Tell us a bit about yourself.
We are Daniella Valerio and Sandrine Molnar, creators of Monorail Studio based out of Austin, Texas. Daniella grew up in South Texas going fishing, enjoying the ocean and spending time with her family and friends. I spent much of my childhood traveling around the world with my family until finally setting down in Austin.
We met while completing our studio art degrees at the University of Texas at Austin. We both have a love of printmaking, and it was only after we graduated that we decided to start up a studio focusing on screenprints.
We get so much enjoyment out of creating an illustration, transferring the image to screen and finally printing each individual poster by hand. We relish the idea behind printmaking and how it allows us to share our art with everyone. It’s a process of love and we hope it shows in our products.
Apart from creating things, what do you do?
Sandrine: We both love food and spend a lot of time cooking up new dishes and exploring Austin eateries. When we get the chance to travel, we get to know a city by the food. I enjoy gardening, watercoloring, renovating my house and working as a freelance artist. There are just so many things to do and not enough time to do it.
Daniella: I currently work as a production artist and full-time food fanatic. I mainly draw and attempt to learn French and Spanish during my free time. My favorite thing to do, though, is drink a cup of coffee, sit outside and come up with new ideas and designs.
What would be the title of your memoir?
Sandrine: Try, Try Again definitely reflects much of my process. There is a lot of trial and error involved in creating and finding what works for your product and your process. Whether it’s an illustration that isn’t quite working or a technical screenprinting problem, I won’t stop until I get it right.
Daniella: No Regrets. It explains my way of life. There is no point in doing what you don’t love and never taking any chances. Living with regret is not something I plan on doing; instead I want to focus only on smiling, laughing and eating.
Where does your inspiration come from?
We take a lot of inspiration from classic iconography, pop culture, and clean modern design. We also are very inspired by the sea since we both spent a lot of time growing up around it.
What does handmade mean to you?
Handmade means a labor of love. Passion for your art form is mandatory since there is no point in creating something over and over if you don’t enjoy doing it.
Who has been most influential in your craft?
Aside from our parents supporting our artistic talent since we were young, we are each others’ greatest influence. We are constantly bouncing ideas off one another. When one of us is stuck, the other is there to help start get the creative juices flowing. Once we have an illustration or sketch done we see what the other has to say and more often than not end up tweaking the image. A lot of the time we don’t even know who was responsible for some of the images since they reflect both of us and involved both of our inputs.
When did you know you were an artist/maker?
I think for both of us it was never a question of knowing when. We have always been artists and makers. It’s encoded into us — we have been drawing since we were small children.
How would you describe your creative process?
It was a natural progression from childhood doodles and clay jewelry to now screenprinting and making art for a living. The creative mind of an artist and maker dissects things and figures out how they are made. I don’t think either one of us can think of a time we didn’t do this. Artists always find a way to make.
If you could peek inside the studio of any artist, designer or craftsman (dead or alive), who would it be?
Sandrine: I would love to watch the process of Pacific Northwest Indian tribes. The story behind each carved, woven or painted image is of constant intrigue for me. I would also love to peek inside the studio of Suzy Lee. I love the way she conveys a story with her drawings — they are so simple but also extremely effective.
Daniella: Peeking into Aaron Horkey’s studio would be a dream come true. His sickening detail, amazing compositions, and extravagant fonts are a great source of inspiration for me. I own one of his prints and find myself starring at it occasionally, trying to figure out his layering process and just obsessing over his detail.
What handmade possession do you most cherish?
Daniella: I have a small wooden figurine that my older sister carved for my birthday seven years ago. It was one of my favorite characters from a video game that we would play together all the time when I was very young. It was such a thoughtful gift. I’ve carried it around ever since.
How do you get out of your creative ruts?
Stepping away from our work and into the kitchen or the garden seems to jolt our creativity. It gives us a break from the constant creative thinking that needs to take place in order for our art to thrive. When we need some inspiration, flipping through books from the library or bookstore seems to help. Sometimes you need to look at other work to get yourself into a more creative mindset.
