Mother & Painter, Kapi Michalska
Introduce yourself. How did you get started? What's your story?
Hi! My name is Kapi Michalska, I'm in my early thirties, and I'm a Poland-based portrait painter, business partner, and Head Graphic Designer at a small advertising agency. I'm also a mother to two. Schedule-wise, this is a pretty unpredictable mix, even more so during the Covid-19 pandemic.
I do portraits. I like faces, colors, prints, and textures. I also tend to explore abstract and random forms in my semi-realistic portraits.
I started drawing as a kid (I was heavily inspired by the Japanese manga series, “Sailor Moon”) and eventually graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts with a degree in Design. During my studies, I began to experiment more with painting and technology.
Do you have any advice for the next generation of women in business?
I would advise women to get out there and use technology to their advantage.
After having my first child, I had to leave the office; by doing so, I was forced to compromise my workspace, and, for quite some time, I didn't even had a desk. I was bound to make some kind of transition, so I decided to exclusively work with a tablet. Suddenly, I could paint in the living room beside my napping son. As a result, to this day, I still create most of my works digitally.
Technology definitely helps women to grow and excel in business. Motherhood is not synonymous with being a woman, but, in my case, digitalization proved to be of extra significance.
3) How do you define success?
That's a really broad question, and, since I'm only in my thirties, my definition may change over time. For now, I would say that, to me, success means freedom. Freedom to create. From a very young age, we are told that the creative field is not a professional field. That being a creative is not a ‘real job.’ Luckily, I always had the support of my parents, and, now, am able to provide for my own family by participating in creative projects. To me, this is what success is about.
What's something our audience would be surprised to learn about you?
I believe that action speaks louder than the words. I'm pretty introverted, so I usually don't discuss my projects with the people around me. So, as a result, I'm more known for painting to an online audience than to my inner circle.
Can you share your favorite life lesson quote? Why does that resonate with you so much?
My favorite quote is very simple: tomorrow is another day.
If I have an awful day and can't cope with it, I keep reminding myself that better things are yet to come. Plus, I'm an early bird, so I find it natural to address challenges in the morning. □
Article Credits
Note: All photos were painted and created by Kapi herself
Cover Photo: Taking Chances
Photo One: Safety First
Photo Two: It’s All Fun and Games Until Someone Loses an Eye
Photo Three: Green is for Hope
Photo Four: Staycations
Kapi’s Instagram: @unpreti
Kapi’s Website: unpreti.com
