We were lucky to catch up with Annet Katan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Annet thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Although I put a lot of meaning and thoughtfulness into each of my projects, the one that means so much to me is the one I worked on after February 24, 2022.

The artwork series I created was initially just a class assignment, but it evolved into something more profound as I responded emotionally to the events unfolding in my home country. Despite the negativity and turmoil, I sought to find a way to channel something positive through my art.

Each piece in the series is infused with symbolism and reflects my thoughts and feelings. It goes beyond politics and fashion, enclosing everything at once. Through this series, I aimed to communicate a message of hope and resilience, highlighting the human power to create something meaningful even amid chaos.

Made in Ukraine project was a healing journey.

Annet, 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 am a first-generation woman in my family who has shown remarkable courage by traveling far from my homeland in Ukraine to settle in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2012. Pursuing my passion for art and technology, I earned a Master of Arts degree in Fashion Art Direction from the esteemed Academy of Art University and a Master of Science in Computer Science.

With a unique blend of creative and technical skills, I approach my projects with a multidisciplinary mindset, harnessing my expertise in both fields to produce innovative and impactful results. My diverse skillset enables me to innovate and push the boundaries of traditional technique practices, creating a distinct style that sets me apart.

My flame for fashion has been a constant in my life, driving my unwavering dedication to pursuing my dreams. Through years of hard work and perseverance, my talent and creativity have earned me recognition. My work has been featured in prominent publications such as Photo Vogue Italy and showcased at the Soho photo gallery in New York. These accomplishments are a testament to my remarkable skill and unrelenting passion for my craft.

Since relocating to the Bay Area, I have actively sought opportunities to contribute my creative talents to the community. I began my journey by volunteering as a graphic designer and photographer at the Marin County Civic Center, where I gained valuable experience and exposure. Building on this foundation, I secured an internship in the industry and continued to hone my skills as a freelance photographer and graphic designer. My diverse assignments have allowed me to expand my portfolio and develop a distinctive style showcasing my unique vision and talent. As a result, I have established myself as a respected and sought-after professional through hard work and dedication.

My work is characterized by a unique blend of art direction, photography, and styling. Drawing inspiration from historical multicultural events and my love of travel, I employ a keen eye for color, shape, and texture to create stunning visual narratives. My goal is to uplift and inspire others through my art. I am a transformation facilitator, helping people discover and unleash their inner shine. I’ve received tremendous support throughout my journey and remain committed to giving back to my community. My vision, passion, and dedication continue to significantly impact the industry and those I serve.

Others’ perceptions of us should not define us but rather our inner experiences, even if others do not understand them. Therefore, if our backgrounds result in something others cannot comprehend, it does not make it wrong. Instead, it demonstrates that we are standing on another level only some have experienced.

Standing out from the crowd can be challenging, but together, we can face any challenge that comes our way.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Made in Ukraine fashion shoot project is one memorable moment that showcases my resilience.

I had planned a fashion editorial shoot: did my research, created mood boards, and hoped to work in a team with models and makeup artists. The photo shoot was considered to take place in a stunning natural location with an urban setting and a vast blue sky as the backdrop. However, after February 24, the meaning of the project I was supposed to work on took a turn in a different direction.

Heavy and robust emotions guided the entire project as I thought about my family and friends there. I was terrified that something terrible could happen to them. My mind and body were paralyzed completely.

Initially, I was asked if I needed some time off or a semester extension to complete and submit all my projects. I did not even think about this because I knew that so many people relied on me; all I needed at that moment was a sense of community which I found at the Academy of Art University.
My class instructor Nicolas Gutierrez was so kind and understanding he allowed me to pivot the original idea into a work of symbolism and emotional response. In the end, for me, it was the artist’s healing journey.

It took many hours – planning, sketching, dressmaking, props sourcing/making, directing, producing, editing, and, last but not least, publishing this work. As researching is crucial to any project development, I visited The Museum of International Propaganda (1000 5TH AVENUE SAN RAFAEL, CA) to understand the graphic look of posters, colors, and messages and apply the familiar techniques in my final artwork.

I quickly adapted the concept to embrace a more poster look, illustrative, minimal, graphic, bold colored, everything you would expect of propaganda posters, combining all these elements with a touch of fashionable garments that still conveyed the desired aesthetic.

