Monique Ambruosi (MA Infinite Design)
There are no limitations to your dreams
Graphic designer, fabricator & drag racing enthusiast Monique Ambruosi certainly has the perfect mindset for somebody pursuing their dreams in two very different, but complementary, creative industries.
At just 21 years old Ambruosi has already achieved a lot. She is an aspiring drag racing driver, a skilled metal worker/fabricator, & has even established her own graphic design business. Along the way, she has overcome her detractors, broken down gender barriers in the racing industry & stayed focused on following her dreams.
In terms of her passion for graphic design Monique explained that this dates back to her love of art whilst in high school.
"I've always loved art & studied that throughout high school because I loved the idea of being able to put an idea into practice & show that on a page or through abstract art."
Following high school Monique then had a big decision to make. How would she make a future out of this passion? At that moment she explained she had two paths to decide between, graphic design or interior design.
"Ultimately I chose to go with graphic design because it allowed me to continue travelling for drag racing & I could also use those skills in the drag racing industry."
These days Monique blends her two passions. Not only does she do traditional logo design for businesses but she also does design work for racing promotional posters, hero cards for drivers to sign, merchandise, & car liveries.
With her graphic design work Monique has a very definitive style that is very clean, minimalistic & modern (as shown with the masthead/logo design for this very magazine). During our conversation, we also came to learn that she has an unexpected inspiration as well.
"I'm in love with the Art Deco movement," revealed Monique, before explaining further. "I'm intrigued by that style because it’s very symmetrical & based in the 1940s & 50s, which I love. While I don't use that style directly I do try to keep it in the back of my mind to make twists on it when it fits the brief."
Working to the brief & showing care for her client’s wants/needs is what Monique feels sets her apart from other designers, "I appreciate all of my clients so much, which I think is why my clients keep coming back because they know I value them. While the project might be new to me it is their dream & something that they've had in their mind for so long. So for me to be able to make that a reality makes me so happy. I never get tired of seeing their joy when they receive the final design."
Shifting over to her work in the drag racing industry Monique credits her Dad for this love.
"It all stems from my Dad, who has been involved in drag racing for over 30 years," she said. "So I've been around the drag racing scene my entire life & there is not a day that goes by where I don't think of drag racing & miss it. Especially with everything that has happened over the last year."
Over the years Monique's father ensured she learned the fundamentals of the drag racing industry and the high horse-powered engines we use to run within the group 1 category of Pro Alcohol Funny Car before ever sitting behind the wheel. As such, Monique learned to assemble & dismantle engines, welding & all of the other technical aspects of the car. Now as a 21-year-old Monique has over 9 years of experience & can weld on every medium possible. Once she was allowed to sit behind the wheel and race though, that was the moment the passion was solidified.
"At the age of 14, my Dad bought me a junior dragster from America, which ran 7.90 seconds to 1/8 mile. That was it, from there I was hooked," recalled Monique.
Obviously, with the arrival of the pandemic, Monique's drag racing pursuits were curtailed in 2020, but she has been hard at work behind the scenes to come back better than ever when racing returns.
"I have a new car which I will be unveiling once we can get back on track," she said excitedly. "I'm excited to get out there. I'll be nervous for sure but I think that is good because nerves allow you to respect the car & your limits."
Given that drag racing is a very male-dominated sport Monique says it has been challenging to establish herself as a respected member of the industry.
"I used to always get 'she's a show pony' or 'she's not really interested in the racing... she's only going to be here for a short time'," Monique recalled. "I probably still get that now but I block it out... Things used to affect me a lot more than they do now."
These days Monique is even seen as a role model for some of the younger fans of the sport. Something which she said is mind-blowing.
"I get a lot of kids come up to me, even now while I've just been working on the car rather than racing, who are inspired by me. It's crazy that kids are inspired by me because I'm just doing what I love doing."
Looking ahead Monique hopes to continue with her design work & also dreams of one day travelling to the US to compete against her idols in the NHRA Drag Racing events.
Follow Monique's journey across her various social media accounts.
Monique's personal page - @moniqueambruosi
Ambruosi Racing - @ambruosi_racing
MA Infinite Designs - @mainfinitedesigns
Support Pario Magazine
Become A Publisher
$10 / Month
- Name Added To Publisher List
- Physical Print Issue
- Early Access
