We recently connected with Andrea Slomczenski and have shared our conversation below.

Andrea , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

The Polish Proverb “Bez pracy nie ma kołaczy” resonates deeply throughout life, reminding us that without work, there’s no cake – encapsulating the essence of the English comparative – “No pain, no gain.” This sentiment embodies the spirit of my continuous learning journey, characterized by unwavering resolve, innate curiosity, and a relentless work ethic.

From a tender age, I’ve been defined by kindness, sensitivity, and industriousness, inherited from my parents, who tirelessly worked for my sister and me. Their relentless spirits instilled in me an ethos of persistent diligence, setting the stage for a journey spanning over a decade with no intention of slowing down.

My journey commenced with ambitious pursuits in high school, where I tackled large canvases, funded by part-time work at a sandwich shop. This laid the financial foundation for my artistic portfolio and secured my acceptance into the College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit, MI.

Despite initial uncertainties, my college years were marked by exploration, from illustration to Design, yet I always gravitated back to my passion for painting. It was during this time that I realized my inclination towards murals and large-scale paintings—a realization that unfolded gradually, echoing themes from my early artistic endeavors.

Navigating through fluctuating aspirations and moments of uncertainty, I found clarity through introspection and mentorship. Engaging with professors and industry professionals provided invaluable guidance, affirming my path toward mural art and book covers.

As my college journey culminated, I embarked on ambitious projects, meticulously planning and executing large-scale murals while concurrently pursuing opportunities in instructional Design. These experiences taught me the importance of goal clarity, early mentorship, and integrating diverse skills.

Reflecting on my journey, several insights emerge. Early goal clarity could have provided more focused direction while seeking mentorship earlier could have accelerated skill development. Integrating skills and balancing exploration with focus could have optimized the learning process, facilitating a more cohesive and efficient journey.

Despite obstacles and challenges, my unwavering determination, resilience, and adaptability have propelled me forward. Today, as I pursue a Master’s in Business Administration and continue to create murals showcased in various locations, I carry with me the lessons learned – a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and continuous growth in navigating the journey of lifelong learning.

Andrea , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Throughout my life, I’ve been consistently characterized as kind, sensitive, and industrious by peers, educators, coaches, observers, professors, and family members alike. My resolve is unwavering when I set my sights on a goal, no matter its duration; I always find a way to see it through, employing a blend of observation and trial and error. Even from a tender age, I possessed a deep-seated passion for creation, constantly brimming with ideas and perpetually curious—a child notorious for asking endless questions. I gravitated toward hands-on learning, driven by an innate curiosity about how things functioned and an unyielding commitment to embracing my authentic self. This journey reached its zenith during my college years. While I explored various disciplines, including programs within the Adobe Creative Cloud and later delving into programming and instructional design, I always invariably circle back to one passion: painting.

This ethos of persistent diligence, ingrained in me by my single mother and father, who worked tirelessly for my sister and me, is a testament to the unwavering resilience I’ve inherited from them. Their relentless spirits have undoubtedly inspired my work ethic, fueling my determination to overcome any obstacle that comes my way.

This work ethic has been the driving force behind my continuous learning journey, spanning over a decade with no intention of slowing down. Picture this journey as a train with numerous stops, each representing a different creative pursuit, life lesson, or encounter with inspiring individuals. By amalgamating all this knowledge, I’ve charted my course to where I stand today, a testament to my unwavering commitment to growth and improvement.

My journey commenced in high school, where I ambitiously tackled large canvases simply fueled by my desire to push boundaries, all while funded by part-time work at a sandwich shop. These early artistic endeavors honed my skills and laid the foundation for my portfolio, ultimately securing my acceptance into the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, MI.

Interestingly, the decision to pursue college was only on my radar midway through my junior year when I hastily resolved to elevate my GPA from a modest 2.6 to a commendable 3.4, meeting the application deadline through sheer determination.

At CCS (College for Creative Studies), I dedicated a significant portion of my studies to Illustration, much like many of my peers. Yet, despite what I believed to be a clear direction, my aspirations often fluctuated. I found myself drawn to the big world of Concept Art, Editorial work, and Comic Books, only to experience moments of uncertainty where I questioned my path and felt adrift in the vast expanse of possibilities.

Ironically, the answer had been right before me from the beginning. Returning to the start of my journey—the days of painting expansive canvases in high school—revealed a recurring theme. This pattern persisted throughout my college endeavors, as I consistently gravitated towards projects of larger scale. It became increasingly apparent that murals and large-scale paintings were a part of the bigger picture, subtly nudging me forward.

Murals and book covers were my desired pursuits. Sounds straightforward. Wrong. As I neared the end of my third year at CCS and entered my final year, I realized I needed a solid plan, a clear goal, and a robust portfolio to navigate my transition. I started my Senior Studio by delving into a book cover project while concurrently mapping out a compact 3x5ft portable mural. After completing this pivotal small-scale mural, I embarked on planning and executing a larger 4-panel, 12x5ft project.

