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

Katie, appreciate you joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I think about this question a lot actually – what would life be with a “regular” job? The truth is, all i’ve ever known is to be an artist and entrepreneur. My first job was at a local pottery place, where I grew my skill and knowledge about all things art and networking. I eventually became a manager there until I moved on to become a nanny and a mom. Although being a nanny and a mom isn’t necessarily a “regular” job, I was constantly creating and growing on both paths. I never stopped working on my skill and craft. I worked even harder on building my own personal portfolio and I found that art and creating is the one constant I had through all of life’s changes. When my anxiety is high, I turn to art. I delve myself deep into coloring or banners or any project i’m working on and that part of my nervous system that usually waivers and worries turns still and calm. I don’t think I’d be able to feel fulfilled without creating. Although sometimes it comes with challenges to not have certain things a “normal” job comes with (insurance, benefits, PTO, wages, etc.), the pros of it far outweigh the cons. It makes it worth it knowing it feels right even when it’s hard.

Katie, 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?

When I was 16, I applied at the local pottery place because I loved art and it just made sense. Eventually, over the span of 7 years of being there, the owner became my family and I became the manager there. I took on many responsibilities and extra work that fueled my passion for art – painting wind chimes, crafting camps for kids from clay, building fairy gardens, digital portraits. furthering my love for calligraphy and chalk art. I ended up doing signage for weddings, baby showers, you name it. I said yes to anything and figured it out as I went. I built a community that wanted to support me and was proud of me.

Once I became a mom, I knew I wanted to spend my days raising my daughter, but I still wanted to prioritize my art and the community I built. It’s important to foster your passions, especially while giving yourself to a tiny human everyday. I ended up making banners in my spare time for all kinds of events – baby showers, birthdays, any kind of celebration. I do chalkboards for local businesses as well.

I am fortunate enough where my former boss, Barb Flynn, supports me and encourages me no matter what medium or project I take on. Still to this day, even though it’s been several years not working for her, I talk to her every day. Her guidance with marketing, business and any art question I have is something I don’t take for granted. Having a mentor like her is single-handedly what made me so confident and successful. I also want to give credit to social media – it highlights how important a supportive community is because everything is driven by word of mouth or sharing posts.

I’m so proud of myself for believing in myself and saying ‘yes’ even if my plate is full or I’m not sure if I can. I always figure it out and prioritize my business and the customers needs. It truly gives me so much energy and fulfillment knowing that my art is part of someone’s celebration and/or that I am able to help bring someone’s vision to fruition. I feel like I get the best of both worlds being a mom and serving my community with my art. It truly is my childhood dream job- to be a mother and an artist.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is knowing you have the ability to bring someone’s vision to fruition. I love listening to people’s desires and saying “I can totally do that for you”. It gives me purpose and allows me to connect with people through creativity.
I also want to say – realizing practice DOES make perfect. Knowing that the time and energy put into each craft you learn pays off and becomes easier & better with each project you take on and every minute you put into it – it makes it all worth it.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

People who aren’t creative might struggle to understand the amount of time, effort, skill and knowledge is takes to create something, sell it, maintain social media, grow your following and customers, and juggle all of that for the health of your business or life. It takes A LOT to stay on top of everything on your own but then when you bring in local competition, it makes it even harder. Supporting artists is as easy as commenting on their post, sharing it, sending it to a friend. Every little bit helps and is beneficial.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letteredbykatie