We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kat Ball a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kat thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

It can be difficult to know where to begin when you’re learning a new craft. As frustrating as it can be, learning the foundation and fundamentals is always the first step. It’s about getting the hardest parts out of the way first to make the fun parts even easier. I learned this the hard way. When I was younger I thought that just being passionate about drawing was enough to sustain myself, but when I wanted to build it into a career after college I realized I did not still have the skillset to do so. I became a student again, working nights and online classes during my time of working multiple part-time jobs to sustain myself while living in LA. This is not doable for a lot of people, but I was in a place where it was the only thing I felt I could do in order to move forward.

Kat, 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 am a Character Designer and Animation Director. I work mainly in 2D adult animation. I have animated on TV shows for HBO Max. I have also written and created my own short films and for companies such as Bento Box and Buzzfeed. I am proud to have carved my own path as both an industry worker and an independent.

I believe my journey as an artist began once I started sharing my work with others and building community around each other’s work. It’s so important to have like-minded peers working alongside you and friends who encourage you to grow. A lot of my work revolves around comedy and trying to make my friends laugh. Having a specific audience in mind when you create work is important to guide the story.

I love to experiment with mediums and learn how to be a stronger storyteller. Powerful storytelling is everything to me. You can make a stick figure cartoon but if the story is good people will be captivated. I am proud of the work I have made so far that has made people laugh or feel inspired to create.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I want to be known as a cartoonist who has opened doors for other animators to explore the medium and dive deeper into shaping their own practice. On top of being a creator, I also curate a screening series here in LA called Loose Frames. We feature independent animators from all walks of life. I want to continue growing Loose Frames as a way to celebrate indie animators and highlight the importance of creating your own personal work while working for the industry.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish I knew that I was always capable. It’s hard when you get out of school and there is little encouragement to keep going. I spent a good amount of years post-college starting over in trying to figure out what makes me stand out as an artist. It really helps to find a mentor early on in your journey, but if you can’t think of yourself in 2, 5, or 10 years from now, and how proud you will be of everything you are about to pursue.

Contact Info:

• Website: kat-ball
• Instagram: katbusball
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharineball/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@katbusball

Image Credits
Personal Photo by Devonte Johnson