Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Nguyen Gutierrez.
Hi Jasmine, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Growing up, I was always interested in the arts and found ways to express myself through many hobbies. In high school, I wanted to pursue graphic design, but like many children raised by Asian parents, I was encouraged to seek a less creative and more stable job. I graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work and got to help and serve people through difficult situations, including domestic/sexual abuse, foster care, and mental health crises. However, in 2017, I burnt out from my social work career and was encouraged by my therapist to pursue another dream. Within that same year, I obtained my Certificate in Visual Design and transitioned to a career in graphic design. In 2020, I became a first-time mom in the pandemic. After I left my full-time job to focus on caring for my first son, I did freelance gigs and graphic design part-time. But I explored digital illustration on my iPad during my free time, even while rocking my baby to sleep in one arm. In 2022, I gained the confidence to start selling a few shirts and stickers online, including sharing my passion project, “Chinatown Confessions.” In 2023, I began getting more involved in my community through art markets and special festivals. Since then, I’ve met incredible people and made meaningful connections with different Asian Pacific Islander (API) small businesses and organizations, including being a contract designer and consultant for the Asian American Resource Center in Austin, TX, to create and help plan their Lunar New Year events. I hope to create joyful work that encourages and connects with people. In addition to creating art and selling at markets, I enjoy working closely with small businesses that impact the community through freelance graphic design.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
It wasn’t always a smooth road. Back in 2017, I left my job in the social work field for my mental health and well-being, but I had no plan. I just kept seeing my therapist, did my visual design classes, and applied for jobs I didn’t qualify for. Eventually, I got my first job in the arts as a graphic designer at a small publishing company and my dream job as a creative director for a local church. However, in 2022, a lot was going on in my life that was impacting my ability to create and work; my son had a tumor in his skull that needed surgery, I had a miscarriage, and there was just a lot of miscommunication and hurt in some personal relationships. Getting out of bed sometimes was hard, let alone picking up my iPad to draw anything. But giving myself permission to heal and rest helps me work and create even better. I didn’t want to put myself in a situation again where I burnt out, especially in a field I always dreamed of. It was a hard transition when I decided to leave full-time work and focus more on freelance; I never realized how much I tied my worth to a job title. But I’m so thankful I did because it’s allowed me to work on my schedule and give me more time with my family. Sometimes, it’s hard not to compare myself to other artists/business owners making more and doing more, but I give myself grace; I remind myself that I will work however much I can in the season I’m in, and I refuse to feel ashamed about that. I reject the “hustle culture” and rather live slowly and purposefully.
Thanks for sharing that. You could tell us more about your work.
I’m mostly known for my cute and colorful illustrations. Most of my products are handmade in my “studio,” my work is filled with nostalgia, playfulness, and a humorous “cheeky” tone. My art is connected to my Asian American identity, childhood experiences, and my big girl emotions. With a background in social work, I’m passionate about creating a safe space for others to be honest about their true thoughts and feelings. I hope people feel connected, joyful, and loved through my silly but sincere art when they see my creations. The project I’m most proud of has to be “Chinatown Confessions.” Even though I created it in 2020 and my style has evolved slightly, I love its meaning and message. “Chinatown Confessions” is a cute illustrated art series about my honest feelings and experiences as an Asian-American navigating stereotypes, micro-aggressions, and other struggles our community faces. I sell them as stickers and prints, and I’ve always had a positive reaction from the community because of how honest, cute, and unapologetic it is.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Don’t be afraid to take a leap and try something. I remember going to a market in early 2022 and looking for a vendor selling cute art and illustrations, but I couldn’t find one. I realized I was looking for myself! It’s been almost a year since I started selling at markets, and I’m so grateful for the people I met and the relationships I formed just because I permitted myself to go for it. Not everything I create is for everyone, but that shouldn’t stop me from putting myself out there. I’ve learned that the things that give me joy also provide a small group of people joy. And to me, that’s enough of a reason to keep creating.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mocheekystudio.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mocheekystudio
