Kirsten Zirngibl

Here’s what the artist gained from the 2015 workshop

Can you sum up the most important aspect of 1FW?

The workshop is more about giving you “permission” to go out on your own. There are a lot of psychological roadblocks in addition to practical ones, and the workshop addressed them.

How was the mentorship?

The instructor to attendee ratio was excellent, and the instructors were friendly and very approachable. There were also formalised one-onone consultations and I got a lot out my conversations with instructors.

What did you learn?

I learned that finding your business model is an evolutionary process, and something that guides you as much as you guide it. Developing a business model is like developing a personal art style, and there’s a dance between the two.

What skills have you gained?

How to better manage social media, and how to make an elevator pitch [explaining an idea or service in a short amount of time]. I learned a lot of great leads on making and selling prints, the elements of a successful Kickstarter, social tips for convention sales and some helpful tax advice.

What have you done in direct response to 1FW?

I got slammed with a lot of client work right before the workshop, and have been busy making art for other people since. But I’m finally getting the high-profile clients I’ve wanted since I was a student, and decided to build a relationship with them before going off on my own. That way I could keep my foot in the door and have some steadier income if I need it in the future.

Kirsten is a concept artist and illustrator living in San Diego, interested in writing and world-building. www.kirstenzirngibl.com