Where would you like to be in ten years?
We would like our studio to expand and include new products such as apparel, accessories and housewares. We hope to see ourselves working full time on Monorail Studio and being successful artists doing what we love.



191 comments
Sign in to add your ownfineartstoneware says:
Thanks for sharing. Very inspiring!
160 days ago
DecoFamara says:
Nice Job. Love your studio.
160 days ago
HootieOwls says:
Your shop is amazing. Love the creativity in all the screenprints! Keep up the good work. Congrats on being featured!
160 days ago
SusanFaye says:
There's nothing more beautiful than a hand-pulled print! Thanks for helping to keep this art form alive and well and best wishes for continued success!
160 days ago
VampedUpCouture says:
Great work! Etsy has such talented artists!
160 days ago
FluffyFlowers says:
i so know just what you mean when you say the creative mind dissects things to figure out how they're made. it's a whole different way of looking at things. congrats on your success :)
160 days ago
inbloomdesigns says:
wow, what an amazing studio/work space you have! congrats on the feature, I am off to check out your shop!
160 days ago
myvintagecrush says:
Great prints! ..and that chalkboard wall!!
160 days ago
Colettesboutique says:
congratulations on the feature. Your work is beautiful!
160 days ago
giftgogreen says:
I love your work, keep going girls!!
160 days ago
cherdak says:
Very inspiring interview and beautiful shop! Congratulations on your feature.
160 days ago
TheBakersDaughter says:
Congratulations - wonderful work!!
160 days ago
LauraBoyea says:
Great Article! I love how your prints feel classic and modern all at once.
160 days ago
JanJat says:
Fabulous work and I love your studio! Congratulations :)
160 days ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Nice I love the very striking font work! Love how iconic it is : ) congratulations on the feature.
160 days ago
HummingBeeDesigns says:
I love your prints!
160 days ago
SweetandDandyVintage says:
I recently came across the "Let's Climb A Mountain Together" print, and I adore it! Congrats on the fantastic feature!
160 days ago
needlenerd says:
sweet prints! congrats!
160 days ago
UnionStudioMetals says:
So awesome & inspirational!!
160 days ago
anthologyorganic says:
Beautiful work, excellent typography ! I yet have to learn how to play like a pirate :)
160 days ago
Jackphelpsstudio says:
Congratulations! love your shop.
160 days ago
LavenderField says:
Very good, congrats on the feature!
160 days ago
AlisaDesign says:
cool!
160 days ago
WallStoriesEtsy says:
We're a big fan of your work, it's been in some of our treasuries! Cheers, Caron
160 days ago
aquawinged says:
haHA!!! Hi friend!!!! SO HAPPY FOR YOU GUYS!!! much love to you, from 3 feet away. ;) CONGRATS!!!
160 days ago
MostlyBlackAndWhite says:
~~~~ Lovely art ~~~~~ Thakns for sharing!
160 days ago
BatesMercantileCo says:
Love your shop! Great teammwork ladies. Keep creating.
160 days ago
irishbabies says:
Congrats, great shop!
160 days ago
artbyheather says:
Congrats! Fabulous shop and interview!
160 days ago
RossLab says:
Congrats on your amazing shop and interview!
160 days ago
gardenmis says:
Lovely shop! Congrats on being FS ~ thanks for sharing :)
160 days ago
mamif says:
great screenprints
160 days ago
bhangtiez says:
Fun shop & lovely story! Thank you for sharing with us all!
160 days ago
robertcoffin says:
nice studio
160 days ago
mikiheather says:
Lovely! I think anything nautical or adventure inspired is great!
160 days ago
shizendesigns says:
Lovely shop!
160 days ago
KettleConfections says:
Very neat - great vintage inspired screen prints! These designs would look awesome on tshirts, totes, and other everyday items too.
160 days ago
maggiesraggedyinn says:
Very interesting article and love your work and shop!!!
