(Read our other exclusive interviews with artists here.)

In our series Behind the Scenes, artists answer questions about their creative process, philosophy, and more. This installment features Annabeth Mohon, a Texas-based illustrator who creates portraits of inspiring women, from a wide range of countries and centuries. You can see an exclusive, curated collection of work here.

First, if you could have any artist, living or dead, paint a portrait of you, who would you choose?

Gustav Klimt. His work is so ethereal and vivid.

Describe your ideal work setting.

A room with plenty of light and far enough away from people so that I can blare music at will.

Send an image that makes you want to work for hours on end.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t be fearful! Life and your artwork are full of opportunities, challenges, heartbreak, and the unknown, but if approached fearfully, you won’t be yourself, deliver your best work, or enjoy the process.

In all honesty, what were the last 5 songs you listened to?

Broken (featuring Jessie Reyez) by THEY

One Last Time (44 Remix) by Christopher Jackson, Barack Obama, and Bebe Winans

Hunt You Down by Kesha

Superposition by Young the Giant

Hold Tight (Acoustic) by 900 Miles

All art is theft—true or false?

Definitely true! Though stealing well is a true skill! We all constantly learn from each other, both the artists that came before us and the world around us. Artwork is not created in a vacuum, but in an environment touched by all these elements.

Send an image that makes you feel at home

What do you consume (art, music, books, film) to help fuel your work?

I love watching documentaries on fashion designers, set designers, and stage productions. The incorporation of all the various elements to deliver on a creative vision is both inspirational and educational on executing large projects.

Do you like to talk about your own art when it’s in progress?

Sometimes, if it’s the beginning stages, I certainly do not. However, if I’m trying to process which direction to take the finishes, I may talk it out with someone for a fresh set of eyes.

What is your favorite book of all time and why?

One of my very favorite books is The Phantom Tollbooth. I read it when I was 12 and it sparked such a curiosity about the world and I was fascinated by how clever all the various elements and characters were throughout the novel. Any time I’m feeling a little starved for inspiration, I’ll go back and read a few chapters.

Send an image of yourself that makes you feel old.

What advice do you wish you could have given to yourself ten years ago?

You don’t have to know how it’s going to end in order to begin.