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

Katie , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I studied painting in college and that’s when I really fell in love with this medium. I started a mural and sign painting business in 2011 and wanted to be a really well-rounded craftsperson. In 2016, I went to LA Trade Tech for their Sign Graphics program. Up until that point, I was a self taught sign painter and it wasn’t as easy to find instructions and “how-to” videos as it is now. When I reflect on my early jobs, I realize I made so many errors and bad decisions whether it was related to pricing, install, paint choices, etc. Going to Trade Tech, starting from scratch, being able to learn from the very best, and having hours and hours to practice was so valuable to me. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done and also so incredibly rewarding. I take classes at Community Colleges or do workshops intermittently in order to learn new skills related to what I do or to learn more about something I’m really interested in. I’m forever curious.

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?

I focus on precision painting, which means hand-painted signs, murals and other fabricated works that have a high level of detail and require a steady hand. I went to college for painting. There’s so many things you can do with an art degree, though after I graduated my view was very narrow. I would never have imagined that I could make a career doing what I do. I love the physical act of painting, focusing on my craft, being lost in the work, and not allowing my ego to get too wrapped up in it. Having worked many years in the service industry allows me to multi-task and maintain a calm exterior. My former boss nicknamed me “calm Katie”. I think this quality helps me a lot in working with all kinds of clients in a job that’s constantly asking you to step outside your comfort zone.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to always have fun, be curious, take pride in my work, and have integrity.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Number one is Grapefruit by Yoko Ono. This book helped me realize that art extends to all aspects of your life. It’s an incredibly beautiful expression of conceptual art that taps directly into your imagination. Mindset by Carol Dweck which introduces the idea of having a growth mindset as opposed to fixed mindset. Behave by Robert Sapolsky is a fascinating read about how our behavior is related to our biology. Saving Time by Jenny Odell and also her book, How To Do Nothing, have provided a lot of material for deep contemplation.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.beautificationsolutions.com/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/beautificationsolutions/

Image Credits
John Wiese