Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenn Styrcula.
Jenn, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I know for some there was an ‘aha’ moment that instantly transformed them into the person they are today. For me, however, it was a gradual process.
My first love was fine art and then came my love for design. It all started at the age of three when I got my first Disney princess coloring book from my Oma. Even though I was a Lion King kind of girl, when armed with Crayola crayons, I realized I found my inner peace. Art since then has been my happy place – the place where I can fully express who I am.
I entered the gifted art program in grade school, making creations such as paintings, masks, coil pots, and sculptures. As a teenager, I would draw different floor plans for my bedroom and forced my brother to help me rearrange the furniture until it looked just right. I would also collage whatever I could to make an exciting layout, including my entire desk (sorry Mom).
During high school, I enjoyed creating different outfits from items I found at thrift stores (I swear I was the first to wear skinny jeans). One summer, I took an Introduction to Graphic Design class at the Art Institute in Schaumburg. It was then and there that I had my ‘aha’ moment. Everything about me as a person was a designer – from the way I loved solving problems, to my love for layouts and visual communication. It all made sense. This was who I wanted to be.
After visiting three colleges, I enrolled at SIUC because the creativity on campus was obvious with charcoal and paint splattered on the floors and walls. I knew I was where I wanted to be. I graduated with a BFA in Communication Design, then traveled abroad to 13 countries for a minor in Art History. But I came to realize I wasn’t finished. I went back to school to peruse the second degree in Advertising.
Since graduating, I’ve worked at three different companies, varying from B2C where I created packaging, to B2B where I now design tools for marketing and sales.
Thinking ahead, I know I will one day be an inspiring art director, channeling all my inner callings and helping young people find their own successes.
Has it been a smooth road?
Things worth doing usually have challenges. Getting into this business has taught me how much I needed to learn and grow. For me, picking an aesthetic look and going with it is tough. I love exploring new ideas and techniques, but also keeping in mind my brand needs to have a cohesive look.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Cula Creative was born in college when I craved experience and beer money. I started off designing t-shirts for sororities and fraternities which later became logo designs, packaging, and brochures. Cula Creative will always be my safe haven. It allows me to be independent, creative and set my own schedule. Besides, I love working with different clients – they keep me grounded.
Today, Cula Creative has transformed into a paper goods service where I sell greeting cards, gift tags, wrapping paper, and custom wall art. Combining my sentimental side and my love for graphic design, I thought I could take a stab at it. I take pride in making everything from hand, knowing these items are ultimately intended for someone special. I sketch all the designs and draw them with an embossing pen using a light table. This sense of craftsmanship and quality is often overlooked by our generation, but it is something I am extremely proud to show off with my work.
With the help of my friends and family, I am now selling cards in three Chicago Whole Foods and on Etsy. Every day, I continue to grow and learn – doing what I love to do.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Chicago is a great place for creative entrepreneurs! The city is full of life, and people of various ages, races, religions, and styles. Since Chicago is so diverse there are opportunities for every market.
Contact Info:
- Website: culacreative.com
- Email: culacreative@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/culacreative/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/culacreative
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/culacreative
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
