One of the coolest things about what I do is that I get to meet all kinds of great people doing really awesome stuff.  People who have a gift, a talent, or a passion, and are using it to make their own unique difference in the world.  And I decided that I want to introduce some of these people to you, because regardless of the path they are on, they have insights and wisdom and stories to share that have been inspiring and resonant for me.  I hope you’ll enjoy meeting them!

So, without further ado, (drumroll please) allow me to introduce Jodie Masiwchuck, creator of Suburban Sarah and author of Never Underestimate The Power Of A Bouquet of Dandelions. (wild applause!)

So, Jodie, tell me a little bit about Suburban Sarah.

Suburban Sarah is a comic strip that focuses on the day-to-day life of a modern woman. For years, I’ve thought about creating a comic strip. Life seemed to always get in the way of this, but in reality, it prepared me for exactly what I feel I was meant to do. After studying art in college, I worked for a graphic design agency, but have always had a love of writing and an appreciation for all things funny. All of this experience brought me to this point, one where I feel I can lift people up through comedy, art and words—the comic strip.

What do you want people to get from your work?

I think a simple laugh, a nod in agreement, it’s really as simple as that. I will, on occasion do an editorial strip, but my primary goal first and foremost has been to focus on the humor of day-to-day life. What surprises me is the amount of notes and e-mails I receive from readers who relate to the strip. When you’re tied to a drawing board, any feedback is greatly appreciated and I always make a point to write back. I received an e-mail from a mom who has four children and is battling cancer. This woman—who is basically fighting for her life—took the time to write to me and tell me how she looks forward to the strip and it really does bring a bright spot to her day. When you receive validation like that, you know you’re doing exactly what you were created to do.

What is your biggest challenge as an artist?

The marketing and distribution, hands down. It would be wonderful to simply draw and create all day long, but much of this business is 90% marketing and 10% creation. The vice president of a highly regarded syndicate recently called my work “remarkably clever and appealing.” A tremendous compliment, but it’s very hard for the syndicates to sign on new talent because of the marketplace for comic strips. Even popular, well-liked strips can be dropped from papers—making it difficult for a newcomer. This forces me to try and come up with new ways to market what I feel, is a wonderful, important, and needed form of artistic expression. I’m convinced that there are more outlets for comic strips and have been working to discover them. Comic strips were originally created to help sell newspapers, but they are also a unique form of art. Because of this they can be marketed as such and make a natural fit for a signed print, greeting card or a collection in a book.

What does success look like to you?

Of course it’s wonderful and humbling when someone actually buys your product and it’s always a thrill when I see the strip printed in a newspaper. But those things aside, success for me can also be as simple as getting a smile or a laugh out loud from someone who has read the strip. At a recent art show, a man stopped to read a strip, he smiled, then called his wife over to have a look at it. I consider that a success.

What brings you joy?

Simple things. Sandy beaches, the cat napping on the bed, watching my kid whack a baseball and the pride I see in his face afterwards, and of course, drawing the strip. I have scraps of paper all over my house, car and inside my purse with ideas that are just waiting to be brought to life on paper.

If you knew you couldn’t fail, what would you be working towards?

So many things…I would love to have my own storefront and studio space, maybe a place where other cartoonists could display their work as well. In order to keep it lively and dynamic I would offer different types of art classes to kids and adults.

What words of wisdom or advice do you have for other self-employed women?

• Believe in your work and develop a thick skin. I think so many women have doubts or engage in self-sabotage, they think they’re too old to start something new, or the “what will people think” thoughts come into play. Sometimes the transparency and honesty of the strip makes me feel a little uncomfortable because it is so personal, but I think if you take that away, you remove the very thing in which people can relate to. It helps to surround yourself with people who have similar goals and will support you. Simply ignore those who don’t.

• Be persistent. I heard some tremendous advice about a year ago and I’ll never forget it. Ask once, ask twice, and ask again. If someone says no, find someone who will say yes. Few people are an overnight success, and most who appear to be have worked for years to get to where they are. There is a cartoonist I know who took ten years before he was syndicated, that’s a tremendous amount of persistence.

• Be patient. I tried my hand at cartooning a few years ago when my child was about two years old–I couldn’t do it. The timing wasn’t right and my husband was traveling all the time. Once my son started kindergarten, my world opened up. If you have the desire to create or start your own business, that drive and ambition doesn’t just go away because the baby needs to be changed or you’re sitting cross-eyed at a job you despise. Take small bites out of what seem to be insurmountable projects, and eventually, you’ll get there.