We were lucky to catch up with Danielle Hawiszczak recently and have shared our conversation below.

Danielle, appreciate you joining 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?

A common misconception when it comes to learning art is that you need to do so in art school. This no doubt helps streamline the process, but if you’re willing to put in the work, you can learn on your own, regardless of your education.

I was 27 when I started my art journey. I had taken a watercolor class and quickly realized I needed to learn how to draw to really paint well.

So I got a sketchbook and started drawing. I’d finish one and move on to another, and I saw consistent improvement with each drawing. I had always thought drawing was an innate talent. I used to say “I could never do that!” But the truth is, we aren’t born with the ability to even hold a pencil. So how could we be born with the ability to draw?

It is a learned and practiced skill. And once it’s learned, it transfers to other types of art.

I watched a lot of YouTube videos. I made myself a “curriculum” plan. I did figure drawing warm-ups. And mostly, I just kept practicing.

The main obstacle to learning all of this, plus eventually acrylic paint and colored pencil, was my ADHD. I was undiagnosed at the time, but I found myself wanting to learn everything all at once. I had to really hone in on one thing at a time.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m an artist and copywriter, plus business owner! I founded my brand Moxie & Mischief in 2021. I sell art prints, stickers, greeting cards, mixed-media collage, buttons, book journals and tabletop decor — all created by me.

The inspiration for my brand began with an estate sale. I was looking through old sheet music and saw a cover of a man kissing a woman’s cheek. The woman looked so uninterested. A line came to mind immediately, “That’s it. I’m gay.” I purchase the sheet music, went home and cut up the pictures. I scanned them and digitally collaged it. That was my first print, and I realized I’d found my niche. I found humor in the idea of what women were really thinking back then, and how that can translate to today.

From the get-go, I knew I wanted my brand to be inclusive and offer a safe space to queers, allies, women and POC. Part of the “moxie” in my brand is allowing marginalized communities to speak freely without having to mask. Over time, I’ve evolved the focus of Moxie & Mischief to three things: vintage + modern, sassy + classy, bold + playful. It’s now a one-stop shop for gifts, home decor and art.

I’ve hit a lot of milestones with my brand, but the thing that keeps me going in times of doubt is the way people laugh when they see my work. Bringing joy and humor to the world is such an honor for me.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

A lot of non-artists or non-creatives look at me and think I’m insane. Okay, that may be true, but they are often responding to how many jobs I have, how much time I spend on art, and how I seem to eat, drink and breathe this journey.

They’re right to question it. I have always filled all of my time with my passions, and now that’s translating to two jobs and a business, plus regular crafting and art nights.

But what I often explain to these people is I can’t NOT do it. I can’t sit here idly, because my brain is spinning with ideas. I’m constantly creating, whether my hands are busy or not. I have all these jobs and hobbies because I’m overwhelmingly passionate about creating. I simply must.

Some non-creatives don’t understand that, even when I’m explaining it to them. Very linear-thinking, logical people struggle with my personality or my lifestyle. But, I do appreciate working with these people still, because a logical, rational thinker can really help ground me when my ideas are bursting out every which way.

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

I struggle with goals. I’m a neurodivergent artist, constantly overloaded with creativity. My only thought most of the time is, “I need to create.”

This journey really is about the journey. I simply want to create. I may come up with an idea I want to pursue, then achieve it. But the whole process isn’t defined by the end goal for me.

So, my goals are not SMART goals. They aren’t really measurable. But they are true to me.

Create. Share. Make people laugh. Make people feel seen.

That’s what it all comes down to.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.moxiemischiefdesigns.com
• Instagram: @moxiemischiefdesigns
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moxieandmischiefdesigns
• Etsy: moxiemischiefdesigns.etsy.com
  I also have a booth at Mid-Cities Antique Mall in Hurst, TX.