During this second endeavor, I mustered the confidence to earnestly pursue mural art. I contacted several illustration department professors who had recently joined CCS and were actively involved in the Detroit mural scene. One of them, in particular, provided invaluable guidance, offering candid insights into the dynamic landscape of mural art locally and nationally. Encouraged by their mentorship, I took a bold step during an online illustration gathering, asking two other professors, who were closer to my age and already deeply immersed in mural work, to connect with me on Instagram. To my surprise and delight, they followed me and visited the senior studio the next day to discuss my work.

Through the generosity of these mentors, I received invaluable advice and found opportunities to assist them and their colleagues on various mural projects. From ground murals to large-scale endeavors, each experience enriched my understanding of the craft and forged new connections within the muralist community. These collaborative ventures expanded my skill set and paved the way for me to eventually pursue my ambitious projects.

I cannot forget to mention two pivotal mentors who have shaped my business acumen and supported me throughout my journey from college to the present day: my aunt and uncle. Their guidance and generosity have been invaluable, and I owe much of my success to their unwavering support.

Leading up to my application for my first local Public Art call in Detroit, I had amassed considerable experience through numerous indoor mural projects and jobs. So, when the exciting news arrived that I was selected, along with seven others, for the same project, I was thrilled. Drawing from my previous experiences as an assistant on various murals, I felt prepared to hit the ground running.

I meticulously planned every detail for weeks, from budgeting to compiling a comprehensive checklist. I even arranged for the rental of a boom lift, though admittedly, that was delivered separately from my trusty Toyota CH-R Crossover. Anticipating challenges and on-the-spot problem-solving, akin to what I had observed during my assisting roles, I braced myself for the inevitable hurdles. And indeed, plenty of puzzle pieces required careful navigation and swift solutions. You can never plan to have your battery stolen from your lift, have it replaced on the same day, and learn to be your own mechanic, taking the battery in and out every day from then on. You can’t anticipate how the design may change, such as on rainy days, windy days, etc. But there is a sense of value and excitement in the uncertainty of it all.

This outdoor mural held immense personal significance for me, notably as it coincided with a challenging period in my life. Just as I completed the mural, my father suffered a stroke, leading to a tumultuous year and a half. Situated in Detroit’s Cody Rouge neighborhood, the close-knit community embraced the project and myself, offering solace and inspiration during a time of upheaval.

Amidst the chaos, the Cody Rouge Action Alliance, district 7 community board members, and neighboring residents extended unwavering kindness and support. They checked in on my well-being and my father’s health, provided sustenance, and even, to my surprise and muse, supplied me with sunscreen, seeing that I am of significantly Eastern European descent and just burn. Their compassion sustained me and underscored the profound sense of community spirit prevalent in Cody Rouge.

This mural project proved to be a catalyst, bolstering my portfolio for future endeavors and allowing me to express my gratitude in a tangible way. In spring 2024, Detroit hosted the record-breaking NFL Draft, prompting a citywide initiative inviting over 20 artists to paint 5-foot football cleat sculptures. Affiliated with various nonprofits, these sculptures were dispersed across the city in anticipation of the event.

I chose to associate my cleat with Detroit Impact, a youth organization in Cody Rouge dedicated to empowering and guiding local youngsters. Displayed during the draft at Courtyard by Marriott, my cleat was later auctioned off and purchased by Sache Construction Company, with all proceeds benefiting Detroit Impact’s summer initiatives for children. This full-circle moment encapsulated the transformative power of community support and collaboration.

I bring a unique perspective to my work, rooted in my artistic journey and family heritage. Inspired by the resilience and experiences of my Great Grandma, whose journey from Poland to the United States over a century ago fuels my creative endeavors, I approach projects with curiosity, determination, and a commitment to authenticity. My background in mural art, which I pursue passionately alongside my day job performing instructional design work, enriches my problem-solving abilities and fosters creativity in diverse contexts. Whether tackling a complex training initiative or painting a large-scale mural, my dedication to excellence and innovative thinking sets me apart in delivering impactful solutions for my clients.

While I am very passionate about murals, they are not yet my full-time income—YET. Funny enough, they are a side hustle, along with the other opportunities they have brought forth, like gallery work, commissions, portraits, illustrative work, graphic design, programming, planning, and/or assisting in business endeavors.

My business ventures started with Initially interning at Denihan Consulting, Inc./ eHousingPlus, through college in the summertime. I now hold the company’s Creative Instructional Designer/ Director role. My primary focus is crafting training materials for clients within the Affordable Housing Industry and the lenders engaged in these programs.

