Meet Kate Pickle

We were lucky to catch up with Kate Pickle recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kate, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?

This is an interesting question, and I think many creatives will relate to me when I say that I’m my own worst enemy, the toughest critic in the room, and my biggest hater. So, the fight to continue to believe in what I’m doing and share my work publicly is an internal battle. Seeing other artists’ success is inspiring and a source of joy, yet it can also trigger a ‘wobble’ in self-worth. I enthusiastically start every painting or mixed media piece turbo-charged on the idea, only to look at it – usually a third or halfway through – and decide it’s an irredeemable piece of sh*t! This happens without fail, and I’ve learned to tackle it with cues. I talk myself off the proverbial painting ledge with reminders that I do this with every piece, and once I push past the ‘sh*t phase,’ something better will be on the canvas in its place. I also find balance in breathing space. Not so much that your creativity dries out on the project, but enough to return to the piece objectively to determine what improvements can be made. Lastly, and importantly, I’m lucky to draw strength from other artists in my network who are extremely supportive and who I trust to give me constructive feedback.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

For the past 20 years, I’ve hustled to build a career in entertainment marketing. And, while genuinely grateful for my success and the places my work has taken me (originally British, I emigrated to Australia at age 24, then moved to Los Angeles 14 years ago), I forgot to make time for art. In fact, I was so focused on work that my painting hiatus lasted two decades! So, when I turned 40, I decided there was no time like the present to pick up a paintbrush and get back to what I truly love. This time, using the commerce knowledge I’ve garnered and a new level of self-confidence only life experience brings to balance my ‘day job’ with building an art-based business.  

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?

I am one of the most impatient people you’ll meet. It’s true (just ask my husband!). But starting a new venture requires a strong cocktail of patience and resilience, with a dash of delusion. Affording ideas to marinade, opportunities to pass by if the timing isn’t right, and replacing impulsive reactions with measured learnings is a skill set that takes time to hone.

Working with businesses, whether giant conglomerates or scrappy startups, taught me that success rarely happens overnight; it comes in waves of small wins. I’ve also come to realize that the core of a fruitful business is not only a great idea; it’s tenacious people willing to pivot to keep the essence of that idea alive. Some of the most brilliant businesspeople I’ve worked with overcame challenges not with superior logic, intellect, or even mass capital (although that all helps) but with an impenetrable belief that they would prevail.

When you have a proven track record and a solid income in one industry, it’s a constant battle to carve out time to pursue something new. I am an emerging artist still fine-tuning tactics to develop revenue streams from my artwork. Central to my continued success, whether just around the corner or in the distant future, is the perseverance to keep creating and my commitment to dedicating time to this venture every day.

The logical, easy choice is always to return to what you know, not what you love. On the days when that thought starts winning, I most need that strong cocktail: patience and resilience, with a dash of delusion.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Collaborating with other creatives is always an exciting prospect; however, the right partner, timing, and opportunity rarely present as a neatly wrapped package. When all three align, you know you’ve found the winning formula for a successful partnership.

Currently, the most irresistible collaboration would be with a brand looking for limited-edition designs to amplify and support emerging artists. Or connecting with a new gallery (three LA-based galleries represent some pieces) that gives back to local communities or invests in art education. I love meeting other artists to discuss ways to co-create or bring bigger ideas to life. My next collaboration (this summer) is to paint a mural as part of a beautification project for a public space.

Interested parties can get in touch via my Instagram @argent.major

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @argent.major
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katetalbot1/
• Other: Kate@littlebulldogpr.com