We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jaclyn Krizanic a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jaclyn, thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

When I think about my craft and how I learned it, it really started early on as a young girl, I had a grandfather who would sit with me and show me how to draw. I like to say I found my passion and developed my skills because of him. He used to carve and draw car models for his career, so I think being an artist was already in my genetics. On top of that, my mom’s side of the family came from a long line of crocheters and knitters. Funny enough, I didn’t learn to crochet until 2024!

I’ve always channeled my creativity, from middle school and high school to college, where I decided to minor in graphic design. When people ask me, “How did you learn to do what you do?” my answer is simple: continuous practice, passion, and never giving up on the artistic process. Over 20-plus years, I’ve honed my craft, and I think as an artist, we sometimes forget all the work that goes into reaching a point where we believe our art is truly good. We are our own worst critics, but the feeling of finally creating something you’re proud of is exhilarating—it reignites the passion, at least for me.

I don’t think there’s a way to speed up the learning process as an artist. There’s always a journey involved in mastering a new craft. For example, while I’ve been honing my artistic skills since childhood, I only picked up crocheting later in life and learned it quite quickly. I think that’s because of the creative foundation I’ve built over the years.

The most essential skill I’ve developed through this process is patience. It’s as simple as that: having patience with yourself, and resilience. The early learning phase will pass. One of my middle school teachers used to say, “The only difference between easy and hard is understanding.” That lesson has stuck with me into adulthood. Being patient with yourself when obstacles arise is the best way forward.

Jaclyn, 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?

I am a creative, which is such a broad title, but it truly encompasses what I do. I have my own small business that I recently started from my Instagram page called “CraftyWithJackie,” along with my Etsy shop: getcraftywithjackie.etsy.com, where I sell handmade crochet items, digital drawings, and more. I also work in the social media industry, helping my clients build and refine their social media presence. From brainstorming content ideas to scripting, strategizing growth, posting captions, and much more, I offer comprehensive services that can be found on my website: jaclynkrizanic.com.

I am most proud of my recent endeavor into learning crochet, especially completing a granny square blanket. It’s an adorable red-and-white blanket with hearts, and I shocked myself when I finished it. Initially, I started crocheting just to try something new, never imagining it would turn out as well as it did—especially since I’m a beginner. The crochet process has taught me so much over the past few months, most notably the importance of taking things one stitch at a time. That’s what makes crochet so enjoyable: the process. It’s a journey that brings joy and comfort, reminding me to slow down and savor the experience in our fast-paced lives. This perspective has carried over into other areas of my life, making the journey itself just as meaningful as the destination.

Another accomplishment I’m incredibly proud of is my courage to leave my 9-to-5 job and carve my own path in the freelance world. For years, I wanted to take this step but hesitated, thinking I needed more experience or fearing it wouldn’t provide a stable career. For over three years, I balanced a traditional job while managing clients, working every day to earn the reward of creating my own schedule. That “later on” is now, and I couldn’t be happier. My background working for national and global organizations set me up for success, exposing me to opportunities and experiences that not everyone gets. Meeting people with my “dream job titles” showed me that, while their roles were admirable, they weren’t what I truly wanted. Ultimately, I realized that my happiness wouldn’t come from working in an environment with quick turnarounds and where ideas were often taken without credit.

In the creative field, the topic of idea sharing and credit is already a hot-button issue. Now, I’m in a position where my work carries my name, and I’ve never been more excited to stand on my own two feet, both creatively and professionally. What sets me apart in my industry is my versatility. I’m not limited to one discipline. I’m a digital designer, video editor, videographer, scriptwriter, copywriter, social media brand strategist, and more. My willingness to try new things has allowed me to develop a diverse range of skills.

I’m truly passionate about being a creative, and I’m proud of the unique path I’ve forged to embrace that identity fully.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Of course! My goal is to have my own business one day. I’m currently exploring the possibility of starting a creative brand, and it would be a dream come true to pursue my creative journey full-time

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Consistency is key. I’m not a social media star on my own page yet, like I’ve helped my clients become, but now I’m taking my own advice. It’s all about showing up and being passionate about what you’re posting. You don’t want to post on social media just to throw something out there—it needs a story or purpose. That’s a crucial part of growing a following. It’s also important to figure out how you stand out amidst all the noise on the platforms. Leaning into authenticity is a must.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jaclynkrizanic.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/craftywithjackie
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaclyn-krizanic-aaa85a179/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/craftywithkjackie
• Other: https://getcraftywithjackie.etsy.com

Image Credits

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