creative approach, always opting for a celebration of creativity in which contours and pastel tones are the hosts.

That celebration is always open to the public. On her Instagram account she often shares advice and information about her workshops, and occasionally reveals the secrets and curiosities behind her work. And if you'd like a closer look at her creative process, you can follow her tutorials on her YouTube channel.

Without further ado, I hope you enjoy this conversation with Mónica as much as I did.

Note: This conversation took place in November 2020.

Hello, Mónica! Could you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?

Hello! I studied architecture in Hidalgo, Mexico. Five years after graduating, I decided to start an architectural illustration project, which later grew into a self-managed venture. I run workshops to teach my drawing method, and in doing so build a community that learns and motivates one another.

I know how hard it is to find the perfect balance between the technical and creative sides of architecture. What has been your strategy for finding it? Do you think you have?

It really is difficult. My own balance leans more towards the creative, and that shows in my work. That's how the idea came about of doing something more artistic, something I could blend with architecture, because I honestly lost interest in the career itself. As I advanced through my studies, the semesters grew more and more technical. At work the interest came back, but there was still a void: I felt I wasn't doing what I was truly passionate about.

Tell us a little about VISTAENPLANTA. How did you decide to start a project built around architectural illustration?

It all grew out of my urge to build something of my own, based on what I genuinely loved.

I've been drawing since I was a child, and I was drawn to the art world from early on, though it was insecurity that led me to choose architecture over fine arts. I don't regret studying architecture, but I never stopped drawing.

It was in my last job that I really began to lose myself, because I was no longer doing anything I liked. The urge to draw was still there, very much alive, so I decided to build something for myself and for the long term.

I knew it would be risky to start a new project from scratch, with no resources, but on the other hand I had the time and the willingness. I had never been so excited to do something of my own.

For three years I kept imagining what it would be like to work on something tied to illustration, while knowing that architecture was the path I'd chosen. I knew it would be a little crazy, and I wasn't sure it would ever work, but that's how I set my fears aside. The only thing that mattered was doing what I'd wanted for so long. Ever since, all my energy and time has gone to vistaenplanta.

This is more than a business venture or a source of income. It's how I get to be myself, and for me that's the greatest achievement of my life.

In your illustrations you've clearly found your artistic voice, one that gives life to the spaces you represent. How do you choose the scene that gives each illustration its context? Do you have a process for selecting the colour palette?

It isn't enough to see spaces as they were designed or built; I want to tell a story that unfolds within them. That's my starting point. Most of my illustrations speak of my own experiences and tastes, and of how I'd like others to see architecture. From there I decide the kind of character I want to draw, the emotions I want to convey and, of course, the colour palette. I simply imagine how I'd like the scene to be seen, and that's closely tied to my mood. I'm a big dreamer and spend my time picturing scenarios, which is where my ease for drawing comes from.

I've noticed you've taken a step further, turning VISTAENPLANTA into a project for sharing your passion and your process. Would you tell us about this platform, the stage it's at, and your vision for it?

At first I didn't dare give workshops. I was afraid to share my method, not out of possessiveness, but because it meant opening myself up to people I didn't know. Later I understood they simply wanted to learn from me, and I began designing a method that was easy and dynamic. So far the workshops have been in person, occasionally virtual, but I'm already working on making them available online. That would help enormously with time, since most participants either work or study.

I hope to have everything in place by 2021 and to keep growing with the project.

What has been the greatest satisfaction your work has given you so far?

The greatest is being able to be myself, since this is a project where I can grow both personally and artistically.

The second is having direct contact with people and seeing them identify with me, because in some way I'm having a positive impact on their lives. That means everything to me. My project is about growing, and if I grow, so do you. I invite you to achieve whatever you set out to do, whatever it may be, and I try to prove it possible through my own project.

The third is having time on my side, and being able to shape it around my needs. I used to suffer under a relentless twelve-hour schedule, which is no good for the soul. I love being free and having my time at my own disposal, and that too has been a great satisfaction.

Of course, there's much more we'd like to know about you and your work. Anything else you'd like to share?

Be true to yourself. Fear makes us miss out on a world of possibilities, but if you manage to overcome it, you'll grow in whatever area you choose. The only thing standing in your way is you.

"Fear forces us to miss a world of possibilities, but if you manage to overcome it, you will grow in the area you choose."

Where can we find you?

Website: vistaenplanta.mx
Instagram: @vistaenplantamx
YouTube: VISTAENPLANTA

Thank you so much, Mónica. We wish you many more successes and satisfactions with this project.

_______

Where is Mónica now? (July 2026)

Since this conversation, Mónica has continued to lead vistaenplanta successfully, growing a community of people passionate about illustrating architecture. She now also shares her knowledge through talks and conferences, inspiring students drawn to the world of illustration.

Mónica García | vistaenplanta: turning fears into passions

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