We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Katie Webb. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Katie below.

Katie, appreciate you joining us today. 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?

I am really so grateful that I am working as a freelance Artist and Designer. I spent YEARS in corporate roles, even creative ones, that just never felt like the right fit. I hated the box of the 9-5, it always felt so limiting and claustraphobic. Now, even though things can be unpredictable at times when it comes to income, I know that my creative soul is so much freer. It’s been liberating!

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

As a freelance artist and textile designer, I have always been drawn to the challenge of creating something new from scratch. My passion for art and making things started at a young age, and has since evolved into a career where I get to explore my creativity every day.

After pursuing performance at Florida State University, I shifted my focus towards making and costuming. This eventually led me to study fibers at SCAD in Savannah, GA, where I honed my skills in textile design and learned more about the industry.

After graduation, I worked in the textile and trend department at a mattress fabrics company in North Carolina, where I gained valuable experience and knowledge. However, I ultimately realized that I wanted a more creative role and landed a job with a hospitality art firm, where I learned how to create and place art in public spaces.

When the pandemic hit, I found myself in a position where I was laid off from my job and decided to focus on my art. I primarily worked with watercolors and fiber art, experimenting with different mediums and techniques. I have recently started weaving these mediums together in some of my studio tests, which has been a really exciting new direction for me.

As of late, I have been hitting some strides in freelance textile design, and have found it to be a fulfilling and rewarding endeavor. My focus is on creating beautiful, functional textiles that solve problems for my clients. I love working with clients to bring their ideas to life, and seeing the finished product in use is always incredibly satisfying.

Overall, what sets me apart from others in my field is my passion for creative problem-solving and my ability to work with clients to create beautiful and functional designs. I am most proud of my ability to adapt and pivot in my career, and to continue to grow and learn as an artist and designer.

I am dedicated to creating designs that are unique and tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are looking for a custom textile for your business or personal use, I am confident that I can bring your vision to life in a way that exceeds your expectations.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

One of the biggest challenges facing artists is the perception that art is a luxury or something that can be obtained cheaply. This is especially problematic in a society that places such a high value on instant gratification and the need for immediate results.

One of the most important things society can do to support artists is to recognize the value of their work and to pay them accordingly. This means paying fair wages for commissioned work, investing in art education and programs, and providing resources and opportunities for artists to showcase their work.

Another key aspect of supporting artists is creating an environment where creativity and innovation are valued and encouraged. This means fostering a culture that celebrates originality and supports artists in taking risks and exploring new ideas.

Finally, it’s important for society to recognize the role that art and creativity play in our overall well-being. Art has the power to inspire, uplift, and heal, and it’s essential that we support and promote the arts as a vital part of our cultural heritage.

Overall, I believe that society can best support artists and creatives by valuing their work, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation, and recognizing the importance of art in our lives. By doing so, we can create a thriving creative ecosystem that benefits everyone.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn is the idea that I needed to be perfect in order to succeed. For a long time, I believed that any mistake or misstep was a reflection of my abilities and that I needed to avoid failure at all costs. This kind of thinking can be paralyzing and prevent you from taking risks and pursuing your goals.

Growing up, I was always praised for being a high achiever and for getting things right the first time. This created a lot of pressure for me to continue to perform at a high level and to avoid making mistakes. When I did make a mistake or encounter a setback, I felt like a failure and doubted my abilities.

I think being a mom has played a role in helping me unlearn the lesson of perfectionism. As a parent, I’ve learned that it’s impossible to be a perfect mom, and that’s okay. There will always be times when I make mistakes or fall short of my expectations, but I’ve realized that these moments are opportunities to learn and grow.

In teaching my boys about resilience and the value of learning from mistakes, I’ve also been reminded of these lessons myself. Seeing how my kids approach challenges with a growth mindset and a willingness to try again has been inspiring and has helped me let go of the idea that I need to be perfect in order to succeed.

In fact, I believe that being a mom has made me a better artist and creative professional because it’s taught me to be more compassionate towards myself and others, to embrace the messy process of growth and learning, and to take risks and pursue my passions with more courage and conviction.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kynddesign.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heykatiewebb/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katie.carey.5/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-webb-4b248610/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/heykatiewebb

Image Credits
Sarah and Ben Photography