We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kirsten Mishay. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kirsten below.

Alright, Kirsten thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I love having been able to pursue a career as a creative, and grateful to have been able to stick with it. I have done jobs where I was in charge of admin work, I used to be a lifeguard, and as an independent artist I have to do my own business admin, social media, production, sourcing, staying on top of trends, etc. So, maybe once in a blue moon, I’ll wonder what it would be like to have done something else but not often.

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?

My name is Kirsten, I am a Multidisciplinary Designer and Artist. From the minute I wake up to the minute I go to bed I am making, creating, or designing something. During the day I am a Senior Designer in the Toy Industry then at night I work on my M.F.A in Illustration while also focusing on my business (K10 Design +) with my short stories, “This Princess Who Saved Herself” as well as creating quirky bilingual or “punny” stickers, pins, and other accessories that people can connect with. All of which can be found on my etsy storefront under K10 Design Plus.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

This actually was a pivot I’ve actually had fairly recently. Going into my B.F.A in Graphic Design I saw myself going into advertisement with the hope of creating amazing campaigns or posters and marketing for festivals. Work that was exciting and captivating. Which is still on my bucket-list of projects, but I knew within the first semester I should have pursued Illustration. I fought with myself for the longest time in trying to figure out how to find a space where Graphic Design and Illustration flow together.

The type of social media marketing design I was doing began to burn me out. It was nothing what I had imagined I would do be doing and still knew I needed, and wanted, a job that was not only more exciting but also pushed me to be more creative.

I knew I needed to push myself somehow. So with quarantine and remote work I decided to go after my Masters with the mindset that this was something to do for fun. The idea of failing as an artist or comparing myself to others was moved aside in order to enjoy this new adventure.

A year ago, during a time where I had no job, I told myself I wouldn’t settle for the same type of work I was doing. There had to be something more fulfilling. In order to move forward I had to let go, and have a conversation with myself on what would put me on the path to my goals. I also let myself ask what would make my younger self be so excited to be a part of. The change in mindset was a leap of faith. It was the best choice allowing me to find a role that actually provides space to be creative in all the ways I could think of.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Seeing people connect with your work in some way or another. Especially when it’s something that shows parts of your heart and soul. Because putting out the things I create can be terrifying sometimes; it’s an incredibly vulnerable experience. It has also taught me to be more honest with myself and authentic to the parts that make me, me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kmworrells.wixsite.com/k10designplus
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k10.designplus
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstenworrells/
• Other: www.etsy.com/shop/k10designplus