Kristen Fischer, author of Creatively Self-Employed, and I met July of 2003 on a site for artists we both frequented at the time, nervousness.org and have been in constant communication ever since. I was thrilled to recieve her response agreeing to be profiled for the Mixed Media Arts topic here!
Jenn Hollowell: Could you give readers some information about your background? When did your interest for art and writing begin?
Kristen Fischer: I was always a creative person and won many awards for writing and speaking starting as far back as the fourth grade. After I graduated with a science degree that I didn’t want to use, I went into what was natural to make money—I knew how to write. I started as a reporter for a weekly paper and enjoyed it. I later moved to a scientific company as a technical writer. It all combined—now I am a copywriter and I love it!
JH: I've read in various blog entries on your site that you take "creative breaks" and seek out other creative blogs and photography. Could you share some of your favorite links? Were any of these favorites included in your recently released book, Creatively Self-Employed?
KF: Yes, many of the sites I like are by artists and writers featured in the book—in fact, I recruited some of them based on their blogs and sites. I love taking breaks and one thing I enjoy is scoping out other sites. Some of my favorite blogs are by Andrea Scher, Kristen King and Elsie Flannigan. There is a list on my personal blog.
JH: When developing the idea for Creatively Self-Employed, how did you decide that you wanted the book to include both artists and writers? Was the idea hard to flesh out or did it flow naturally?
KF: The idea for Creatively Self-Employed came simple to me. I wanted to write what I knew about, but I didn’t want to focus solely on writers. I knew that all creatives were the same as far as manufacturing their own "goods." I wanted anyone creative I could get my hands on. Besides painters and writers, there are a few jewelry makers in the book and even a music publicist! All creative people just "get" each other, and I like that vibe. They are also so different from 9-to-5’ers.
JH: During the interview process for your book, were you inspired to try new creative methods in your art and writing? Did any aspects of your business change from writing this book?
KF: This is a great question! I wasn’t inspired to do anything new, because I was pleased with the methods I used in my writing. I was more so happy to hear I wasn’t alone in feeling sometimes frustrated, and I wound up learning so much from the people in my book. I feel really honored to have been able to hear their stories.
My copywriting business hasn’t changed, but because of it, I felt comfortable self-publishing because I knew I had the drive to succeed making the book like a business all its own.
JH: What can readers expect from you in the future? Where can readers find out more about your current and upcoming projects?
KF: I have another book coming out next year through a publisher. That will be about what recent college graduates didn’t learn during their time in college. Like Creatively Self-Employed, I will mix it up with some "expert" opinion. But it’s the same format—not a "how-to" book but more so a collection of strategies and stories that will help recent graduates through the maze known as the quarterlife crisis.
People can expect to hear about my Creatively Self-Employed book! I have all sorts of fun publicity going on right now, and it’s super exciting. Check out my site at http://www.kristenfischer.com and learn more about the book at http://www.creativelyselfemployed.com.
JH: Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to "talk" to me!
KF: Always, girl. And thank you!
