Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mikki Ulaszewski. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Mikki thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

I’ve been selling my artwork since I was a small child, not a joke either! My grandmother ran a print shop and my mother was an artist. At the age of 4 I really wanted this lion king toy of Simba. He made noises and everything. We weren’t the most well off, so my mom challenged me to raise money for it. So, I did just what my mom was doing. I drew up some cute pieces on regular paper, made copies, and sold them for a dollar a piece, some were a little more expensive; five whole dollars, to clients coming into my grandma’s printshop. Before the month was over I had sold enough copies of my drawings to afford that Simba toy myself. I jumped for joy for the whole day on the way to the mall to get that toy! That was the first time I really sold my work.

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 come from a line of artist, my grandmother was an artist, when to college for studio art, and while she didn’t graduate, she did open a small print shop in Ohio. My mother was also an artist and worked as a freelance artist until I was roughly 8 years old. I’ve always been doing art, its always been a part of me.

Currently, I am a queer artist working and living in Seattle, WA. I work mainly in mixed media sculpture, painting, and sewing. I like to make pieces that are fun and fantastical at heart, but can hold a deeper meaning. My goal is to make pieces that cause the viewer to think, whether it be about the concept, materials, or style and form, I love making work that makes people think critically and have some fun.

I’ve always believed that art, and the creation of art, as a political statement and an act of liberation. To create something out of nothing is truly powerful, and I think it’s important as an artist to harness the emotions of the viewer to push that piece of critical thinking.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

The best way that society can support artist is to engage with them. Whether that means following your favorite artist, liking their posts, buying their pieces, or even just sharing their work out. Art is so much more than just about a money transaction. It gives hope, joy, and can change minds.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I think one of the big things that impacts how I think is I like to learn the biographical history of artist. One artist in particular and the story of his life, How to Draw a Bunny, about the life and art of Ray Johnson. The way and performance that this man lived has truly inspired me to put art as a focus not just as work, but as a part of my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://designbymikki.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designbymikki/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@designbymikki

Image Credits

Dave Carulli