We were lucky to catch up with Katura Gaines recently and have shared our conversation below.
Katura, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
When it comes to creativity, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with the pressure of having to create something new, innovative, or even perfect. I think that it’s really important to have a routine, something that will set the tone for being creative in the first place! I have a playlist that I listen to everyday, because I know it will get me into the mindset to paint. Sometimes you have to stop worrying about creating the perfect piece, and just commit to the idea that not everything you create will be the best; but the more you create, the better your art will be. Everything worth having takes dedication, as long as you start doing it, you’ll get somewhere.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My story is filled with a lot of obstacles, honestly. I’ve known that I wanted to be an an artist since third grade. My school had a Scholastic book fair and I ended up getting my first art book there! Throughout my life, I’ve been surrounded by art, but I noticed a lack of people that looked like me, my family, and friends. As I got older, I ended up taking a digital media class and that introduced me to digital art. From there, I graduated, went to college, and met an art teacher that really helped me fall in love with the process of creating. I left school, but I still wanted to be an artist, I then moved into independently studying for a few years to create my brand and hone my craft. Since then, I have illustrated several books, met some incredible people, and am now an internationally published illustrator! This year, I have another book with Simon & Schuster coming out, and will be working towards opening an online store.
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?
Some of the best advice that I’ve gotten is that it’s important to figure out what kind of artist I want to be. These days, with social media influencing so many people, it’s easy to get lost in what you should be doing to accomplish a specific goal. Everyone should really take time to figure out what they like, what they want to create, where they want to be. Once you do that, the path becomes clear on what steps need to be taken to achieve your goals. Just make sure you’re studying! As long as you put in the hard work, you’ll get somewhere.
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?
Having a support system is so important! I wouldn’t be where I am without the help and encouragement of my family, fiancé, and friends! If you don’t have one, that’s okay! A lot of times you have to reach out to people to find true friends. I joined a lot of art groups online and have met some of the most amazing people that way! My art friends have given me resources, encouragement, and ideas. Never underestimate the power of friendship!
Image Credits
Katura Gaines (i took or drew all images included)
