We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kaitlyn Quitiquit a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kaitlyn, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
For most of my career, I’ve worked alongside extremely talented and hard working women in the design industry and it’s extremely motivating. I’ve found myself constantly being surrounded by strong & independent women who inspire me. I attended an all girls high school and a lot of what I’ve learned about being confident in anything I do was instilled in me at a developmental point in my life and I’m thankful to have had that experience.
Aside from that, I definitely think being the oldest daughter of an immigrant family takes a big role in where I get my resilience. Growing up, there was always the underlying pressure of being a good role model not only for my siblings, but for family members back in the Philippines – and this was something I didn’t recognize until my adult life. Pursuing a career in the creative field was already a huge risk, but knowing that I have the opportunity here to make something of myself fuels me to learn, grow, and improve.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a Spatial Designer and Digital Artist based in Los Angeles. I model and create on Revit & SketchUp, and render through Enscape 3D. I’ve had experience creating renderings for high-end residential and commercial projects for multiple designers, and am currently a Technical Designer for Los Angeles interior design firm, Mandy Cheng Design.
By building out 3-dimensional models of the space as realistic as possible, I love that I have the ability to help clients visualize certain materials and furniture before they commit and get a better understanding of the potential outcome of the project. It’s also always rewarding to see the renderings come to life in the final design. As much as I love creating things digitally, I have goals to build my portfolio by designing and manufacturing my own furniture and growing my own full service interior design firm down the line.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
As a creative, I’ve found that dedicating the time to practice my craft has always been important, whether it be by sketching or modeling on my computer. When I’m not focusing on client work, I always try to challenge myself creatively by working on passion projects where I give myself a prompt and design a room or a piece of furniture. I’m constantly searching for inspiration, sometimes when I don’t even realize it. I personally aim to complete 2 passion projects per year. Sometimes it feels nice to not have a set deadline, I really get to marinate my thoughts on the design, be more detailed, and perfect the final product to the best of my ability. Beyond the technical side of my career, I’ve also learned to appreciate little signs of alignment and acknowledge that every decision I’ve made has led me to where I am now. By doing so, it reminds me that I am on the right track to achieving my goals.
The best advice I can give to those who are early in their journey to improving themselves in their career or in their personal life are words my parents have always told my siblings and I growing up: 1. Put your best effort in anything you do. 2. Dream big. 3. Stay humble.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Aside from the support from my family members, my friends have been a huge factor in helping me overcome challenges. Not having any older siblings naturally made me navigate towards my friends for any type of advice whether it be in my personal life or my career. I’m very thankful to still keep in touch with my childhood friends and I’m glad to have genuine friendships in the creative industry as well. I think it’s definitely important to learn from your peers to build relationships with those who share the same passions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kaitlynquitiquit.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellaquiti
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitquit/