160 days ago
BrokenBirdFashion says:
Very good studio ..
160 days ago
ScissorwizardDesigns says:
Nice studio, love your work...congrats on FS!
160 days ago
babiesandbabes says:
Beautiful work! well done! Great studio!
160 days ago
amorio says:
Gorgeous prints...congrats on the feature!
160 days ago
olimaxsoap says:
Love your prints! Great studio space too. Congrats!!!!
160 days ago
noraalice says:
Love the simplicity of your designs, very austere. So jealous of your studio!
160 days ago
MissPattisAttic says:
Love your shop! Congrats on being a featured seller. Thanks for sharing your shop and life with all of us. Have a great holiday season! Love Austin!!
160 days ago
pagepottery says:
LOVE Your studio! too cool- you will reach your ten year goal way sooner than ten years :)
160 days ago
littlebugjewelry says:
Great shop! Congrats on your feature!
160 days ago
HandmadeIsAllAround says:
Cool shop! Congrats on your feature!
160 days ago
ArtByJacy says:
Awesome feature!! LOVE the studio, especially the chalk wall...nice idea :)
160 days ago
PrincesaAnastasia says:
Very inspiring! Lovely shop!
160 days ago
SlopingBarnVintage says:
Awesome products! Congrats on your interview!
160 days ago
mssartwork says:
Wonderful shop! So unique and fun! Love your stuff!! :)
160 days ago
peshka says:
So cool and beautiful! love your work!!
160 days ago
pepidesigns says:
That studio rocks!
160 days ago
SeaGlassJournal says:
Congrats on being featured! Love your work and your studio. It must be a pleasure to walk into such an environment everyday. Good luck with your endeavor.
160 days ago
wwbc says:
Congratulations on being the featured sellers. Terrific article and your work is also inspiring. Best of luck with your future dreams!
160 days ago
sonyarasi says:
Congratulations1 Great story! I love fishing too.
160 days ago
HolmesandWatson says:
Great interview and I love your prints! Congratulations on the feature!
160 days ago
ACupOfSparkle says:
Congratulations! Good luck with everything...
160 days ago
MootiDesigns says:
Great work. Congrats on the feature!
160 days ago
FreakyPeas says:
I love print making. One day I will try it.
160 days ago
isewcute says:
Wow! I love your shop!
160 days ago
annyschoo says:
love!!!!!
160 days ago
myAvonlea says:
Love your stuff <3
160 days ago
DoodleGraphics says:
Congrats - very nice interview. Drooling over your studio/workspace..... :)
160 days ago
prairieboutique says:
Very nice shop, I love your work!
160 days ago
ESSANEL says:
Awesome designs & prints! Love your studio - Congrats!
160 days ago
PoshBinky says:
Your screen prints and designs are just completely amazing! Love your work. Congrats on the great interview!
160 days ago
branda says:
Your work is amazing! Congrats for be featured!! ♥♥
160 days ago
HomesteadingRoasters says:
You guys are an inspiration! I have been a fan of your shop and work for some time now. And I feel you on the Try, Try Again with technical difficulties. Congratulations on being featured and on your full-time studio setup! How amazing to do what you love with a great friend each day.
160 days ago
ChasingLightDesigns says:
great work! beautiful!
160 days ago
oldenhome says:
I'm eyeing a couple of your prints for gifts for my husband. They are perfect for our breakfast nook and mancave!
160 days ago
mortarpestleapp says:
Love your work!!! Congrats on the feature!!!
160 days ago
JillianReneDecor says:
Y'all have an awesome shop - love the imagery! Congratulations on the feature and very best wishes to you both!
160 days ago
Nikifashion says:
Great article and work!
160 days ago
LaECLECTICa says:
Congrats and beautiful work!
160 days ago
PaintTheTownHawaii says:
Great work!
