Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Mayer
Hi Kate, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I left university I didn’t have a plan, my degree was pretty worthless, I had no contacts and no money. In the early days my career was largely about surviving and doing my best to be seen. I worked several jobs and got experience with a stylist on my days off – so I basically worked 7 days a week. In my mid 20’s I set up my first brand which was centred around bedlinen with one big image as opposed to a repeat pattern (this was way before the days of digital printing), it was not a great business plan – low rate of sale, high cost to produce, difficult to display etc. BUT it got me noticed. I had high profile retailers stocking my designs and I got a lot of press. That said I never really made money, everything I earned went straight back in. Needless to say I learnt many lessons in the 5 years I ran that business.
My first ‘proper’ job was for a greeting card company running a publishing department. I set up a whole sub brand of DIY card making items for them and successfully launched it into nationwide Hobbycraft stores. I’m very proud that those product lines still sell today over 17 years later.
From there I jumped into fashion as a textile print designer. This actually blows my mind a bit… I pretty much threw together a portfolio from scratch over a week, went for an interview and got the job. I had no fashion experience or textile design training. Within 6 years I had worked my way to the senior designer position in the leading UK high street retailer (and had 2 kids) When I think about that I realise that anything is possible when you believe in yourself and put your mind to it.
I began my art business in 2020 during the lockdown when the fashion world turned grey and loungey. I started painting for my own mental health, to find joy and connection in what was an awful global situation. I put my work out there and it sold, so I kept painting and sharing my work. I invested in some marketing programs to help me with the selling side. Today I have a beautiful studio in East London, and I sell my work in galleries, art fairs and to worldwide collectors online.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road… far from it. I have been in many difficult situations in terms of the companies I worked for. The fashion industry is a harsh environment to work in, there’s very little in the way of HR or benefits.
For the most part I’ve been self employed so I have never had the security of a stable job, which has meant I work evenings and weekends and rarely take holidays. I also have two boys to keep me busy, so it’s always a juggling game.
From that point of view is much easier now that I work on my own terms rather then being in the corporate world.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I create abstract paintings, mostly large scale. My work is a visual reaction to whatever I’m listening to, along with recent experiences. I choose those influences with care so that the work I create has a particularly uplifting and positive energy. I want people to feel inspired and energised by my work. I believe that what we surround ourselves with impacts our subconscious and affects our mental health so I strive to create work that improves the surrounding of others.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m just about to launch a new website selling prints for the first time as I want to make my work more accessible to all. I’m planning a solo show early next year in the heart of London. I love seeing my work on the wall and it always sells better in person so my aim is to have 2 collections a year which are showcased in a live exhibition.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katemayerart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katemayerlondon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katemayerlondon/
Image Credits
Emma Croman