Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kaitlin Aguilar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kaitlin, so glad you were able to set aside some time for us today. We’ve always admired not just your journey and success, but also the seemingly high levels of self-discipline that you seem to have mastered and so maybe we can start by chatting about how you developed it or where it comes from?
I have always been drawn to the world of art, and it seems only natural that I ended up as a professional graphic designer. Surprisingly, my artistic journey began through the realm of dance. I’ve come to realize there are numerous avenues for creative expression, be it through the physicality of dance, the written word, or the visual arts like graphic design, painting, and drawing.
Dance was my initial gateway into the realm of creative expression and self-discipline. Dance is a captivating art form that beautifully intertwines with self-discipline. To master movement and rhythm, dancers must cultivate a high level of self-control and commitment. The journey from a novice to a skilled dancer in a team setting requires rigorous training, consistent practice and a deep understanding of one’s body.
Self-discipline plays a pivotal role in adhering to demanding rehearsal schedules, maintaining physical fitness, and refining techniques. In dance, every step, every gesture, and every expression is a purposeful decision. Is is through this harmonious partnership of dance and self-discipline that I harnessed my creative potential and achieved a sense of self-discovery.
Over two decades, I honed my skills in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and hip-hop. Dance not only cultivated a strong work ethic and a competitive spirit in me, but also prepared me for entrepreneurship. What’s even more serendipitous is the intersection of my two passions. I’ve been fortunate to create themes and programs for various dance performances, cheer competitions, theatrical plays, musical performances, and more.
It may come as a surprise, but there are striking parallels between dance and graphic design. Both art forms have the potential to evoke emotions or elicit responses from the audience. Whether you’re a performer or a designer, the task at hand demands a strategic approach to incorporate elements that resonate with viewers and drive engagement.
Self-discipline cultivated in dance can seamlessly translate into improved self-discipline in graphic design. Both fields require a strong commitment to honing one’s craft and achieving excellence, and the discipline developed in dance can be directly applied in the following ways:
1. Time Management: In dance, adhering to a strict practice schedule is crucial. This same time management skills can be invaluable in graphic design, where meeting deadlines and managing multiple projects is essential. I personally utilize project management software every day.
2. Attention to Detail: Dancers pay acute attention to every move, and this meticulousness easily transfers to graphic design, where precision in layout, typography, and color choice is paramount.
3. Perseverance: The grueling practice and perseverance required in dance to master a challenging routine can be mirrored in graphic design when facing complex or time-consuming projects. The ability to stay focused a shared trait.
4. Critique and Improvement: Dancers often receive feedback and work continuously to refine their skills. Similarly, graphic designers must strive for continuous improvement and thoughtfully apply constructive criticism.
5. Physical and Mental Health: Dancers maintain their physical and mental well-being for peak performance. This discipline can be applied to graphic designers who must ensure their health to maintain creative productivity and clarity of thought.
6. Creative Flow: Dance often involves improvisation and the ability to express oneself creatively. Graphic designers can tap into a similar creative flow, using their disciplined approach to bring out the best in their work.
In essence, the self-discipline I acquired through dance has made me a more organized, detail-oriented, perseverant, and creative graphic designer. It has instilled a mindset of continuous improvement and unwavering dedication to my craft.
I cannot end this article without giving credit to my mentor and dance teacher, Kelly Whitted. She pushed me to become the best version of myself at all times, and I wouldn’t be who I am without her influence in my life over 20 years. She lost her fight with breast cancer in 2015, but her legacy lives on through me and all that I accomplish.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At my company, Tenfold Creative Co., we blend creativity with strategy, art with technology, design with business — all into a fresh, honest and compelling final product. Based in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, Tenfold is a design studio dedicated to transforming stories from around the nation into compelling visual forms with long-term impact. Born and raised in Fort Worth, TX, Kaitlin has always had a calling for all things artistic, even at a young age. She has grown to work with various organizations, churches & corporations throughout the DFW Metroplex and beyond. Her experience spans web design, publication design, interactive, branding & identity, animations, package design, photography, advertising and social media marketing. She has an endless passion for both design and various social causes, which motivates her to create work that inspires action. Her direct and articulate style provokes awareness, and she has an aptitude for poignant details. Kaitlin is a thoughtful and hard-working intellect who is driven to approach each creative problem carefully. Kaitlin has been featured in Shoutout DFW, VoyageDallas Magazine, TCU Graphic Design Alumni Show and the Junior Achievement of Dallas Career Speakers Series.
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?
I think never turning down a challenge, being willing to take risks, and staying organized were most impactful in my journey.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Switch On Your Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf. Drawing from neuroscience research and Dr. Leaf’s clinical expertise, this book helped me realize the profound impact of our thoughts on my mental and physical well-being. This book helped me realize our thoughts hold the transformative key to shaping our brain and body. Within your minds resides the power to steer our brain’s functions. Through conscious intent, we possess the means to harness control over our thoughts and emotions, thereby rewriting the very programming and chemistry of our brains.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tenfoldcreative.co
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/tenfoldcreativeco
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlin-aguilar-9792254b
Image Credits
Martha Boykin Photography, The Center for Transforming Lives, a Wish with Wings