There were only two crew members in this project – me and my partner Oleg Burov. I modeled for the project, did my own makeup, and all styling, set up the camera on the tripod, and arranged a creative lighting setup to add drama and elegance to the photographs.

Some of the essential details are oversized hat brims with bullet-like holes elements. In addition, lobster claws encourage staying protective when things get complicated. Lobsters are adaptive creatures. They can regenerate broken or lost limbs, symbolizing regeneration, strength, and resolution.

Burning pinwheel is the opposite of playfulness and joy and a reminder that childhood was ruined for so many children.

The image with hands and scissors, “Friends don’t kill friends,” is inspired by original poster propaganda by Rockwell Kent, “Save This Right Hand.”

The invasion time – a golden clock shattered is set up when Ukraine was invaded. The black legs are the aggressive force of materialism, envy, and possessiveness.

The white pigeon is usually a symbol of freedom, and in my work, I wanted to make it look like “In search of freedom” while being caged in a cage hoop skirt.

Throughout the shoot, I maintained a positive and focused behavior, reassuring myself that I could make this work. With Oleg’s helping hand and despite the challenging conditions, we captured some remarkable shots that exceeded our initial expectations. The emotional rollercoaster added a magical element to the images, making them stand out from a typical shoot.

Ultimately, the resilience and determination to adapt to unforeseen circumstances paid off. For the striking visuals and creativity, on December 6, 2022, this editorial was partially exhibited in The Soho Photo Galerie, NY, as part of the @americanphotographicartists @apanewyork juried exhibition curated by @elizabethavedon.

This experience taught me the importance of resilience in the creative industry. It can be challenging sailing, and unexpected challenges will undoubtedly arise. However, we can overcome obstacles and create something extraordinary with a positive attitude, adaptability, and a passion for storytelling. This lesson has stayed with me throughout my journey, reminding me that creativity knows no bounds when backed by determination and ingenuity.

I want to say one more time thank you to Nicolas Gutierrez, photographer, and my instructor, for helping, giving me feedback, and supporting me with this project throughout the spring semester; Flore Morton for inspiring me to turn this project and reflect on my feelings during these difficult times and to create the image with an oversized hat brim with bullet-like holes; special thanks to Patric Wang, a wizard in his field, for consulting me on hat brims making and sharing local fabric shopping resources; Oleg Burov for assisting and helping to cut out hat brims and get the final shots and supporting all my creatively mad ideas. I couldn’t have done it without you.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

As the art director, photographer, and stylist, my creative journey is driven by a passion for storytelling and capturing moments that evoke emotions and resonate with audiences. My mission is to create visual narratives that communicate powerful messages and connect with people on a deeper level.

With every project I undertake, whether a fashion shoot, a commercial campaign, or an editorial spread, I aim to celebrate diversity, highlight individuality, and promote inclusivity through my work. I want to break stereotypes and showcase the beauty in the ordinary and the unconventional. I believe in using art as a medium to inspire positive change, challenge societal norms, and provoke thought and reflection.

In my creative process, I strive to push boundaries, experiment with various styles, and fuse different elements to craft unique and compelling visuals. Whether through fashion photography, conceptual art, or lifestyle shoots, I constantly seek new and innovative ways to present my ideas, experimenting with different techniques, styles, and concepts. This approach keeps my work fresh and exciting, allowing me to grow as an artist and keep up with the ever-evolving visual landscape.

I also enjoy collaborating with like-minded individuals and brands with similar values, fostering community and mutual inspiration. Working together amplifies our creative efforts and drives our vision of a more diverse, inclusive, and thought-provoking world.

Ultimately, my goal is to create a body of work that positively impacts the world, sparks conversations, and leaves the viewers with a sense of wonder and inspiration. Whether it’s in the realm of fashion, advertising, or editorial photography, I see my creative journey as a means to contribute to the visual language of our society and inspire meaningful change, inspire others, and create art that leaves a lasting legacy of beauty, emotion, and authenticity.      

Contact Info:

• Website: www.annetkatan.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annet.katan/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetkatan/
• Other: https://www.artsy.net/artist/annet-katan

Image Credits
art direction | styling | photography: ANNET KATAN model: ANNET KATAN hand model: OLEG BUROV assistant: OLEG BUROV