160 days ago
JasmineLund says:
So cool. Your work is gorgeous! Congratulations on the feature! Blessings on you, your families, and your business! Hannah Jasmine
160 days ago
ElviaPerrin says:
Great job!!! & Congrats on the feature... (From fellow ATX printmaker) :0) Elvia
160 days ago
HeyChica says:
Nice shop, congrats!
160 days ago
peacesofindigo says:
Great interview~ Congrats!!!
160 days ago
natashaaloha says:
CONGRATS! :-)
160 days ago
paramountvintage says:
i love the way you photograph your screenprints!
160 days ago
wildfireatheart says:
Love the totem prints!
160 days ago
Womensgirl says:
Nice Job!
160 days ago
cunningcatcrafts says:
Well done on getting featured! The gin and tonic print is very me (not that I'm an alcoholic).
160 days ago
chinamommy says:
Congrats!! What COOL art!
160 days ago
cartelle says:
Well deserved feature! So freaking clever♥♥♥
160 days ago
leatherExpressions says:
Great work space. Your work is beautiful.
160 days ago
babybayrs says:
Like your work place!
160 days ago
houndsome says:
LOVE what you do, do what you LOVE! Aren't we all fortunate!
160 days ago
CabinCastle says:
So inspiring, thanks ladies!
160 days ago
accentonvintage says:
Inspiring story and great work! Congrats!
160 days ago
theroyal says:
congrats
160 days ago
Armalique says:
Beautiful prints! Congratulations :)
160 days ago
CraftedbyLizC says:
Truly inspiring!
160 days ago
KKSimpleRegalJewelry says:
Very interesting! ~KK~
160 days ago
christijay says:
Those images are inspiring me to clean my studio!! I love the boldness of the prints too, bravo
160 days ago
lrendar says:
Very inspiring. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and insights. Love your work.
160 days ago
ShelleAnne says:
I love your studio and shop! Congrats on the feature!
160 days ago
babydolldressup says:
Your prints are fantastic! I enjoyed learning more about the two of you.
160 days ago
hankietankie says:
Wow! Gorgeous prints, unique ideas, and it looks like you have tons of fun! Congrats! xo
160 days ago
WriteHere says:
I loved reading your story. It just makes your work come more to life - Well done ladies :)
160 days ago
littleshopofphotos says:
Awesome designs!!! Congrats!
160 days ago
lulikucreations says:
Interesting I like the studio or working space they have I think every person that makes crafts should have a space of their own just for their creativity.
160 days ago
gilstrapdesigns says:
Great article and very inspiring.
160 days ago
RandsHandmades says:
Good. Good. Good! Screenprinters! This is what Etsy is for. Congrats and Carry On!
160 days ago
pamelam says:
Enjoyed reading the interview and that work space is just too neat!
160 days ago
vintageseventyfive says:
fabulous work and continued success... congrats o you both!
160 days ago
AdoroMe says:
Congratulations!!!! Love your place and store!!!
160 days ago
sassandperil says:
Hooray for screenprinting!! Great feature and much continued success ladies!
160 days ago
ObscureBeginnings says:
:)
160 days ago
PiacereMioPaperie says:
what a fun business. congratulations ladies!
160 days ago
bowtieco says:
I got one of your posters as a gift so when I saw this article I got super excited. Great stories, thanks for sharing!
160 days ago
shopbobbi says:
lovely work...congrats!
160 days ago
styleforlife says:
Amazing shop....so cute!!!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU ALL!!!! :-)))))) XXXX ELVintage
160 days ago
Laughingdogstudio says:
Awesome business and inspiring story!
160 days ago
KingdomKards says:
Love your workspace/studio, and artwork! Great interview! Congratulations!
160 days ago
vicro says:
Nice!!! Your screenprints are absolutely fantastic!!!
160 days ago
SkinnyKnits says:
Congratulations! Have a Merry Christmas!
160 days ago
rebeccasanchez says:
Congratulations!!
160 days ago
PattiTrostle says:
Very inspiring!
160 days ago
loyalgong says:
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160 days ago
SoapForYourSoul says:
:) Great read! Congrats on being featured!
