We recently connected with Kate Zacharias and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kate , 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?

There is not a day that goes by where my mind doesn’t ponder the idea of having a “regular job.” Every cell in my body would combust into flames if I ever gave up being a musician, yet somehow the idea of a “regular job” seems like a fairytale dreamland. As an artist, I have chosen a different route to this pursuit of happiness that leads to my own fairytale dreamland. What keeps me on this pursuit is the glimpses of happiness that the journey teases us with along the way. Without those glimpses, we are left in utter darkness. It has been said that innovation is born out of desperation. To me, it seems that creativity is born in a similar fashion. It is born out of the darkness that crowds our path. The only way we can be creative, is to accept this darkness. Am I happy as an artist? Yes, but I believe I have had to repeatedly choose the happiness through the creative process rather than expect the happiness to to awaken me on its own.

Kate , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have been singing since the day my momma brought me into this world. I have always craved music with my entire being. I didn’t realize I would be striving to make it my life’s work until I surrounded myself with a community that taught me just how important music could be.

I walked into my first DIY punk show when I was 16 years old. I had just moved to Grand Rapids from Nashville, Tennessee. After growing up only being surrounded by what seemed to be omnipotent musicians, I remember the excitement I felt from being able to see musicians at such an intimate level in the DIY scene. I also remember the sadness I felt from being all alone in this experience. I was so new to the area that I had no clue who to invite, what to expect, or how to act. Thankfully, being alone in this fresh start gave me the space to feel every emotion that overcame me that night. After processing what I had experienced, I realized that I craved having people to share these moments with. In the next few years, I played with dozens of musicians and formed an endless amount of relationships in a community that made Grand Rapids my new home. 9 years later, this community is still what keeps my heart beating. My music world has expanded to a wide variety of performances, but my main projects still thrive in the DIY punk scene. My two main bands (Ugly Flannel and Boob Sweat) were built within the heart of this community. I strive to use their platforms to help keep this community glowing, whether that is by raising money for an important cause, pooling resources to aid someone in need, providing an outlet for someone to learn about and grow their own musical capabilities, or creating a safe space at shows for anyone to come and feel like they are a valued member of this community. Music can create an environment that encourages people to be the best version of themselves. Make music with your friends and hug your loved ones.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

To be an artist, you must be vulnerable. Creativity is built on emotions that are felt so deeply, they have burst out of us in physical expressions. This can be playing a song, painting a picture, writing a poem, crafting an outfit, choreographing a dance, etc. It is heartbreakingly easy to judge someone for the ways they choose to express themselves. The moment someone critiques a human for being in their own creative state, an artist’s vulnerability is disrespected. We can’t pick and choose whose vulnerability is acceptable and whose is not. Appreciate the risks that creative people are taking to bring you artwork, whether you find yourself becoming a fan of theirs or not. If you are finding it hard to not jump to conclusions on other’s self expression, try connecting with your own vulnerability before thrashing at other people’s vulnerability.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Again, being an artist requires vulnerability. Helping an artist validate that step of exposure they took to enter the artistic world can be monumental in keeping them above water. There are many steps that can be taken side by side with an artist to encourage them to keep moving forward. Expressing the impact their work had on you personally can make an artist feel purposeful. Being present when available for their performances and showcases can encourage them to stay on the path they have started. Sharing an artist’s work with other people can help build a larger community support for them. Commissioning an artist to create a piece for you can weave their world into your own. If able, financially supporting an artist can upgrade the realistic idea of their dream. Educating yourself on art and the time, energy, and emotions poured into it can encourage the value to an artist. All of these actions not only support an artist and put value to their vulnerability, but they also build a community that this world would be grateful to host.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.uglyflannel.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/katezzzacharias?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boobsweatgr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@UglyFlannel

Image Credits
Brady Olson Mason Vanderklipp Spencer Isberg