Meet Kate Little

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

Kate, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Growing up in an East Asian country, I often struggled with confidence, especially when comparing myself to many of my Western peers. We were taught to be quiet and not draw attention to ourselves. Here in America, I often find myself as the only person of color in the room at work. Over time, I’ve learned to speak up and be confident in the value I bring—because if I don’t, my voice might not be heard.

It took a shift in mindset to overcome the discomfort of standing out. I began to see my differences not as a disadvantage, but as something that makes me unique—and that’s what gives my perspective value.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I have been a print & pattern designer in NYC for almost 10 years. While it’s fun being a designer, I still find some part of my creativity wasn’t being satisfied at my 9-5. Recently I participated in an art fair for the first time and was blown away by how well my art was received. I’m so encouraged by the result and am very determined to put in as much work as possible into my fine art career. My paintings are created with acrylic guache on canvases. My artwork often centers on female subjects depicted in moments of deep contemplation, confronting the dual forces of temptation and mortality. Despite these challenges, the figure remains resolute—grounded in integrity and guided by the truth of her heart. The surrounding flora, rich with symbolic meaning, draws inspiration from my East Asian heritage, fostering a visual dialogue between inner resilience and cultural identity.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Resilience, hard work, and kindness.
We can’t stop bad or discouraging things from happening in our lives.
But if you are resilient, work hard and treat everybody with kindness, you’ll be ok.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

The artist’s way by Julia Cameron.
I love that it’s so centered in spirituality and how it plays in your daily art practice.
I believe as artists we’re just here to listen and translate the message from above, to be the surrogate of ideas and inspirations.
This book teaches us how to listen and download the message and nurture our inner artist child.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.katelittle.us
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kate_little_legit/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-little-studio/

Image Credits

All rights reserved to Kate Little.