About me: Hello! I'm Kate, a Seattle artist specializing in textile + surface design. I've been an artist since I could hold a crayon, and I began my higher education as a Fibers major at the Maryland Institute College of Art (doing experimental knitting + crocheting) before eventually obtaining my Bachelors in Fashion Design from Marymount University in Arlington, VA (with an emphasis on textile design + knitwear). I've been focusing on surface design for over a decade now, and love that it combines the best elements of both fashion + fine art...there's nothing else I'd rather be doing!
While most of my work is digital surface design, I do occasionally get to break away from screens (and my toddler) to get my hands on some more tactile projects. In my free time, I like to experiment with block printing, dyeing, and sewing natural fabrics. I am very passionate about making the fashion industry more sustainable and ethical, and hope to debut personal projects in the future where I combine creativity and sustainability to make wearable art.
About my work: While I have an eclectic style and range of interests, I find that looking to the past is always a constant in my work. I love getting inspired by history and anthropology to make art that takes viewers to another place and time. My biggest influence has been the Memphis Milano/Postmodern movement of the 1980's, inspired by artists such as Ettore Sottsass, Nathalie du Pasquier and Patrick Nagel. I frequently focus on 1960's and 1970's designs as well, drawing inspiration from psychedelic midcentury artists like Peter Max, Wes Wilson, and Alton Kelley.
I am also heavily influenced by my love of gardening, botanicals, and the great outdoors; especially the beautiful and unique scenery of the Pacific Northwest. Ferns often appear in my work, as I find they connect me most to nature here in the PNW. Whether it's mountains covered in fir trees or rocky beaches, the Seattle area is always an endless source of inspiration to me.
About my clients : Who are they? Everyone from small, handmade businesses to huge brands! I love the creative challenge of designing for all sorts of companies and products. Some examples of current + previous ones include:
*June 2020 featured artist for SHOWTIME x Society6 "Twin Peaks: 25 Years Later" featuring three designs personally approved by David Lynch
*Netflix's GLOW
*Disney's "Extraordinary"
*Sandcloud (as seen on Shark Tank)
*Suite by Jennifer Diedrich (Project Runway alum)
*Logan + Lenora
*Oprah Magazine
*HGTV Magazine
*Solstice Intimates
*Rotten Oranges
*Uddevalla Barn (Australia)
*The Good Garment (Australia)
*Rock Your Baby (Australia)
*Love Quilting Magazine (UK)
*Le Chant du Robot (France)
*Haley and the Hound
*Boy Wonder
*Smockingbird Kids
*Jaye's Studio
*Nā Wāhine Lole Swimwear
*Whiskini Bikinis
*Tala Raassi Swimwear
*Madame Tussauds, DC
*Featured in 2008 "USA Today" contest showcasing Inaugural Ball gown design for Michelle Obama chosen by Tim Gunn, which I later appeared on MSNBC to discuss