We recently connected with Katie Craig and have shared our conversation below.
Katie , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
First of all, I love this question! I have had a “regular” job and loved it, wonderful co-workers, office environment – but It just didn’t fill that creative need in me. I’ve always been an artist, I can comfortably say that now. But, HAPPY? A nuanced answer follows. I don’t think “happiness” drives creativity, nor is it an end product. Being creative is a constant state of wondering, of seeing the world slightly askew, on a tilt and then figuring out how that translates through your brain. I can create a piece and LOVE it, but often times the pieces that are home runs often open up many new avenues and ideas in a creatives brain, honestly, it can be TORTURE, but we are happy that is is our job (insert pained smile).
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m one of those people that has always been an artist. From a young age, I was always creating, crafting, drawing, working with my hands, it was my happy place.
I’m attracted to maximalism. An extension of my mind, getting it out brings me peace. Stripes, dots, lines, strokes; beautifully busy art, laying pieces of time, moments of zen (or frustration) into a cohesive and wild compositions, transferring energy from myself to the canvas and finally, onto the viewer. Seeing it on canvas makes much more sense than when it is bouncing around in my mind.
I create original and custom work, in addition to licensing prints and pattern for consumer products.
I believe with my whole being that art SHOULD NOT BE BORING.
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Born and raised in the Central Valley of California.
Graduated in 2010 with a BFA in Studio Art from Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA
Currently lives, works and paints in Texas.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I have TWO main goals – First, be true to myself and my work, the creative path is not linear, but I have to trust my gut and create for myself, create the work I feel, the work that excites me. That is the work that translates the best, always. Paying attention to trends is a slippery slope, looking outward is just tempting you to compare, when all the good stuff is already inside you.
Secondly, I want my children to see me working hard and loving what I do, so that in turn they will be true to their own paths and have the confidence to boldly follow their gut!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Hands down, selling and placing a large piece. It never gets old. Also, collectors that keep coming back and collecting more work. I do the same with a few of my favorite artists, their work brings me SUCH JOY, so to know that my work is doing that for someone else, is just the ultimate win.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.katiecraigart.com
- Instagram: @katiecraigart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-craig-11043812/
Image Credits
Joy Creative Shop