Contributor: Amy McInnes, Austin Allies Intern
I would like to take a minute to spotlight an important contributor to the Austin Allies community. Today we celebrate Missi Jay from Gigglebox Art by Missi Jay. Missi has been working with Austin Allies since the very beginning. She is the creator of the Austin Allies logo and if you attended our Halloween fundraiser, All Allies Eve, you received an original coloring page that was also designed by Missi. Once you visit her website (https://www.gigglebox.net ) you will clearly see that the work that she produces radiates positivity, the spirit of imagination, and encapsulates the heart of childlike wonder.
As an artist myself, it’s always a wonderful moment to see other artists succeed, but especially an independent female artist. Missi has always had a love for art, she has been drawing and creating her whole life. She found a love specifically in greeting cards, how they can say so much in such little text, the emotion they can present on a 5”x7” piece of paper. After working in several design firms, Missi decided she wanted to have her own studio and create greeting cards full time, thus GiggleBox Design was born. However, being an independent creator is not easy and Missi had to take on side jobs in illustration and design in order to make ends meet. In spite of the challenges she had to overcome, today we celebrate her success. Now, 22 years after starting GiggleBox Design, Missi is the sole creator of GiggleBox Art by Missi Jay, where she sells original pieces of art and also creates custom pieces for patrons. When asked about her career Missi said, “22 years later I do sell greeting cards, but on this journey I have gotten to work with some of the most creative people on some of the coolest projects.” I had the opportunity to chat with Missi about her career, her inspirations, her creative process, and more, and this is what she had to say:
-Where did your love of art stem from?
“I have always loved to draw. I have drawn my whole life. Creating makes me happy. It exercises my mind and joy muscles. Inspiration is literally everywhere. I am inspired by music, song lyrics, poetry, fashion, hilarious things my friends say, other artist's work, pop culture, people watching, comedians, junk food, and LOTS OF COLORS. And glitter.”
-In terms of your creative process, how do you stay creative? What motivates you to continue to create, especially in times like these?
“Creating is like a physical work out—you need to keep exercising to get stronger and stay healthy. I look forward to creating every day. It elevates my mood, and it helps me focus on positivity.”
-Do you have a favorite project you've worked on in the past year?
Yes I do. I have worked with Girlstart for about 13 years. Girlstart has a HUGE summer camp program hosting about 8 different STEM education camps on their campus each summer. Due to Covid, the in-person summer camps were pivoted to “Summer Camp at Home.” I had the opportunity to work with Girlstart on their “Summer Camp in a box,” packed with a 60 page, full-color, illustrated journal of STEM experiments, gobs of supplies, t-shirt, stickers, and other Girlstart swag, and even an Ozobot for campers to program. It was a fast turn around and an exciting project. It was so satisfying to see photos of the smiling campers zooming the experiments at home. Girlstart does not disappoint—they inspire and empower!
-What would you say to a young aspiring artist who wants to go into the creative field?
“Go for it. Be yourself. Follow your heart. Don’t take “no” for an answer. Keep drawing, painting, dancing, singing, playing, practicing, moving forward, and never give up. Whatever medium you are creating in—KEEP DOING IT. Keep inspiring. The world needs your work. Art is powerful, essential, and a gift. Exercise it and share it freely. Never let your sparkle fade. Keep shining!”
-Do you have any special projects coming up for the holidays?
Yes, I have a new design called “Santa Baby,” available on ornaments, greeting cards, wall art and all the swag you can imagine. Just check my website for details!
Missi Jay is one of the most cheerful and imaginative people I have gotten the pleasure to interview. I highly recommend visiting her website if you’re in search of art to brighten up your home. When I asked her if her commissions were open she said: “Yes, always! I love to hear people's stories and create special pieces of artwork together. Every PERSON, every PROJECT, and every SOLUTION is unique. When you realize something you created made a connection with another person, you have true joy.”
She has some exciting pieces coming out for the holiday season and they would make perfect gifts for the art lover in your life! Check out her website: https://www.gigglebox.net/ or send her an email about commission inquiries at: missi@gigglebox.net