Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katie Goodrich. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Katie, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.
Creativity blocks can be a beast. I’ve found myself in and out of them since the pandemic hit, but I’ve uncovered some techniques that have changed the game for me recently!
I enjoy exploring different outlets, a lot of different outlets. Last year I started learning how to crochet clothing and I’m currently learning how to make floral pieces. It’s healing to create things with my hands while learning as I go. A very recent outlet is music. I have 12 years of musical experience from childhood to teenager, but I lost track as a young adult. I’m picking it back up and I find it helps my thoughts relax and certain parts of my brain rest so others can wake up.
When I’m creatively burned out or not sure what to make next, getting out of the house and exploring new places is a big help. Visiting my local comic book shop, cafes, or larger spaces, such as the recently opened Meow Wolf in Grapevine, are at the top of my recommendation list. Book shops and cafes inspire new styles, and ideas, or are just a much-needed break. Meow Wolf is a fully immersive experience full of different artistic expressions and I am still sketching ideas from my last visit.
A third recommendation is to take time away. This can be similar to a bookstore visit, but it can also be as simple as sitting outside or enjoying a garden. Spending time in nature helps clear the cobwebs or feelings of burnout and overwhelming creative fatigue.
Lastly, look at what you are doing in a new way. At the beginning of 2024, I made a mini sketchbook out of leftover paper. This sketchbook is for work just for me. I am drawing what makes me happy, playing with different mediums, and making mistakes, but it’s what I enjoy. It’s not for clients or commissions and has been healing and therapeutic.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I have a freelance artistic career where I have the opportunity to stretch my creative brain and create portrait illustrations, pieces for my Threadless shop, and branding for companies. Recently I won a t-shirt competition for Fan Expo in Dallas and got to see my design printed on merchandise sold at the event! This was a dream come true. The freelance work I create leans towards positivity and joy. I want to spread these as often as I can and have been very lucky with the commissions and branding opportunities I’ve had as my clients seem to share the same positive vibe.
In my day job, I am an experienced User Experience and Interface designer. I have over a decade in the industry and am passionate about uncovering patterns, improving existing experiences, and ensuring my work is accessible to everyone. More recently I’ve been focusing on learning and using human-centered design techniques and conversational design patterns.
In the future, I’m hoping to expand my Threadless shop and open an online store for physical work such as zines and stickers, so stay tuned!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three things I think that have been most impactful for my journey so far are to try new things, learn from your mistakes, and ask others for feedback.
Keep in mind, when you try something new, have compassion with yourself and don’t expect it to be perfect at first. That leads to my second point, learning from your mistakes. Gardening has helped me to grow, pun intended, in that area. In gardening, when I lose a plant or do something “not quite right”, I see it as an experiment I can learn from. I also feel there is less to lose when caring for a plant versus my actual work because, if I end up destroying the plant, I get to buy a new one! This concept of trying to care less about failing carries into my creative work, although it can be harder to keep in mind. The third point, asking others for feedback, can be intimidating. I can become protective of my work, so I am for sure still working on being open to feedback. The growth and possible improvement to any project from feedback, whether you take it or not, is invaluable.
If any of these pieces of advice are intimidating, just start small! Ask an overly kind friend for feedback before asking a professional designer. Imagine you are playing The Sims if you are trying something new. Would a Sim tend to get it right the first time? No! You shouldn’t expect that of yourself either. Turn it into a game, level up some, and look back at your achievements with a smile.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
My largest area of growth in the last year has been project management. I’ve improved my ability to take an overall ask, find ways to break it down and tackle those sections one at a time. This process is constantly evolving, but it helps prevent the feeling of being overwhelmed and the need to rush work. When you break down any work into manageable sections, you also get a great dopamine hit more often as you complete tasks.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katiegoodrich.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kadusaurus/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-goodrich-99347020/
- Other: Threadless: https://kadusaurus.threadless.com/