I solve various problems, drawing on my diverse skill set, morale, and work ethic. As a Creative Instructional Designer at Denihan Consulting, Inc., I specialize in crafting training materials for clients in the Affordable Housing Industry and associated lenders. One of my significant achievements was spearheading the development of OnDemand Training, a comprehensive platform providing streamlined access to essential tools and information for participating lenders and their staff. This platform, which I designed and implemented, has successfully trained over 90,000 lenders to date, showcasing my proficiency in aligning instructional design with organizational objectives.

My expertise includes analyzing business objectives to define learning outcomes, employing various instructional design methods, and utilizing eLearning development tools such as Articulate 360 (Storyline), Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Captivate, and PowToon. I am also skilled in selecting and implementing learning management systems (LMS) and adhering to communication standards such as SCORM.

Regardless of my natural inclination towards introversion, I take pride in tackling challenges head-on. While I may be reserved by nature, I’m also attuned to the energy of those around me, drawing inspiration from their energies and translating that into my projects. This is a part of what distinguishes me with a blend of kindness, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of growth. From childhood curiosity to professional achievements, I integrate diverse skills and experiences with modesty and confidence. Committed to authenticity and continuous improvement, I strive to make a meaningful impact in everything I do.

My journey has taught me valuable lessons, and my advice to fellow pursuers of any passion is simple: if you genuinely desire something, your dedication and authenticity will shine through. Cultivate gratitude, grace, and modesty, as these qualities will sustain you through life’s trials. I now recognize what I once attributed to luck as a blend of hard work, adept decision-making, resilience, networking, and occasional strokes of luck.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

As I reflect on my journey to this moment, I see the resilience woven throughout my path. I believe in the importance of transparency and authenticity when recounting the stops along the way, as well as acknowledging the consistencies that have shaped my life. For many, including myself, family and friends serve as profound architects, shaping our identities for better or for worse. I could easily paint a picture of an idyllic childhood, conforming to the notion of a “normal upbringing,” particularly in the context of the USA, often portrayed with white picket fence imagery. But that wouldn’t be true—everyone faces traumatic experiences in life, childhood traumas from which they must recover, and these experiences vary for each person, including my own.

With that being said, there were times in my life when I felt trapped, caught in a generational cycle from a very young age. When you discover something that ignites your passion, you pursue it relentlessly. That means pursuing it even when those closest to you advise against it, casting doubt or feeding their own fears into yours. I almost let fear dissuade me from going to college, from taking on student debt—a valid concern, especially in the US. However, I refused to accept “no” or defeat as the solution to potential future regrets. The truth is, if you’re middle class, statistically, you’ll likely be paying off student loans in the US regardless. So, how badly do you want it, and how willing are you to find solutions to the obstacles that come your way EVEN financially? It is a risk I took. Often, this resilience alone opens doors when pursuing your passions in life. But it requires a lot of effort—without work, there’s no cake, as the Polish proverb previously: “Bez pracy nie ma kołaczy.”

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In order to foster a vibrant and flourishing creative environment, society must prioritize the support and empowerment of artists and creatives, recognizing their invaluable contributions to culture, innovation, and collective well-being. Having talent is one thing and can mark the beginning of a creative career. But much like nurturing a baby, the professional aspect requires consistent practice, proper instruction/mentorship, and motivation—essentially, the “baby” must be consistently nurtured. Professional working creatives didn’t achieve their status without a significant investment of time, energy, trial and error, studies, and patience. Their work is constantly changing and evolving, influenced by new wisdom, inspiration, and experimentation. This dedication to their craft is why creatives hold their practice dear to their heart and strive to prevent overall burnout.

You may have encountered the quote on social media, “Artists need time to sit around and do nothing,” and it holds truth. Such moments provide opportunities for inspiration and gaining new experiences or knowledge. Creating art, even graphics, is deeply expressive and taps into our emotional side, which can lead to emotional exhaustion under certain circumstances.

This brings me to my main point: we are not wizards capable of producing magic (disappointing I know, me too). While natural talent and an eye for design are advantageous, mastery requires extensive hard work, as Michelangelo famously expressed: “If people knew how hard I had to work to gain my mastery, it would not seem so wonderful at all.” This is why we price our work accordingly, reflecting the specialized skill and knowledge involved. If you value our work at its current level, please refrain from undermining its worth.

Consider this analogy: imagine you’re shopping for furniture and find a couch you adore, but it exceeds your budget. You could save up for it, explore financing options if necessary, or seek alternatives. Similarly, the misconception that artists effortlessly produce perfect artwork at a rapid pace devalues our work and harms the community. We hope for open-mindedness from our clients and encourage learning about what you may not understand—transparency, trust, and respect are crucial on both sides.

In essence, we aim for mutual understanding and cooperation to create a supportive environment where creativity can thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.andreajs.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreasztuka/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-slomczenski-717809196/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/andreasztuka

Image Credits

Santana Robinson
Detroit GSD
City Walls, Detroit
Renee Slomczenski
Michele Williams