Kat
“The strongest people I know are women and we are constantly underappreciated, underestimated, and rarely given an even playing field. I’m really proud to know a lot of amazing women who are fighting for what’s right and learning to take what they deserve.”
A few years ago, Kat said “yes” to a design opportunity, despite thinking she was in over her head. That design ended up in Sephora. Now Kat works as a freelance brand designer, and as the creative lead for Hyper Skin. She is a strong advocate for taking risks, learning by doing, and doing what you love. As an introvert, Kat always used art to convey her thoughts and feelings. Now she uses her vibrant designs to uplift her online community (@edgykatrina) with positive words of affirmation, advocacy, and advice. Her eye-capturing designs are not only educational but they are empowering. Kat is a passionate creative who took a chance and found herself following her dreams. This is her story.
K: Please introduce yourself!
KR: Hi, I'm Kat! I'm a brand designer that works with gen z/millenial d2c brands.
K: Describe yourself in your own words.
KR: I'm a fairly introverted person who channels my emotions and thoughts into my designs whenever I get the chance to - it's a very cathartic and free flowing experience and I'm really grateful I get to do it as a full-time job too.
K: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
KR: My favorite thing about myself is my drive and passion for what I do.
K: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that has defined you or made you stronger?
KR: I started putting out conceptual brands after making my own challenge (a brand a day for every day in October).
My first branding inquiry was to rebrand a skincare line but I knew nothing about the freelance process, packaging process, or anything professional. I knew I had to take it because I had a feeling I would get to learn way more than any other job I took, despite how scared and unprofessional I felt. My first real branding project ended up in Sephora.
If I hadn't chased what made me uncomfortable, I don't know where I'd be today.
K: What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
KR: You don't need to study design formally to be a designer, no one cares about your grades for classes that aren't relevant, don't stress out too much.
K: What does being a woman mean to you?
KR: Being a woman means a lot right now - the strongest people I know are women and we are constantly underappreciated, underestimated, and rarely given an even playing field. I'm really proud to know a lot of amazing women who are fighting for what's right and learning to take what they deserve.
K: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say if they were here now?
KR: One woman who inspires me is my sister. I'm proud of you and I'm really excited for your next step in life whatever that may be.