We recently connected with Karen Thaco and have shared our conversation below.
Karen, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Since I was little I have always been an animal lover and the planet. I always tried to rescue animals from the streets, take care of them, and try to make other people respect them…I didn’t know exactly how to link this to my work as a graphic designer, on the contrary I felt continually disturbed by how the commercial industry affects the environment/animals in many ways… until I began to explore the artist in me much more… I found in art more possibilities to communicate my feelings, open my thoughts and identify with other people who share this passion with me.
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?
I am a migrant, living in Houston with my adorable husband and my 5 kids, 2 silly humans and 3 cute furry.
I’m passionate about life. I am a number 1 fan of Earth planet and I get excited almost every day about everything haha. I cry a sea all the time watching k-dramas and reading romantic novels. When I was little I wanted to have an animal shelter. Now I want to live in the mountains, and I still dream of an animal shelter.
I am a graphic designer and illustrator. Most of my career has been spent designing/illustrating whimsical and colorful designs for the children’s sector, sometimes licensing for brands, commissions, designs also for small and medium businesses, and also for own online stationery store.
This was totally fun and brought great moments in my career, I feel totally grateful. But 15 years later I was feeling very empty. I no longer identified with big industries so I decided to take a step back.
Now I’m doing something that feels like more me. I making collage art and paper cutting (reusing materials), I am working with organizations and projects that I connect with, I love recycling, I do journaling, and occasionally I give workshops for anyone who needs to reconnect with the beauty of imperfection through the art.
To be honest, I have never felt more excited about what I am doing, and more doubtful about my professional future at the same time. But getting up every morning with a purpose that makes you immensely happy, maybe it’s worth it, right?
Some things are cooking these months, and I hope it will be a very fun year!
♡I’ll be doing a launch in April of my original collages:
Spring friends, flowers, birds, bugs, butterflies. trees…
♡I have a workshop once a month online totally free to make collage together.
♡I ‘ll have a couple of live in-person workshops. You should follow me on Instagram to stay up to date or subscribe to my newsletter.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
About my skills I would say…my resistance or stubbornness? haha although some things don’t work well, if it’s something I believe in, I try them a thousand times if necessary. I don’t usually get discouraged. I guess is good thing in this world?
Some advices…
♡It’s a cliché but totally true. Be yourself is not easy, but you must do it. Some things around you will distract you, but by being true to your values you will remain at peace at the end of the day.
♡Although start a business/career is a giant cloud that poses throughout your life, it should not be your 100%, take care of your mind, your thoughts, visit your friends, have fun, spend quality family time, eat healthy, and separate the work the rest please. Set limits, schedules, and have the ability to make the right decisions as needed.
♡Always have a support network around you and have allies! It is the best I have and what I value most. There have been many difficult moments in my career but nothing would have been the same without my family and friends. Having emotional, or even financial support has been really important in this journey.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Making content for activism about animal rights or sustainability is something I really enjoy and I’m always open to it! If you like my style and it works for your project, I will always be open to listening to your proposal!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.karenthaco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenthaco/
