We’re looking forward to introducing you to Molly Kruse. Check out our conversation below.
Molly, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I have a 3-year old who is home for the summer and a husband in the medical field who works a wonky schedule, so I sometimes feel like my days are all over the place. I work in the hidden pockets of time—early in the morning before my son gets out of bed, a few hours in the afternoon during nap time, and then late into the evening when the house is quiet. In-between those pockets of time, we’re playing, reading, swimming, socializing, traveling, and relaxing together as a family.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Molly and I run a creative business called MollyBird Studio.
Collectors and creatives can sometimes struggle to fill their space or project with authentic, textural, story-driven art that counters the world of mass-produced sameness, preventing them from connecting emotionally with the art they crave—art that represents a feeling, a milestone, a memory, a moment of stillness, or a visual telling of their story.
My solution to this troublesome query has been distilled into my three core offerings of illustration, fine art, and design. These are the vehicles of art I have chosen in my effort to support the written word, preserve memory and spark connection, and tell deeply personal stories—whether through children’s book or editorial illustrations, custom pet or place portraits, or branding and web design.
What makes me different? I embrace imperfection as one of my strengths, I tell the story behind my art, and I blend three different art practices together into a layered but cohesive ecosystem that has the ability to touch many different lives,
While some illustrators strive for perfection or polish, I lean into organic shapes, emotional texture, and authenticity, giving my clients permission to show up imperfectly too. Through wonky illustrations and honest reflection, I offer art that helps people feel seen, connected, and comforted. My brand and art practices are unified by my voice, values, and style, all through a lens shaped by my experience as a mother, a deep feeler, and a storyteller.
My art is personal and relational—not mass-produced, trendy, or surface level. It benefits those who are looking for artful storytelling that stirs understanding and imagination, preserves personal memorials into joyful keepsakes, and celebrates moments, places, and people.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
I have had many great teachers in my life—from my own parents, to my childhood teachers, to organized sports and coaches, and then going into college and afterwards starting out in the workforce—each teacher or coach imparted upon me their own specific type of knowledge that they had taken the time to master. I have many great skills because of all these teachers.
The caveat: while I have been lucky enough to study many different things under many different types of people, I have to say that it has been me who has taught myself the most about work ethic, especially in these later years where there may not be as defined of a path to walk down. There is definitely no defined path for the life of an artist—you’re creating it as you go.
Even in those early years and up until my late 20s, when I was not my own boss and still just doing as I was told, it still came down to me. Did I want to practice my violin every night? No. Did my dad set up a routine that allowed me to succeed in practicing my violin every night? Yes. But at the end of the day, that drive and desire has to come from within.
As I have gotten older and come into my mid-30s, I have slowly come to realize that no one is coming to build my life for me. It has to be me who takes those small steps every day in building a life and business I can be proud of.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
To be kinder to yourself—no one has this life thing figured out; not to be afraid of not contributing to society in a meaningful way (that old artist stigma that can self-emanate sometimes); and to not be nervous about taking your time to find the real you. It might sound cheesy, but there is only one of you, and whatever you feel passionate about is what you should pursue in life. Keep going and don’t give up until you’ve made it to where you want to be.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is absolutely the real me, if not slightly more reserved. I have a long history of wearing my heart on my sleeve, and as I have grown older and more confident, I have also become more vocal about the issues that matter to me. I have a monthly blog at www.mollybirdstudio.com where I post my creative musings, if you’re interested!
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing?
Betting on myself in the pursuit of following my dreams (I am doing it—I just need to keep doing it, day after day).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mollybirdstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollybird.studio/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mollybirdstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mollybird.studio
