Anna Mischke
Anna Mischke
Illustrator / Marketer / Content Creator
Seattle, WA
www.annamischke.com
instagram @peachbaby
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“At my happiest, I’m drawing; I’m wearing my Illustrator pants (or romper or whatever) and creating images and scenes that make people feel - glee, nostalgia, melancholy, humor... ”
Or I'm creating content for brands/companies/clients which includes everything from social copy to graphic design.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
It looks like a polka: all over the place, a bit wild, sometimes overwhelming, and fun to watch (for a while, at least) 👯♂️.
Really though, I'm a self-taught illustrator. Meaning that from the time I wrangled my first marker to present day, I've been doodling cats and girls and whatever's in my mind. Since I began sharing my illustrations on Instagram in 2017, requests for commissions, branding, graphics, et al started to arrive. Now, the polka continues - because the dance toward being better never, ever stops!
How do you stand out in your field?
Adaptability and versatility paired with eagerness to grow and an intrenched love for illustration. These qualities seem to allow me to continue to do things that excite me and the people I get to work with.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Illustration and social media graphics for small businesses and solopreneurs. And of course, personal projects for peachbaby: fine line tattooing, a smattering of children's books, recording a paranormal podcast (something weird) and sporadically writing poetry.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
It's constantly evolving - but at the core of it: fanciful, mischievous, and a bit weird 🛸
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Illustration! I've dedicated the past several years to digital marketing and while that will always be central to my work and play, I'd really love to home in on illustrating and creating visually.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Not feeling settled. I've moved six times (one, overseas) in the past four years for work and life - and it feels like it's time to find a space and nest in it for a while. I could use a dedicated creative space where I know I'll be for an extended period of time.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Bookkeeping and budgeting, baby! 💸
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Sis, you can put art at the center of your life! The subject matter might not always be what you imagined (ie: toilet plunger instructions) but not only is it possible, but you can thrive. Focus on what interests you, not what you think should interest you. Lean into your weirdness, your whimsy - what makes you strange is what makes you shine.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Snail farming - because I developed a new obsession over the 9-month COVID lockdown in Melbourne 🐌📈
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Making fun products with some of my illustrated animals/characters/creatures and collaborating peachbaby branding with other brands and fashion designers✨ Also, working on any project touching on something I've super passionate about: mental health, womxn's lifestyle and empowerment, beauty and wellness, animals...
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
A brand / product / client / collaboration where they say "hey, we've seen what you do on a regular basis for your own enjoyment. We'd love for you to create something (anything!) for us in your style."
Who is a creative that has helped you elevate your work?
These three humans have consistently been beacons of support and encouragement through my journey. Each creative in their own incredible way, I pull energy from their dedication to their crafts and willingness to work hard to get. things. done.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
I love a good old fashioned e-mail. Being able to backtrack and review requests and communication is crucial! Send over a brief or just introduce yourself - whatever you'd like to get started or to connect.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Exploring museums and tiny things in wildlife.
This member profile was originally published in March 2021.