Today we’d like to introduce you to Kassandra Mangaka.
Hi Kassandra, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My story began in a weird place. I was basically at my lowest point in life. I had just been dumped by my then-fiance and was stuck living with him. He would bring women home and I would be stuck in my room. I fell into a deep depression, so I needed an escape and found my art again.
I started drawing more and decided to take a chance on myself and try to sell at a convention. I had never done something like that before, but I was determined to stop making excuses for myself. I lost quite a bit of money on that venture but the people that did buy from me made me feel so amazing. That something I created made someone so happy that they felt was worth their hard-earned money. So I kept going back and trying harder. Eventually, I broke even and even profit, but that wasn’t what I was chasing. I was chasing the high of people loving what I make.
The high of people telling me “wow this is so cool” or understanding the humor of the piece. Eventually, I would start a Youtube channel to build an audience and try to pull people to my online shop and I’ve found happiness there too. People were enjoying the videos I made. So I decided to try even harder and apply to more conventions and pop-up markets. I am where I am today because I took a chance and bet on myself. I stopped making excuses and realized it’s better to have tried and failed because you get to learn something. I learned that I enjoy seeing other people enjoy what I do and it’s one of the best feelings in the world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No road is ever smooth. I started my journey at the bottom of a steep hill. I battled with myself a lot while I struggled with confidence. As much as I felt happy when a person bought something I would often times feel guilty. Like “are you sure you want to buy that?”
There were so many talented people set up around me and it felt wrong to price my prints or stickers as much as theirs were. I didn’t feel good enough and that’s a constant battle I feel many artists have. Over the years that confidence has improved as I’ve slowly found my stride in the community and my identity as an artist.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
When I do conventions I tend to do a lot of fan art from different animes. I like to put characters into well-known movie posters that I feel they would fit into. My style kinda morphs based on what I am drawing but it tends to be a more cartoonish style.
What I’m most proud of is a sticker series I made that I called “Tortured Toys.” They are little pastel, tattered plush dolls. They’re cute but there’s a hint of sadness to them. They are all original designs that I made so it really made me happy to see people enjoy them. They ignored all the fanart and looked straight at “me.”
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Not to sound cheesy, but seeing other people happy truly makes me happy. Knowing I was able to help improve someone’s day is priceless. Also creating makes me happy. If I could just sit and draw or make stuff every day, I think I would be extremely satisfied with life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mangakamarket.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassandramangaka/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KassandraMangaka/
