Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kathy Pope. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kathy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

My most meaningful projects are the commissioned pieces that I have done. People come to me with a project in mind like a house or room portrait or a map of an area surrounding their home. It’s always a place that holds deep meaning and memories like a home in which a family grew up or a dining room where people have gathered to share many meals and celebrate important events. I often hear some of these stories and so I think about them as I work to recreate their special place out of paper. I love being a part of preserving memories.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have always felt a strong need to create and have explored many mediums over my 53 years. I have always been drawn to color, print and design and was messing around with some paper collage projects and decided to recreate a 2D collage of my house using old scrapbook paper. I was currently working as a preschool teacher and I thought, “I want to stop teaching and sell paper house portraits!” So I started to develop my business, Yellow Dog Collage, while I finished out the school year. I make house and room portraits, Minneapolis themed locations, and other things that spark my interest like flowers, plants and Kitchenaid mixers! I use hand painted and sourced paper to make original pieces and also have prints, cards and stickers available. I love collaborating with people to create something that they connect with and cherish and am thrilled to start each new project.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I think for me it’s a combination of doing what I love and having others connect with what I create. People have specific taste in art and when they feel drawn to mine it is extremely validating and rewarding. I am also a lover of interior design and creating spaces that bring comfort, joy and the sense of home. Having my art be a part of someone else’s space is so exciting!

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

One resource comes from deep within and that is determination or grit. I tried to start a few art businesses over the years but was intimidated by the business side of marketing and selling. This time I realized it’s now or never and just had to dive in and learn how to do those things. That’s the hard part for me while the creative portion is lifegiving! The other resource is other artists and an artist business coach that can help with all the questions!

Contact Info:

• Website: yellowdogcollage.com
• Instagram: @yellowdogcollage
• Facebook: Yellow Dog Collage

Image Credits
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