Meet Kat Theadora

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

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Kat with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

The truth about my current work ethic is that it is easy for me to want to work on the projects I have been excited about. I lean into the things I see in the future and it gives me the vision and drive to get there. At the same time, I hold the idea flexibly in my mind so I don’t get discouraged by small changes. I have learned how to use my energy when I have it to push forward and make big steps, then when I am low, I have little things to slowly improve.

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

Kat Theadora is a photographer of the queer community who proudly strives to highlight the art within that group which is rarely seen by outside eyes. She started in the Midwest, deep in Indiana, before a decade of travel landed her in Southern California where she currently resides. In 2013, Kat first picked up her father’s forgotten camera from 1985, exclusively using film for most of her career and exploring many different subjects. Back in the Midwest in early 2021, Kat began her journey with both local drag performance and digital photography all in a single night. She has since created and crowdfunded two local drag themed calendars with a third upcoming, founded a grassroots events troupe, and become the regular photographer for many shows. Her future promises exciting work with the people to elevate their art as much as her own, including the new Kings’ calendar and a deck of trading cards dedicated to local drag! Watch ktheadora.com for preorders!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

As a self taught photographer and drag artist, I rely on my own concepts. Being able to develop ideas not directly derived from others in the same fields was so important. Know to look at other art forms and areas of culture for inspiration in a way that you will have unique perspectives and combinations of art.
Following your own instincts about what works for your art is also extremely important. Do not always listen to others about what to do or how to “improve,” notably when they contradict your own opinion. It is your art so no one has a better sense on how it can grow than you.
The balancing act is also knowing when to seek help. The right input at the right time can be critical. Ask for advice from those you admire, take it with a grain of salt, and grow your own ways.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I am always looking to collaborate with new people! Models of all kinds can call on me, but particularly those who feel they are on the fringe of society. I live and love to document all shapes and sizes of people and their art. Drag artists especially are encouraged to reach out regarding my trading card and calendar projects (not to mention other ideas currently brewing!) Reach out to [email protected] or on Instagram @ktheadora

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ktheadora.com
• Instagram: ktheadora
• Facebook: Ktheadora

Image Credits

K. Theadora