An Inspired Chat with Missy Kulik of Decatur

Missy Kulik shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Missy, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I feel proud because I started some projects and I am getting a good response from them. I started a new zine this year called Secret Picnic Spot. In Secret Picnic Spot I talk about things I like and things I like to do. I offer it on my website as single issues and as a subscription. I have several subscribers now and I enjoy sending it out in the mail each month! I also add extra goodies like small drawings, good luck charms, and stickers.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Missy Kulik. I am an illustrator and I enjoy drawing cute characters. On my website I like to say I am the “Maker of Tiny Friends with Big Feelings.” My work is created with a special love for creative storytelling through print and illustration.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
When I was a teenager I saw the music video for the B-52’s “Love Shack,” and I knew I had found my people! Everyone was clearly having more fun than me in that video! They were all dressed so cool and it really spoke to me at this age. The B’s taught me that it was okay to be yourself and be weird. I went out and bought all their albums on cassette cos I loved my walkman. I listened to their music so much, it is still a part of me. In their liner notes, I saw they had a fan club. I would send my SASE each month to club president “Sue 52” and get the B-52’s newsletter in the mail. They used to list people and their addresses and call it “52 Pals”, so fans could connect with other fans. Through this I made so many pen pals and later got into zines because of their music.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that your art is not for everyone. You are going to have haters and people that don’t get it, but that is not who you create for. Create for yourself the things that bring you the most joy and focus on that. Others will see this and gravitate towards your work.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to think that if I did all the craft markets and blogged that someone would find my artwork, pluck me out of obscurity, and give me amazing projects to work on, then that would be my life.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am working on a project and can devote time and attention to it. I love really involved projects, working on little details, and figuring out how to make it the best it can be.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.missykulik.com
• Instagram: @missykulikart
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulikmissy/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CozyTimeSweets

Image Credits
All the images are my own.