Chi Michalski
Chi Michalski
Illustrator / Designer
Seattle, WA
www.chichiland.com
instagram @chichiland
facebook
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am an illustrator and designer.”
I work in wide variety of projects - from art, motion, interactive, to character design, editorial, apparel, and more.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
After studying Visual Communication Design, I worked in various interactive agencies, co founded a motion design studio, moved around the world. Finally made my home in Seattle, working as a freelance illustrator and designer.
How do you stand out in your field?
I have very distinctive, playful style, full of colorful patterns, filled with unique fun characters and creatures.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I like to work on a number of projects simultaneously. Currently, I'm collaborating with my husband (QubaVR) to create an interactive VR experience, creating a series of textile patterns for a hand bag brand, and a pair of illustrated socks for a fun client.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I'm inspired by contemporary urban culture, early 20th century modernism, prehistoric art, as well as folk cultures. I love including patterns and abstract creatures in my works.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Creating art products would be something I'd like to focus on more. Turning my creatures/characters into toys or decorative objects, making more patterns, and collaborating with fashion designers.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Marketing my brand and services, to find new clients is an ongoing task. I definitely enjoy doing the work rather than looking for work :)
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Not sure. Maybe keeping up with social media/online posts or some marketing related work.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I would probably go back to my 20 year old self in college to say: "Find what you love and make it your daily work."
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would like to learn more about textiles, especially contemporary knitwear.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I'm interested in collaborating with other makers, and designers on projects for creative brands. I'd like to focus on creating art products, apparel, and on other ways of taking my illustrations beyond paper and screens.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Collaborations work best when both parties are good at what they do and respect each other's professions. I like working with clients who appreciate and hire me for my own unique style to create original and authentic work.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
I don't charge by the hour but rather practice what's called value based pricing. There are a lot of reading materials out there, but I like what Paul Jarvis wrote in one of his articles: "Linking cost with time turns you into a commodity. It also means punishing yourself for working quickly and efficiently. Time-based pricing is a race to the bottom..."
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
I like email communication, just so I have everything written. But any clear form of communication is perfectly fine. It's helpful to have a brief unless if you're still figuring things out. Maybe you need my expertise to refine the brief, in that case a rough idea or a direction is ok to start the talks. I can't wait to hear from you!
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
By never trying to force it.
This member profile was originally published in August 2018.