Meet Detroit artist and illustrator Nicole Miazgowicz!

Tell us a little about yourself!

My name is Nicole and I’m an artist based in Detroit, MI. Along with my product line, Lost Fern Goods, I’m a freelance illustrator. I love the process of taking other people’s words and bringing new life to them through my drawings. It feels a little like theater which is what I started in and my second great love. Besides drawing, I’m constantly traveling, kayaking, watching films, and dreaming about starting an art residency someday.

What drew you to your craft?

I’ve been drawing since I was little and have always loved the process of bringing my ideas to life on paper. That, combined with my intense wish to be self-employed, drew me to illustration and making products!

What is your favorite thing you have ever made?

That’s a hard question! I would say my drawing ‘The Meadow’, based on the book ‘The Witch of Blackbird Pond’. I sell it as a print and on a journal. I created it last year and I feel like I grew a lot in my style and process during the making of it. It feels very symbolic for me on my new path of freelance illustration!

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I always thought it would be fun to be an editor. I also always wanted to be an artist and an actress. I have a theater background (performed for a long time and studied it), but ultimately decided to go with art as a career. I often think about picking it back up as a hobby!

How would you describe your creative process?

Mine starts with words actually! Whether I’m creating an illustration from someone else’s words or from my own head, I do a lot of word stacks and word association. From there, I’ll start making connections between words and then do some thumbnails based on those. It’s a long process, but it really helps to make ideas strong and look at a topic or idea in a unique way.

What advice would you give yourself 10 years ago?

I still have to give myself this advice today - don’t overthink what you want to draw. Just draw it! It’s okay if it ends up being a piece you can’t use for a product or job or if it’s a complete failure. You’ll always learn something from the process. It’s not a waste of time and it says nothing about your worth as an artist!

Why is it important to support local artists and makers?

We’re a passionate bunch who care A LOT. Your support means we get to continue doing what we love while also giving back to our communities - it’s a really beautiful reciprocal relationship.

Why do you love doing what you do?

I love making people feel the way I do when I experience art that moves me (whether that is a piece of art, music, film, or a book!). It feels like I get to pass some of that energy around in a really personal and meaningful way.

What advice do you have for other makers who want to start their own business?

Start in your community! Your local retailers, art/craft fair organizers, community centers, etc., will always look to local makers first. It’s an easy way to make a connection and start getting experience and your foot in the door. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions of your fellow makers! You’d be surprised at how many will share information and tips on things that you are struggling with or have no clue about.

You can find Nicole’s prints and stickers in the shop! Don’t worry, we have more on the way this month!