Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Chica.
Hi Michelle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Curiously Cursive started when I found a passion for lettering around 2015/2016. When I started it I wasn’t sure what I wanted to sell or what my overall goal for it was, but I just wanted to create things that people enjoyed. As time went on, I realized I loved doodling and lettering and decided to just post funny quotes with cute little illustrations on my Instagram page. Around 2020, I found Punkpost, which is sadly no longer open. But I became a handwriting artist for them, sending out personalized greeting cards to people all over the world. Eventually, my card designs were in the shop and thats when I realized what I really enjoyed creating, greeting cards! So I leaned into that and that is mainly what my website consisted of. While working on card designs I also had another idea…that maybe I would be able to turn some of these cute doodles into a coloring book! So that is what I did! Once I finished my coloring book, I decided to branch out more and add stickers, bookmarks, and art prints to my website as well!
Other than my coloring book and greeting cards, I want readers to know about my handwritten cards I offer on my site! I truly miss getting to write as much as I used to and I would love to get back to that in the future, while also working on other things (like maybe a second edition of my coloring book *hint hint*).
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?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. The main challenge I struggle with is motivation. I feel like I always have these good ideas, but sometimes just do not have a motivation to go through with them. One thing that has really helped recently is participating in a local adult book fair called Get Lit. Applying to participate in them and going to these events once a month has been absolutely amazing and something I always look forward to. Seeing people react to your art in person is just such a wonderful and validating feeling.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in greeting cards, stickers, bookmarks, art prints and I have a couple coloring books! I originally just started with greeting cards, but as I started attending markets I realized how much I loved creating stickers and seeing people react to them in real time and literally laughing out loud.
The product I am most proud of is my coloring book “The Art of Holding it Together: A Coloring Book for the Chronically Overwhelmed”. I worked really hard on it and my oldest brother Nicholas, who is a graphic designer, helped me A LOT getting it all put together and ready to print.
I think that what sets me apart from other greeting card designers, is that I offer to handwrite your cards and mail them for you also, which I absolutely love to do. You can get any of my cards completely customized and sent to your loved ones anywhere, which I think is just so special. Who doesn’t love to receive mail that isn’t a bill??
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important thing I have learned so far in this journey, which is far from over, is that I can’t be comparing myself to others. I always think that I am not as good as other creators who also do similar work. I just have to believe in my art and just put it out there! Not every single person has to love what you create, but if you enjoy creating it and other people also enjoy it, that’s all that matters!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.curiouslycursive.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslycursive
- Other: curiouslycursive@gmail.com
