We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Katie Johnson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Katie, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
I have always wanted to be my own boss and tried a few different avenues that were learning lessons. When I did those other jobs, I did always fantasize about a regular job, ie. paycheck:-)
I will say once I devoted myself to art, there is no other job I wish to do. Literally, nothing else interests me from a working perspective. Deep down I’ve always known work and personal life are going to mesh together, and being an artist allows me to combine the two worlds at once.
Katie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I became an artist in a round about way later in life. My twenties were spent experimenting with all kinds of jobs Fashion Industry, Office Manager, Real Estate, you get the picture. However, I felt uninspired. At the time I was living in San Francisco, and I knew there was something creative out there for me. So I packed up my belongings and moved to Austin, TX. Once in Austin I decided to go back to school and pursue a degree in Interior Design. There was a lot of drawing involved with this major, and I had forgotten how much I loved art. My grandmother was an artist and always let me play with her art tools. It was in design school where I reignited my love of art.
Unfortunately, I graduated from Interior Design at the end of 2009, right after the housing crash of 2008. There were no jobs in my field. I ended out in Corporate America creating space plans for technology companies. While being in the corporate world and not being inspired creatively, my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Needless to say my life got flipped upside down. I began drawing daily as a way to engage my creativity and process all the changes going on in life. In the beginning my drawings were chaotic, reflecting what I was feeling inside as I was coming to terms with my mother no longer being my mom. Once she passed in 2017, I was forced into a new chapter of life. My art became more calm and symmetrical, as if the straight lines were grounding me as I began mapping out my next steps to take in life.
My art will always be evolving much like me. As I see and experience different patterns and colors in nature that interest me, I incorporate them into my art. Creativity is the perfect way for me to honor my mom’s life, all the fun she liked to have, the joy she brought to everyone she met, and her drive to succeed. I’d love for you to join me on my artistic journey.
I have quite a few offerings at this time, one that I’m excited about is my coloring book on Amazon. My purpose for creating this coloring book is to give folks an opportunity to find their zen. A peaceful moment, a way for others to experience art without having to create it themselves.
I have a Society6 site that sells my prints and art on all kinds of home products. It’s so fun seeing my art on water bottles, notebooks and other every day items.
I also have a Shopify site that sells my original pieces. And, I’m working on a website to house all of my offerings in one place.
Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
I’ve created a few NFT collections, and I’m a fan of the blockchain technology. With Gen Z moving more to a digital world, not wanting to collect physical items as much as previous generations, this is a great way for artist to continue creating.
While I don’t think NFTs are here to replace physical art, I do think it’s an avenue creatives should explore. Basically, another tool to put in your tool box.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I have two missions with my art.
1. Is to honor my mother and grandmother. They were both in the creative realm, and I wouldn’t be where I am without their way of showing me how to find my creative voice.
2. Is to help others recenter, breathe deeply and find their inner peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katiejohnsonsart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiesdesignstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katiesdesignstudio
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsonkatie/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/kjsouthernbelle
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgcZuocjAzYu_cV3annIp-g
- Other: My coloring book on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTTMN81Q
Image Credits
I took all of these photos. Thanks!