We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Missy Kulik a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Missy, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?
When I was drawing my comic strip in the high school newspaper, I used to get teased by some younger classmates. They would throw stuff at me, tell me my comics were stupid! Fast forward to Future Missy and similar things were happening when I published my comic called Tofu Baby in Flagpole Magazine each week. There would be anonymous comments on my comic and letters sent to get rid of my cartoon. I think it just made me want to create more and more comics! It added fuel to me, sort of like “I will show you, and just make more and more!”
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a graphic designer specializing in surface design, consumer packaged goods, and print media. Lately I have felt a creative block, so I am trying to teach myself video editing. I have started a few YouTube channels! The first is called Charlotte and Tubby and it is of my two cats. They are so cute when they play together, cuddle, and eat snacks, so I decided to make their videos I usually share with just my family into a channel. Now you can watch Charlotte and Tubby in action set to calm music. The second channel is Cozy Time Sweets and it focuses on visiting favorite places that are cozy and sweet! These videos began as a way to explore new places.
https://www.youtube.com/@charlotteandtubby
https://www.youtube.com/@CozyTimeSweets
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I keep a sketchbook. I feel this is super important. I love the feeling of pen to paper! Another thing that helped me as a teenager were zines. I love zines! I still do. Making and trading them were a life line to me. It kept me creative and in touch with like minded people, some of which I am friends with today! I also have pen pals, even today. I feel it gives me an outlet and nice to write to someone, and get mail in return!
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The last few years have been really really difficult for me. I lost both my pets, my father, and my partner’s father all within a short amount of time. I can’t even put into words how these huge losses make me feel. I don’t feel creative, or even like myself any longer. I try and stay focused, and do one thing at a time, but I am for sure not as productive as I have been in the past.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.missykulik.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missykulikart/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulikmissy/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CozyTimeSweets
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/charlotteandtubby/
https://cottonbureau.com/people/missy-kulik
Image Credits
Button designs available at Garage Door Studio and KA Artist Shop. Art and art prints available at the Corner Cup in Tucker.
