Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Lopez Tikicreature.
Hi Monica Lopez, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Greetings from the lagoon!
I’m Monica best known as Tikicreature, I love the Tiki esthetic, retro Florida vibes, antiques, and classic Monsters. The Creature from the Black Lagoon, being favorite one! I think my fascination stems from his tropical vibe, which makes sense considering my fav shows growing up were Magnum PI & Gilligan’s Island, this where my love for Tiki comes from. He also represents vulnerability and being a misunderstood individual.
Growing up I always felt like a Misfit, I never quite felt like I fit in. I enjoyed watching old horror films and shows such as the Adams Family and Munsters. Those shows brought me comfort, and enamored me with the thought that it was alright not to be like everyone else, in fact I saw it as an attribute.
Fast forward, I’m still a Misfit, dance to my own beat and will never stop loving classic monsters.
So when the 70th anniversary of Creature from the Black Lagoon came around, I was looking for special events celebrating such an iconic character and to my dismay there weren’t any. It was such a shame considering it was the film’s milestone. And still so relevant to existing fans and continues to attract so many new ones! Every time I’m out and about, I run into fellow Finatics (a term I came up with for Creature fans). I always carry my Gillman purse from Vixen by Micheline Pitt and it sparks connections.
So my kids suggested I should throw him a party, at first I had no clue how or what it would entail since I had never created such an event.
My main priority was to create a fun and affordable event accessible to anyone who’s a fan of The Gillman.
The way everything transpired was pure serendipity. The first location was at Marina Munch which is managed by a wonderful friend who extended the invitation to hold it there and I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity. It was a beautiful waterfront setting. We featured live music by the talented Kreepy Tikis, a virtual performance by the Kilted Creature, unique vendors, and our very own Gillman, aka Leisurely Creature, who is a treasure! The way our paths crossed was also serendipitous, we actually met by chance at Megacon just weeks before the event and he happened to also live in Jacksonville, what a small lagoon! I was actually stressing about not having found someone to play the Gillman for our photo ops. The sheer timing was unbelievable! He’s our official Gillman, and does a fintastic job!
This was my first time creating an event of this kind and had no clue what to expect and the response I would receive. To my surprise it was a wonderful turnout, it was so incredible meeting fellow Creature fans. My initial intention was a one time birthday party for my boy, but the response was outstanding with fans asking for more. So it has become an official annual event with occasional pop up related events.
This year’s event was more formal and we took it to another level. I went with a 1954 Prom as a nod to the year the movie was released. It was held at the Whitney Lab right across from Marineland themed to Enchantment under the Lagoon, it was the perfect setting. They are a center for biomedical research and biotechnology, and also have a sea turtle rehabilitation hospital. creatures. I admire them, they are truly inspiring and a reminder to continue to push forward and not give up!
The Prom was a huge success, everyone understood the assignment and passed with flying colors! From the guests, to the The Kreepy Tikis, the vendors, the caterer, bartender, photographer, the photo op creator, and the venue’s host. Our Gillman aka leisurecreature, once again did an amazing job!
Most importantly my family and friends once again stood by me, with all hands on deck. It was incredibly comforting and humbling to see my vision come to life with everyone’s help and support. I couldn’t have pulled it off without them!
I hope to expand this into a larger event with perhaps other classic Monsters joining in the festivities. I’m already planning for the next Gillfest 2026, we will be traveling back in time once again! There are some unique and fun ideas swimming around in my head which fellow finatics will love and appreciate!
The main reason I continue to hold this event is because of the beautiful connections I’ve made and look forward making more!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It most definitely has been challenging at times. Planning a special event of this caliber has many layers which can prove to be difficult. Especially with a full time job, it’s very time consuming and takes just as much dedication. I am already facing the obstacle of being the sole planner in charge of all aspects of the event. Everything from planning, marketing, decorating, coming up with creative ideas to scouting the perfect location.
I am very lucky to have an incredible support system from my family and close friends. They have given me the confidence that I needed to bring my vision to life! I couldn’t have pulled it off without their support and help!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve always been a creative person, even as a child one of my fav pastimes was creating outfits with my Fashion Plates, now I’m showing my age😆 This has been the perfect outlet to channel my creativity!
My background is in retail management and visual merchandising.
I also had an antique and clothing boutique years ago in St. Augustine, where I made connections with artists who I carried in the shop. I’ve always been passionate about visual special events and creating special things. So it was a natural transition into GILLFEST, the next chapter in my book.
Which has led my imagination into another Monsters related realm. My other project is an old school Monster Misfit Club. It’s another way of making people feel part of a community, but in a light hearted way. It’s to make those who don’t feel seen or that they don’t fit into society, welcomed and part of a pack. It’s another collaboration with my dear friend and amazing artist Cyn aka borolina_illustration. She did a perfect job of bringing my vision to life and creating the most endearing characters!
This is something I’m super excited about and have so many exciting plans for and how it can develop into something more than just a club.
My tenacity and passion to see my vision come to life is what sets me apart.
Some may see it as stubbornness, which is true, but it’s the good kind of stubborn. The kind that pushes me to deliver the best experience or product I can for others and an unforgettable one!
What matters most to you?
This one is simple, my family and friends, I value their opinion and input. I’m so very lucky to have such amazing people in my life.
They have all been incredibly supportive of this unique vision I had. I don’t think I would’ve pursued this passion project without their encouragement.
Some of the best ideas came from a very good friend, who is just as tenacious about bringing things to life! But also keeps me grounded with his practicality.
The very first artwork for GILLFEST was created by my kid Cam aka sirgrimmington, who’s an incredible artist. And the most recent one is by another incredible artist and dear friend Cyn aka borolina_illustration. I couldn’t pull off the actual events without the support of my family and friends, who have been so patient with my crazy ideas. I will always be grateful to them!
Also, kindness and acceptance matter the world to me. Which ties back into GILLFEST, where making people feel safe and welcomed in an inclusive environment is our number one priority!
Human connection means the world to me. Without it we are lost, it makes perfect sense I would gravitate towards creating an event like GILLFEST.
I’m so thankful for it and to the Creature, who started it all! He’s very near and dear to my heart!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gillfestfl.carrd.co/
- Instagram: gillfestfl and tikicreature
- Facebook: tikicreature
Image Credits
Noir Lux Photography
Cha Cha Coconutz
