We recently connected with Missi Jay and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Missi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I am really lucky because I have had the opportunity to be a part of many projects that were meaningful to me, but my favorite on-going project is drawing portraits.

It all started with a dear friend who’s 4-year-old son had open heart surgery. She asked if I could draw a picture of their family with her precious son holding a heart. Creating this special portrait for her brought me so much joy, because I knew how much it meant to my friend. I was inspired and I wanted to create more.

In the fall of 2020, I expanded to drawing family portraits for holiday cards. Due to the challenges of the pandemic, an illustrated portrait was a creative alternative to a real photograph — I mean, everyone always looks fabulous wearing their favorite outfit, perfect hair, and a big smile because I draw them that way. The extra bonus is you don’t even have to leave your house!

I got to draw families — large and small. I drew portraits of families with their new babies, fur babies, adult children, and grand children. I drew portraits of people wearing super fancy clothes, soldiers in full dress uniform, best friends, brides, graduates, families on a beach, and even a family in their Halloween costumes. What makes drawing these portraits so much fun? Every single portrait is special and unique because of the people in it. I get to learn about these people so I can create a visual story capturing a moment in time — a treasured memory. It has become one of my favorite things to do.

This fall, I will be drawing lots of family portraits for holiday cards and gifts. I will also be drawing “Live Portraits” at fundraising events for some of my favorite non-profits like Open Door Preschool, Beautifully Loved, Girl Scouts of Central Texas, and Austin Allies. I’m really looking forward to capturing the magic of these events!

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 Missi Jay and I loooooove to draw. Seriously. I have always been a “doodler” since I was old enough to hold a pen. I have created art my whole life and graduated from The University of Oklahoma with a Fine Art degree. I wake up in the morning thinking about what I am going to draw today. I literally cannot imagine doing anything else. I am a daydreamer and I frequently get lost in my imagination.

I started my studio, Gigglebox, in 1998 — 25 years ago — which seems bananas. I guess they’re right, time flies when you’re having fun. At Gigglebox, I create visual communication through illustration and graphic design. I get to work with all different types of cool people like non-profits, small businesses, and individuals with custom requests. I get to help them tell their story visually with logos, infographics, posters, promotions, portraits, you name it. Illustrating your idea is a powerful way to connect with your audience without even saying a word. No translation necessary. Art is universal and speaks to everyone.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My personal and professional mission is to connect with others. I feel best when I am solving visual problems and helping bring ideas to life. Making a connection and seeing someone smile is the greatest feeling.

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

The most rewarding thing about being an artist is the opportunity to create something meaningful. I love serving my community, helping to grow small businesses, and creating work that brings joy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gigglebox.net/
• Instagram: @GiggleboxDesign
• Facebook: @GiggleboxDesign
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/giggleboxdesign
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@giggleboxdesign

Image Credits
All artwork is copyright Gigglebox Design