Meet Katherine Herrell | Artist & Illustrator

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

Hi Katherine, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
Learning that I had to say no to projects that are not meant for me. When starting out, I used to accept any and all design opportunities. At first, it seemed exciting to have so much work coming in and to always be up for a new challenge. But quickly I learned this was just a fast way to become burned out. Deciding to say no to opportunities that don’t light me up really cleared a path for me put more time and heart into the things that do

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve developed my own signature style as an illustrator by combining my love of painting with my background as a digital artist. I’d describe it as colorful, quirky and whimsical. 90% of my designs are hand painted in my studio and later scanned in and touched up digitally. As a result, a lot of texture and authenticity are able to shine through.

I graduated with a degree in Illustration & Design from The Art Institute of Atlanta and I have about 12 years of experience as an artist working in Product Development. I started my career with an Internship in the Art Department at Carter’s where I developed a special passion designing for the children’s market. Since my internship, I have worked in various product development departments as an artist for various companies over the years throughout the metro Atlanta area. I’ve been lucky enough to see my art on stationary products, coloring books and tabletop decor. I was living pretty contentedly as a graphic illustrator, always working digitally, but it wasn’t until Covid hit that I really rediscovered my childhood love of putting paint on paper and I’ve never looked back.

It wasn’t easy taking a chance on myself. I’m an introvert and I was usually content to make art as an employee for a company. This used to allow me to use my creativity to make the things I loved, but stay behind the scenes with minimal risk. Deciding to start my own business two years ago took courage I didn’t know I had. I just allowed my love of creating art to guide me forward. I had to start trusting myself, and trusting my style. I also noticed a lot of art on products was missing originality. So many things I was seeing were flat, digital art and I noticed trends were being driven into the ground. I started asking myself, how would I make this different?

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would totally stay at the Emu Ranch! (Archimedes Nest)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I temporarily lose my way, I always turn to other artists who have been kind and generous enough to offer so many words of wisdom. Books like Keep Going by Austin Kleon and Art & Fear by David Bayles & Ted Orland always help me find my way back to myself

Website: katherineherrell.com

Instagram: @katherineherrellart

Image Credits
Molly Hensley Photography