Meet Jaclyn Krizanic of Metro Detroit, MI

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaclyn Krizanic

Hi Jaclyn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I originally launched my digital design Instagram page, jkrizzy_designs, back in 2020. Like many of us during those uncertain times, I was looking for ways to fill my days. I started off doing digital illustrations where I would draw on my iPad and post to my Instagram those different digital creations. It was exciting to see my drawing craft improve to where I was able to make commissions on people sending in their photos to be digitally drawn. While creating digital illustrations, I became curious about other crafts beyond the computer screen. That’s when I discovered embroidery, and amusingly, my first embroidery project went viral on TikTok. This led me to create custom embroidered orders on sweaters, from outlines of photos to names. You can check out the TikTok video here: https://www.tiktok.com/@tiktokerjackjack/video/6829508662101413126

Once life got back to normal again, I had more on my plate. So I found myself not having the time to create as much as I was during 2020. This lead me to take a creative break. After taking a couple of years off making my own art and posting to my page, I returned to my creative outlet recently during 2024. I felt I needed to step away from my passion project due to feeling burnt out at my job working in the creative field and in social media. Constantly looking at a computer screen and creating work for others made it hard to continue that passion for myself. However, getting back into my passion project wasn’t anywhere near my expected journey. From March to July, I was frequently visiting my doctor due to extreme chronic pain. I faced a health scare that resulted in me needing surgery. Thankfully, after surgery at the end of July, I’m still here today. During my recovery, I found myself returning to what I love most: creating.

During this recovery phase, I don’t have much energy to do much. However, I would scroll on Pinterest where I came across crochet projects. I thought why not give this new hobby a try. Having never crocheted before, I decided to watch some YouTube videos and try my hand at this new hobby. Now, over six weeks later, I’ve been crocheting every day and am completely hooked (pun intended!). To my surprise, I discovered I’m quite good for a beginner. Encouraged by my progress, I opened my first Etsy shop, Getcraftywithjackie.etsy.com, where I sell everything from PDF patterns to made-to-order crochet products and more. As an aunt, I’ve embraced that identity, crafting plushies and blankets for my nephew, and sharing my creations with others looking for special gifts made with love. I also am using my graphic design background where I sell digital templates that people can purchase and customize. These digital templates range from birthday invitations to Christmas cards and pregnancy announcements.

With a background in social media, where I’ve helped clients and organizations grow their online platforms, I realized I could apply those skills to my own journey. So, I transformed my original Instagram name I made in 2020 from jkrizzy_designs to craftywithjackie, encompassing my entire creative passion. Capturing the behind-the-scenes process of my projects keeps me inspired and makes the start-to-finish journey incredibly rewarding. I often find myself marveling, “Wow, I made that from a ball of yarn?”. I have always had a passion for social media and recently helped a client of mine in the art world go from having art be her hobby to now her full time job due to social media. I am optimistic I can achieve this same result for myself, and am looking forward to what the future holds for my new an improved craft page.

It’s amusing how I stumbled upon crocheting, and back to creating content across social media platforms for my craft page. Which then turned into me opening up my small business shop on Etsy. I know I still have a way to go in both my recovery and this new venture. Yet, I’m grateful to be turning life’s lemons into sweet lemonade.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth journey at all. I mentioned that rediscovering my creative process stemmed from my surgery recovery, but in the beginning when I first started my creative Instagram page, staying motivated to post regularly on social media was challenging. I often felt overwhelmed seeing other digital illustrators sharing their stunning and intricate work daily. This led me into the trap of comparing my art to theirs, which made me feel inadequate and distanced me from my own creativity.

The truth is I wasn’t giving myself enough credit. Every artist knows we are our own worst critique. I was measuring myself against seasoned artists who dedicate their time to their craft every day. In 2020, I was still in my senior year of college, navigating virtual classes and planning for my future while managing a hefty workload. If I could handle all that and still post weekly on social media, that should have been more than enough. I’m glad to be able to reflect and see that now.

Sometimes I regret letting comparison hinder my progress online, but I eventually found my way back and learned a lot during my time off. I realized I had become burnt out from my day job in social media working for a global and national based non-for-profit, where I was constantly creating graphic designs and videos. Working my creative brain so hard left me drained. You can’t expect to create for eight hours at work and then find another three or four afterward to create for yourself. Those long days quickly wore me out, stifling my creative expression and passion.

Finding balance has been key, and I’ve had to be strict with myself about not overworking and taking necessary breaks. The creative process looks different each day and takes time; something I find myself forgetting at times.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have worked in the social media field for over a few years, gaining experience with both clients and non-profit organizations. My roles have included content management, creation, strategy, video editing, campaign leadership, and more. I’m known for helping grow social media presence organically through original content and also creating content with high performance. By understanding that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to social media, I analyze data to develop successful strategies tailored to each client or organization project to deliver a successful outcome.

I offer freelance services through my portfolio, which can be found at jaclynkrizanic.com. My diverse skill set in digital design and social media enables me to create specialized strategy plans. I operate as a one-person creative team, similar to what performers call a “triple threat” in the performing arts world, which refers to someone skilled in singing, acting, and dancing. In my case, I combine content creation, brand strategy, content management, video creation, editing, copywriting, and more! This sets me apart from others in my industry due to my variety of skills and roles I am able to take on.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Join online groups on LinkedIn or make connections with those who have a job title you aspire to hold one day. Set up a coffee chat with someone at a higher level at your company and get to know them. Soft skills can take you further than you may expect.

Pricing:

• crochet pdf patterns starting at $3
• crochet pumpkin pillow: $65
• Digtial templates starting at $6
• Editable invitations starting at $5

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jaclynkrizanic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftywithjackie
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CraftywithJackie
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@craftywithjackie