Mimi Chao: Sharing Your Creative Gifts

I know you’re a new mom. What were your first months with your baby like?  

It took us a long time to finally have our baby, so I was intentional in giving myself time off and fully enjoying my time with him. I spent the first month physically recovering (a casual version of the Chinese “sit month”) and adapting to newborn life. I thought I'd take up to four months completely off, but I found myself wanting to draw again by week four! I ended up gradually returning to my full workload over the course of five months, working throughout but at a gentle pace. Also, in the fourth month we took a trip to Portugal with our baby and it was the best. 

(Photo by Andrew Castro)

Did you think of yourself as a creative kid? What does creativity look like for you these days?

I don't remember if I thought “I am creative!” but I certainly wanted to do many creative things such as pursue art and make up stories. My creativity was either not nurtured (mom) or actively discouraged (dad), and I literally was not allowed to pursue it as a career. So I started my career as a lawyer before finding my way back to myself once I could. Now I feel like everything I do is creative in some way. I very much look forward to nurturing creativity in my own child. Not in any intense or overcompensating way, just in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. Creativity can take many forms. As long as he is curious to express himself and is open to learning skillful ways of doing so, that's creativity to me.

How did motherhood change your creative practice?

I would say motherhood changed me by helping me feel more confident and at ease with myself. I feel really inspired. I let things flow and answered a lot of questions I felt stuck on earlier. The change in perspective and priorities is priceless. It didn't happen overnight or as soon as he was placed in my arms, but I've felt it more and more in just these first five months.

How does art enrich your life? How does being a mother enrich your art?

My art is a direct reflection of my life experience and being a mother is an incredible part of my life experience.

What’s inspiring you outside of your own genre?

Architecture, culture, activism, anyone doing anything well that makes life more beautiful. 

What’s your favorite super easy creative practice to do when you’re looking for fresh ideas?

Go to my favorite museum, library, bookstore, garden, or park. All my favorites.

How can we support and encourage each other more?

By being loving towards ourselves and engaging with the world around us fully and freely. 

What do you hope your kids will learn about creativity from you?

That we all have it, that it’s our gift from the universe, and learning to cultivate and share it is our gift back.

If you had a million dollars to make the world a better place, how would you spend it?

Grants for impactful/meaningful small businesses that reflect the true passions of the owners, including continuing education that most people don't have the time and money to pursue. Though I am self-taught, I really wish there was more access to learning true craftsmanship from masters or smaller ateliers. 

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Mimi Chao is a former lawyer turned full-time creative. She has been running her illustration studio for the past ten years, producing her own books & illustrated products, working with clients, and teaching mindful creativity classes. She just had a baby boy named Esden and he’s now five months old! You can connect with her on her personal site and Instagram or at her professional home, Mimochai.com.

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Nebula Notebook is a place to meet kindred spirits, get inspired, and learn how to find ease and joy in the creative process—even when life is bananas. 🍌🍌🍌

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✏️ PS—The fastest way to grow as a writer is to book a manuscript critique or a creative coaching session with an expert. My clients get agents, sell books, and win awards. They also learn how to enjoy the creative process, so they can keep going when life gets hard. 👏