Meet Kaitlyn Terrey | Professional Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaitlyn Terrey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaitlyn, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
Looking into the future, the most appealing career route would be in visual development for themed entertainment or animation. I clearly remember sitting in a movie theater at age 11, watching an animated film, and realizing that someday I wanted to be one of the creators “behind the screens.” I’ve wholeheartedly chased that inclination and sense of belonging in the animation industry throughout my academic and professional careers, thus far. This method of storytelling strikes me as one of the most emotionally influential and impactful, and to contribute to it on a large scale would be extremely fulfilling.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Like many visual artists, I view the world through a unique lens. In my travels and everyday life experiences, I’ve observed that people of all ages and backgrounds crave the experience of existing in a reality outside their own at times. Throughout my career, I am interested in further exploring the connections between creative arts and mental well-being, reaching toward my ultimate goal of providing healthy escapism by immersing viewers in colorful and imaginative worlds.

After high school, I pursued a bachelor’s degree in digital design and animation and became fascinated with the emotional impact that compelling visual communication can have on an audience. This then led me to seek jobs and internships where I could explore that connection: freelance illustrator, graphic designer, photographer, and professional travel blogger. I have enjoyed each of these roles and consistently thrive on projects that allow for artistic development and exploration. I enjoy creating independently, but also seek collaboration with peers and mentors and am motivated by the creativity of others. My personal artistic style has been fueled largely by my world travels, with one of the most shaping experiences being my time spent in Australia as a student in 2017. New perspectives on my environment and the people in it inspire me to create every day, regardless of the creative task at hand. Upon gaining insight into others’ worldviews, my creativity comes alive, and producing art that is reflective of my experience feels effortless.

Launching a business in a creative industry has required countless hours of research, learning, and adapting to an ever-changing field. As the owner and operator of Magic Mind Designs, I primarily create children’s book illustrations, visual branding content, educational material, and interactive illustrations. I was launched into pursuing freelance work wholeheartedly at the onset of the pandemic in 2020 when I was laid off from both of my jobs. The sudden change resulted in the challenge of building my venture from the ground up, which ultimately turned an uncomfortable period of loss into growth that I am thankful for.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m actually a part time segway tour guide in downtown Savannah, so the first thing I would do is take my friend on one of my historical tours to give them an overview of my unique city. My favorite restaurant in Savannah is Collin’s Quarter, so I would certainly take my company there for brunch one day. I would also take introduce to my favorite bar, Congress Street Up, which is a swanky speakeasy located above the Prohibition Museum. Lastly, it wouldn’t be a trip to Savannah without a day at Tybee Island, soaking up the sun on the beach!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I never chose a career in the arts, rather, my path has relentlessly chosen me. Pursuing a life as a professional artist requires a certain degree of risk and is not the casual subject of study that society so often deems it. The journey is often a turbulent one that requires bravery, determination, and gusto every step of the way. I would never have gotten to where I am now as a person and a practicing professional, had it not been for the vocal, emotional, and financial support of my family and friends along the way. There has also been pushback from people close to me, mainly out of concern if pursuing a career in the arts was a wise and stable decision in the long term. Fueled by a mixture of encouragement and skepticism, I forged my way into a creative field and after years of hard work, have reached a point where I feel content, capable and accomplished.

Website: https://magicminddesigns.com/

Instagram: @magicminddesigns

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlynterrey/