Meet Kat Lane

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

Kat, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

My soul craves creativity. I’ve been creative since the day I first held a marker. It’s like an itch I can’t ignore; until I make something, the sting lingers. I find inspiration in many places: being surrounded by nature, walking my dog along the river, watching films with mesmerizing cinematography and imaginative worlds (such as Tim Burton, Steven Spielberg, and Wes Anderson), and rainy days that inspire self-reflection.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’d love to say I’m a full-time artist and writer, but I’m not quite there yet. During the 9-to-5 grind, I work in the insurance industry. It’s not my passion, but it helps me keep stocked up on paints and supports my fur babies. Evenings and weekends belong to creativity—painting, dreaming up stories I’d like to share, and letting my imagination run.

Lately, painting has taken the lead—it’s my therapy. Once the headphones go on and I start playing with color palettes, the outside world fades. Any worries or heaviness I’m carrying disappear. I’m still exploring my signature style, which lives somewhere between reality and the dreamlike. Sometimes I think this could be a subconscious reflection of my own inner pull between choosing two different lives.

For a long time, I focused on getting my “ducks in a row,” convinced that everyone else’s vision of success would make me happy. This past year, after turning 40, I decided to stop lying to myself. Life is short; we get one chance at it, and creativity isn’t optional—it’s essential for me. I’m excited to grow as an artist and dive back into writing in 2026, and let adulting take a rest.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Confidence is a quality that I have struggled with. Looking back, if I had more of it when I was younger, my life may have looked much different. A lesson I have learned is to not seek approval from others, it will slow you down and really mess with your head. If you want something, put in the work and do it for yourself.

There’s an important difference between good and bad critical feedback. The good kind should inspire you to grow in whatever you’re trying to achieve. The bad kind can trigger self-doubt and doesn’t set you up to want better for yourself. As someone who struggles with perfectionism, I’ve learned that making mistakes isn’t failure—it’s part of the journey to thrive.

Be kind, because you never know how your words and actions may impact other people’s lives. Kindness is priceless and goes a long way, both personally and professionally. I believe in karma, and that what goes around comes around.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

Time management is something I definitely need to work on. I’m a notorious procrastinator and often leave things to the last minute. With limited time to dedicate to my projects, I know I need to make some changes to my daily habits.

Equally important is learning to stop comparing my art and writing to others. I haven’t invested the same amount of dedication in my work as other artists and writers, and I also have a full-time desk job. I believe every creative soul has their own unique “musical note” and audience. Not everyone will resonate with your work—and that’s fine. Someone will—probably many. The world is big, and there is a sea of people who haven’t discovered your talent yet.

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Kat Lane

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