Today we’d like to introduce you to Missi Jay.
Hi Missi, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I love to draw. I always have. I was the kid in class who was daydreaming and doodling on my notes. I grew up in Oklahoma City and graduated from The University of Oklahoma with a degree in Visual Communication. When I was in school, computers were just something amazing you watched your professor demonstrate — not something any student had in their dorm room. So design students were very crafty — creating our own hand-lettered typography, experimenting with photocopiers at Kinko’s in the middle of the night, pasting images on boards for presentations, and using “Letraset” stickers for type. I guess that is where I first fell in love with typography — by hand lettering it out of necessity. I really feel lucky to have had that experience. I didn’t realize that being an “illustrator” was an ACTUAL job until I was on my way out of school into the “real world.”
After graduation, I came to Austin and hit the streets with my gigantic black cardboard portfolio knocking on doors and showing it to literally anyone who would look. I landed an incredible job at a very small and special boutique design agency where I got to learn so much about the world of professional design and illustration. I have had several incredibly talented and patient mentors who provided direction, instruction, and great advice. I am so grateful.
In 1998, I branched out on my own and launched Gigglebox where I incorporated design with illustration and LOTS of color. I was scared to death to be a business owner but excited for the opportunity to draw, create, and repeat daily. I love having my own studio because it allows me to work on multiple projects at once, which brings me lots of joy.
I recently listened to a podcast featuring Jessica Hische, an artist I admire, and she said, “The work you do while you procrastinate is the work you should be doing for the rest of your life.” This statement pretty much sums it up. That is what keeps me doing what I do. I get to start each day saying “Holy cow, I can’t believe I get to do this job!”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like anything worth doing, there are always challenges involved. The only way is through. Challenges make you stronger and help you grow as an artist, a business owner, and a person.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in illustration and hand-lettered type. I created artwork that I could show my grandmother and my daughter with PRIDE. So I guess my artwork is old-lady and kid-friendly. I start every project with an ACTUAL SHEET OF PAPER and a PENCIL and I sketch. I generate tons of ideas—the good, the bad, and the ugly. I like to create a tangible drawing. Then I scan it and color it digitally. This combination incorporates the human touch of real art, and digital color allows me the freedom to make creative changes quickly.
Someone smart recently told me that SPECIFIC is TERRIFIC. So I am pretty much focusing on colorful illustrative artwork, full of warm fuzzies. I call my style the WARM FUZZY ART FACTORY.
I am very honored to work with a wide variety of people, companies, and nonprofits. My favorite part about my work is meeting new people who share their stories, hopes, and dreams with me. We work together to create custom visual solutions that fit their needs. Many times my clients become friends. Knowing that something I created had a positive effect on someone else is like a bolt of lightening.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
My biggest news lately is I just launched my online store on my very own website. WOO HOO! This is a really exciting step for me! I also love to have “Pop Up” shops and shows around town. Meeting new people and hearing their ideas is super inspiring to me. If you see me around, please say “Hello!” I am the one with the bright PINK HAIR. 💖
Contact Info:
- Email: missi@gigglebox.net
- Website: https://www.gigglebox.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giggleboxdesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GiggleboxDesign/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUOvtgmJy8d6L_K6xfiojhg
- Other: https://gigglebox.net/shop/
Image Credits
All photos were snapped with love by my amazing daughter, Ruby 🙂
