Meet Jordan Hliebay | Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jordan Hliebay and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jordan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I knew in high school that I wanted to pursue a creative career, but I didn’t have a direction on where that would be. I was accepted into College for Creative Studies in Detroit and was able to learn about all kinds of opportunities creatives had in future careers. While being apart of a company or agency definitely had its perks, I couldn’t help but desire the challenge and freedom of freelance work.

I was wanted to have fun creating while still contributing to my own career path as an artist. In order to do that I couldn’t have someone telling me what to make. I needed to follow my own passion.

I started selling my work at Noel Night in Detroit in 2019. I didn’t have much, but it was my first experience putting myself out there. Every supporter meant so much to me that night, and it gave me the confidence to continue submitting for future events. Unfortunately 2020 had other plans. Every event I applied for was canceled and I was unable to showcase my art in person. At first I was let down and a bit stuck. It felt like the momentum I was picking up came to a complete stop and all my efforts were on pause. I knew if I was going to make this a career, I needed to figure something out in the meantime. Instead of waiting for events to start up again, I decided to focus on internet sales and promoting myself online.

In the end I believe that was the best decision I could have made. I was able to grow and create my own LLC then branched out into in person events and shows.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Using bright colors, big eyes, and cute proportions I’m able to bring my own style to my products to make them one of a kind! I love working in the anime style of art, and as I continue my business I can see even more people appreciate it as well. When I started going to college, the anime style of illustration came with a lot of criticism especially in the professional space. A lot of the public considered it childish and I would often get asked if I was going to illustrate for children’s books after I graduated. Of course there were bad habits I had to unlearn from picking up anime work, but as my knowledge and skill improved I used those new skills towards the style I liked doing the most.

I believe art should be fun above all else. I want to feel proud and happy seeing my finished pieces. If I didn’t have fun creating it, then what was the point in me pursuing art as a career? If the end all goal of creating is to make as much money as I can then what’s the difference between an office job and illustrating? I truly love what I do, and that comes first. I make sure each piece has as much passion put into it as the last!

I still believe in this when I look at my business as the bigger picture. However, it was definitely a learning curve when I decided to become freelance. It was one thing to post my art for fun, but another to try selling it.

The beginning was scary, as I’m sure it is with any artist. When an artist tries to sell their work, it’s more than just a business. If it doesn’t go well it can hurt to think your work isn’t good enough for people to want. I had to learn the hard way if you’re making a business for your art, it’s not just about if you’re good or bad. Freelancing means you aren’t just the illustrator. You’re also the salesman, the graphic designer, the social media manager, the economic analyst, so many different hats need to be worn when there’s no one else behind the business but you.

It’s important to give myself time to not just run a business, but to remind myself why I’m doing it. That I love creating, and I want to share my work with the community and the world. I’m very proud with how I’ve moved forward and improved in my artistic career.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My fiancé lives in California, so I’m always looking for things to do when she comes to visit me. I can certainly say one of our favorite places to go is Round1. It’s apart of the Great Lakes Crossing outlet mall, but we’ll visit just for Round1. They have so much to do there. Bowling, billiards, arcades, private karaoke rooms, and with their specially the imported Japanese crane machines and games it stands out from just any usual place. We spend hours in there, and it’s great to be able to go into the outlet mall to eat and come right back. We love eating at the Miyako’s in there too!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I absolutely wouldn’t be where I am now without my family and friends. Ever since the beginning my parents have attended my shows and given me support. My sister is always willing to be my helper and a second pair of hands at events. My fiancé provides the best constructive feedback and bounces off ideas with me. My friends show me so much encouragement and always insist on supporting me and purchasing my work.

I love all of them. I’m extremely proud and lucky to have such an amazing support system!

Website: www.PrinceMizu.art

Instagram: @princemizu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrinceMizuStore?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Other: https://princemizu.carrd.co/