160 days ago
ArtWhims says:
Lovely items and I love your goals! I think that it would be great to see your work on clothing :O)
160 days ago
devikasart says:
Lovely feature! ...and you gals live in a great city! GO LONGHORNS!
160 days ago
devikasart says:
Lovely feature!..and you gals live in a great city! GO LONGHORNS!!
160 days ago
SparrowSeas says:
Very nice and creative work!!! :)
160 days ago
devikasart says:
Lovely feature! ..and I love your city too! GO LONGHORNS!
160 days ago
MysticalRaindrops says:
I love the Work Like a Captain Play Like a Pirate. I come from ancestors of Sir Francis Drake.
160 days ago
bernabermek says:
congrats!
160 days ago
skartshop says:
Please tell me you cleaned for the cameras and your studio doesn't always look like that?!!! It's awesome. I'm a little jealous but now super motivated to go and clean mine up. Great interview and great work!
160 days ago
Ainurcrochet says:
Very nice !!!Congratulations!! ♥♥♥♥♥
160 days ago
GreenGoatDesigns says:
Great work... and I L O V E the Bicycle hanging up in y'alls shop. I too live in ATX and what a Great spot for inspiration! Keep up the Good work. Are y'all on the EAST deal?
160 days ago
PolClary says:
What a gorgeous studio, and great prints. Way to go, keep up the great work.
160 days ago
curiouscreaturesshop says:
such awesome prints! congrats, very inspiring!
160 days ago
Dewdropsdreams says:
Congratulations!!! Beautiful shop and lovely prints. You're so lucky you have each other to bounce off ideas and support each other's creativity! Amazing work!
160 days ago
RedorGrayArt says:
what a fabulous interveiw ..amazing work ~ many years of success to you both!
160 days ago
chelseaharms says:
These ladies are amazing! I ordered a print from them and they just have the best quality and great customer service! I will certainly be ordering from them again :)
160 days ago
thebeadgirl says:
love your story. love your work. i can so relate to being the "creative" and just having it encoded! props to you and best of luck!
160 days ago
kareninnh says:
Loved the article and enjoyd reading your words that you were very inspired by the sea :) gal right after my own heart :) The Voice of the Sea Speaks to The Soul. Seas & Greetings from the seacoast of New Hampshire.
160 days ago
brookefiger says:
Love your work and philosophies! Thanks for sharing :)
160 days ago
Stylique says:
Lovely work
159 days ago
OliveLongstocking says:
What a lovely interview........... it's so nice to see two friends working together and bouncing ideas off each other as art is often a solo pursuit. Best wishes to your continued success and blossoming friendship and business. X
159 days ago
CuteCraftDecor says:
wonderful story, Thanks for sharing
159 days ago
knottysarena says:
I love the owl totems! Great work.
159 days ago
cathysavage says:
Wow! I love your studio. I'm a printmaker in Austin too and would love, love, love a studio visit! I don't do screen printing very often, but still it would be fun to take a peek. I think it's so cool that you are living the dream!
159 days ago
tinkerworld says:
Sooooo Neat! Congrats Girls! ~ Tink
159 days ago
JeJeweled says:
Nice shop and story. I love Austin too!
159 days ago
BlueMoonLights says:
Love your work! Great interview, congrats to you both :D
159 days ago
Parachute425 says:
Great work. Continued success to you both.
159 days ago
JewelMeShop says:
Excellent Prints, Gorgeous shop. Congrats!
159 days ago
Pattymakes says:
Printmaking is a wonderful way to make art.
159 days ago
strawberryluna says:
It is SOOOO awesome to see not just printmakers featured...but screenprinters! As a silkscreen printer it makes me happy! Congratulations ladies!
159 days ago
TheFeatherBoutique says:
CONGRATULATIONS!! You two have a great story and I love the creativity of your prints! Thank you for sharing it with us Etsians :)
159 days ago
NoaSharonDesigns says:
this is one of the coolest studios i've ever seen! great ideas and also looks like cute girls as well :) Congrats!
