Today we’d like to introduce you to Kary Francisco.
Hi Kary, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always been ‘crafty’ and ‘artsy’; from the time I was a little kid, I just liked to make things. In elementary school, I loved the art class projects and making cards, and doodling all over everything. As I got older, I got to take more art classes and learn more mediums. I won a couple of design contests, printed the coolest posters for my bedroom and painted the coolest t-shirts.
I loved the idea of personalizing my own things and making things for others that were special to them. As I got started in my career in digital art and design, I kept learning about new ways to take ideas in my head and make them real and tangible. I was able to start putting some of those designs onto material items – shirts, coffee mugs, and all sorts of customizable items were at my disposal to customize!
Learning how to customize and print those things allowed me to up my game when it came to making things for my family and friends – quite a step up from little paper craft gifts I made in school!
Once I started creating things for them – it was like a domino effect! Their friends and family started putting in requests, so on and so forth. It has been such a crazy fun experience to have others enjoying what I create as much as I enjoy creating it!
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?
Every road has at least a few bumps or unexpected turns. Mine is no exception. When you start out as your own ‘boss’ or running your own show – everything is on your shoulders. For me, it has taken some time and trials to get better at logistics and organization.
There was a point I suddenly found myself with multiple requests for some custom items, and each had a deadline. Doing custom design and printing is technically my third ‘job,’ if you can call it that, so scheduling projects with deadlines around those other obligations was tough at first!
There are also certain limitations in how I can produce things, if there’s something I can’t do, I have to try and find an alternative or learn what I need to learn to get the project done. Customer service and communication are also key for trickier projects – both things I think are worthy of improving upon as much as possible.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
It’s hard to describe what I do in a nutshell. My business cards say, “Hi, I’m Kary Francisco, and I can totally make that!” – and it’s as all-encompassing as I can get! I make designs; I make art, I make shirts and mugs and jewelry and home decor, and so much more!
I do a lot of digital design – logo creation, marketing and branding design, web design, promotional material, things of that nature. I also do a lot of traditional scenery art with acrylic and oil paints. I also custom design and print apparel, drinkware, home items, jewelry, accessories, and promotional material.
I’ve been so fortunate to work with dozens of local small businesses and create their branding, and promotional material, and merchandise, and dozens more individuals who are looking for a personalized gift or custom item.
I take great pride in my ability to bring people’s ideas to life. Just like when I was a kid, and I was ecstatic to find new ways to make my own ideas into reality, I love the kid-like joy in others when I can help do that for them.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
It’s hard to pinpoint just one, but I think ‘passion’ is my own biggest driving force in my success.
I think with passion for what you love to do, that creates drive, drive inspires growth. If you’re honing your passion regularly, you’re honing your drive for growth and learning – things I think are important in life and when being successful.
It bears mentioning that what I consider success might not be conventional. I consider myself successful because I get to do what I love; it brings me joy. I have honed my craft well enough that it also brings others joy, too. Income is a bonus, of course; earning income allows me to invest back in myself and in my own growth, but it’s my passion for art and creativity that drives me and brings me the most joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.createdbykary.com
- Instagram: @createdbykary
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/createdbykary
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kary-francisco-3777b8a2/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqs_BgRLCo5ShnCLNzJmqsA
Image Credits
Kary Francisco
