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From copy to comedy, graphic design to mastering magic, Monet Butcher is perfecting the art of job juggling one gig at a time.
The Toronto-based graphic designer and illustrator, who currently heads up Refinery29 Canada’s art department, is also a comedian, writer, actor—and even a budding magician. Yaz has a sense of curiosity that keeps her constantly learning, and finds inspiration and hilarity in just about everything—even dating apps.
An unparalleled capacity for creative projects has led Yaz in numerous directions: from buzzing around agencies; to founding and running the creative collective GXXRLS; to designing powerful, meaningful, and purposeful visuals for R29. In all of her pursuits, she advocates for equality and focuses on creating work that resonates with people from all backgrounds and lived experiences. Most importantly, she’s figured out how to juggle the many things that make her happy.
YAZ: I took on an internship after graduation, which ended up turning into a full-time job. It was one of the worst jobs I’ve ever had (I was there for 2 years), but I learned so much. Although I felt lost as fuck, I was able to recognize that I was working in a huge production space with endless equipment and programs. I knew I had to use it to my advantage to build my portfolio. I quit as soon as I felt confident in the work I had on my site and was able to start freelancing, which led to jobs at design agencies, more freelancing, running my own creative collective, and now, working at Refinery29 (while still freelancing) and chasing other dreams!
YAZ: I’d tell her to trust her intuition and to do what feels right for her. The journey ain’t easy, but it’s so worth it.
YAZ: I wouldn’t call it a failure, but making the call to put GXXRLS (the creative collective I started with my friend, Sandra) on hold because of a myriad of issues was definitely tough. The goal was to have that be our full-time gig, but sometimes things are just stepping stones that guide you towards what you truly want to do. And that’s what happened. Relationships ended, grew, and changed, as did we and our interests. It helped me realize what I would and would not stand for, what I did and did not want to do, and truthfully, it helped me look at how I was treating others. Working with friends is not easy and not for everyone. Lines tend to get blurred, and it’s hard to navigate. BUT it all worked out for the best, and I am so happy with where I am now (and the friendships I have now!).
YAZ: Hinge. There’s some really funny, awkward, cringey shit on there, and sometimes those things will make their way into my art as illustrations or comedy.
YAZ: Ouf, good music for sure. Classical, hip hop, pop, rap, yacht rock, 80s, jazz, etc. If it’s good, I wanna hear it. Cherry Bomb has been one of my favourite songs for as long as I can remember. Anytime it comes on my shuffle, I have to get up and move haha. Also, WAP hahahah
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YAZ: For me, it means working with people in the creative community, especially those who may not have been given an opportunity. I always knew that my role would allow me to work with freelancers, and I don’t take that lightly. I am in a position of power at a company that is known for its art and design. I want to share this platform with creatives and get eyes on their work! I’ve had art directors take chances on me, and I want to do the same for others. I always put calls out for creatives to DM me because I want to know who’s out there. I welcome emails and DMs from creatives (so keep doing it)!
YAZ: I’d like to see people being hired because they’re talented, not because they have a large social following.
YAZ: A writer, actor, and director!
Dillea—designer of Sapodillas, a clothing line that uses discarded textiles.
I just discovered Janie Hao and really love her painterly style.
I am forever a kimi kimo fan.
My girl, lemin: an incredible singer, songwriter, producer, and tattoo artist.