159 days ago
BanglewoodSupplies says:
Work like a captain and play like a pirate. You are my hero. I love this term~
159 days ago
noce says:
Love your shop! Congratulations!
159 days ago
Gelada says:
inspiring
159 days ago
MomBabyMe says:
Such fun art!
159 days ago
helloDODOshop says:
Awesome! You are a big inspiration to us, just starting on our screenprint journey :o)
159 days ago
ShopTinyTreasures says:
Yay!
159 days ago
RatedStyle24 says:
I absolutely love printmaking♥ Your items are creative and amazing. Congratulations on your feature!!
159 days ago
LiddoKiddo says:
You Ladies are awesome you are an Inspiration to me .. You are living my Dream =D.. Keep up the GREAT work!!! Congrats!!
159 days ago
7sistersstudio says:
Love your prints! What a great team you two make!
159 days ago
ChakarrJewelry says:
Great work, congrats!
159 days ago
Nagazi says:
Love your shop! Congrats!
159 days ago
crochetgallery says:
Love the idea
159 days ago
chiquiita says:
Congratulations to both of you. You have so much talent!! You are an inspiration and an example for young people.
159 days ago
WalterSilva says:
Nice!
159 days ago
FunkyFriendsFactory says:
Hello Daniella and Sandrine - your designs are wonderful!!
159 days ago
TresChicNmodern says:
BEAUTIFUL STUFF!!!!!!!! LOVE YOUR PICS TOO!!! CONGRATS FOR MAKING IT TO THE FRONT PAGE TOO :-)
159 days ago
SweetSleeves says:
I love the clean lines of your design and the crisp designs themselves. Goes to prove all you need is a good idea and a platform to tell everyone about it. Great job Monorail and Thanks Etsy for this Great Platform!
159 days ago
dejavuartstore says:
Great story! Beautiful store! Love it!
159 days ago
tomsgrossmami says:
Great prints!
159 days ago
lulisplanet says:
I love You are the Gin to my Tonic, makes me smile.
159 days ago
mystichintime says:
Great article! Congrats ladies :)
159 days ago
kellybermudez says:
Amazing work!
159 days ago
just4theartofit says:
Great prints! Congrats on the feature!
158 days ago
ElementsbyJulie says:
A perfect example of the power of two : ) Congratulations! : )
158 days ago
BroccoliHouse says:
Great Story! Congrats =)
158 days ago
MaineHarbour says:
I love this shop!! Good job girls!
158 days ago
BigBadBuddha says:
Their work speaks to me nick job
158 days ago
glusk says:
nice work :)
158 days ago
KKicons says:
I think when you said, "classic iconography", you weren't talking about the kind of iconography I do;) I also love clear typefaces and clean design. Already I have my eye on your pirates poster for my piratical yet hard-working teenager. She is writing a pirate novel, and is interested in the US Navy and all things maritime, so it should be a perfect fit. I am inspired by your teamwork, your awesome studio, and your hard work you devote to your business to make it a success. I thought it was a really well-written article that helped us to get to know some very interesting artist. Thanks!
157 days ago
HardlySimpleDesigns says:
Gorgeous studio and prints! Your success is well deserved. You are right, Pacific Northwest native art is so inpiring and interesting. Every little detail in their artwork symbolizes something and makes each piece very personal. I can definitely see the inspiration in your work. Congrats on the feature! :)
157 days ago
HardlySimpleDesigns says:
And P.S. your logo is sensational! :)
157 days ago
steenoneill says:
The studio prints go really well with a simplistic decor as well as more glamorous settings.
155 days ago
madefromscratch4u says:
Nice job! Congrats on the feature :)
145 days ago
Melissababycreations says:
Love your designs! Would love to see you expand to apparel and accessories! Best of luck to you!
142 days ago
Inessa W from Beadhouseuk says:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us! Wonderful studio can inspire you for various things to make. Great you have found each other. Success to you both! :)
102 days ago