We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Katie Cowden a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Katie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
I’ve been a full time artist for almost 10 years now, but the first couple of years I had some sort of part time creative gig to help boost my income. I thought I could jump right into having a major presence on Etsy, but it turns out I don’t really enjoy online sales. Once I developed amazing wholesale relationships with some of my favorite local businesses, I realized what I wanted was community and partnership. That also developed when I discovered Patreon 6 years ago, and started an earring of the month club. My Patreon supporters are amazing! Another big part of my income is local markets, which is another blending of community and customers and local businesses. I wish I’d started building that community earlier!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
In my previous career I was a preschool teacher! I took a class on laser cutting and decided that was the art form for me. Mostly what I do is pop culture inspired jewelry and witchy home decor, but I’ve recently started doing some mixed media paintings- laser cut wooden shapes combined with upcycled wooden materials and acrylic paint in floral patterns. In 2023 I’ve had those pieces on display at Bouldin Creek Cafe and Cute Nail Studio. My jewelry is available in stores all over town and a few across the state.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I’ve already talked about Patreon, so now it’s the other love of my creative life, Austin Creative Reuse. ACR is a thrift store of art and craft supplies stocked entirely by donations, so it’s a playground for inspiration! I buy a lot of supplies there, and I love finding new materials to play with. Sometimes the best solution to a creative block is a new supply!
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
As much as I love jewelry design, I want to do more fine art work in parallel. Recently I’ve done a lot of mixed media paintings and shown them a few places locally. Previously I’ve co-curated some shows with the amazing Recspec Gallery, and contributed some of my own work to the shows. Eventually I’d love to have a solo show in a gallery!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katiemakesart.com/
- Instagram: Katiecowden