We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kate Dodson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kate below.
Kate, appreciate you joining us today. Looking back on your career, have you ever worked with a great leader or boss? We’d love to hear about the experience and what you think made them such a great leader.
The greatest leader/ best boss / incredible mentor in my life is Lonnie Thomas, Director of Markets. She has been the manager of the Sunday Street Market in Detroit’s historic Eastern Market since it’s conception and over the years Lonnie has offered me countless opportunities to display & sell my work at events in the district. One of my early summers vending Lonnie offered me the opportunity to participate in a huge event, Eastern Market After Dark. I was unsure if it would be a success, but she always finds the perfect spot in the market for each vendor and I ended up meeting some serious art collectors that night that spent a generous amount of time and money with me.
I really wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible patience and perseverance of Lonnie Thomas.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Kate, I am a painter based out of Hamtramck, Detroit MI. I have the honor and privilege of participating in one of Detroit’s oldest traditions- Eastern Market. I specialize in pet portraits and am commissioned for paintings year round. Working in a craft so specific and close to the heart has it’s ups and downs, but the pay off when someone REALLY loves a pieces you created for them is really worth it.
All I want future clients, followers, fans to know is that art accessibility is SO important to me! I want everyone to feel welcome and allowed to own custom art.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
The best thing society can do to support artists and creatives in a thriving ecosystem is to listen. Listen to what artists are saying in their work and don’t be so critical of what you might not understand yet.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist, especially a pet portrait artist is not only being able to capture that persons’ beloved family member on canvas, but to also create a piece that represents nostalgia and a specific era in life. Each pet has their own story of how they came into the family, their preferred toys, snacks, and quirky antics and I love encompassing all of that in one piece. The joy that it brings people is what I live for.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kaitlinnoelle.com
- Instagram: @kaitlin.noelle.art