Check out Katie Schwarz’s Artwork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Schwarz.

Katie, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
Professionally, my story is a bit winding. In true INFJ style, I’ve had a fairly varied background. I started out as a hair stylist years ago, and then flirted with a wide variety of subjects when I went back to school for my undergrad. I bounced around subjects/majors like English, Computer Science, Theology, Information Science and finally settled in Graphic Design. For me, the journey has been about finding the right outlet for my left brain- right brain combination. At the end of the day, the place where I get to combine pattern-finding, strategy, and creative expression is my sweet spot.

My husband and I are both from rural Texas. He’s in the Navy, and this is the second time that we have been stationed in San Diego. I really love living here. Pretty sure that the tacos here have spoiled me forever. Aside from the food, San Diego is a treasure trove of creative inspiration. The personality of the different communities, the thriving art culture & diversity of this city are especially delightful.

I’m not really a beach person, but the variety of nature here is gorgeous (even the beaches). For a Texas native the micro climates here are still kind of amazing.

We have two small children. Being in the thick of the preschool/toddler years is a challenge. Especially since we don’t live close to family. However, I am so grateful for the creative & business opportunities that we enjoy today. The internet has opened up opportunities for entrepreneurship like never before. There are so many more options today for building a business, especially a creative/art based biz than ever before. This is true for parents, non-parents, creatives who are San Diego natives, and those of us who are here temporarily.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
For as long as I can remember I’ve been interested in creating. I’ve tried my hand at all kinds of art and making. As I’ve gotten older, (at the ripe old age of 34 haha!) I’ve realized that I love creating with a specific purpose. In fact, the first half of my thirties has awakened a stronger passion for studying the effect that good design has on people.

The more traditional idea of fine art certainly adds tremendous value to the human experience. But if art is the language of the soul, then design serves as a translator when art meets the mundane. This is true for all areas of design: the fashion world, web design, brand design, interior design, product design, etc. The strategic use of design principles can elevate a business, a common everyday product, or even something as simple as the cup your coffee comes in.

There’s a peak into the way that I approach my work. On a more practical level, I specialize in brand strategy & design for the entrepreneur. A lot of the traditional branding psychology falls short when applied to a more personal business. I work with (often solo) business owners/starters who are struggling with finding the place where their unique personality meets the thing they offer. Branding in this sense involves a lot of personal discovery in addition to the more typical market research and visual strategies.

Once the foundational work is done, I get started helping my clients translate their unique brand personality into visuals. The art of branding is all about finding concrete ways to communicate the abstract. Mostly, I’m on a mission to un-complicate the branding process for creative entrepreneurs.

Do current events, local or global, affect your work and what you are focused on?
Art or in my case, design & brand strategy isn’t (or at least shouldn’t) be created in a vacuum. We have this moment, this life to impact the future. I for one want to make sure my impact is a positive one.

However, I don’t think that we all need to worry about doing this on a big scale. Sure, some people are called to operate & create in the limelight. Usually, I’m satisfied to live out my faith & life’s work in smaller ways. There is still tremendous value in creating something that has a small, but positive impact on just a handful of people.

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I’d love to connect on Instagram: @katieschwarzdesign

I post about branding mostly, but my stories also document the journey of mom-ing while building a business. Hint: coffee is my coping mechanism of choice.

You can also visit my online home at www.katieschwarzdesign.com. You’ll find a fun Brand Personality Quiz. As a thank you for subscribing to my email list, I’ll also send a guide all about how to Rock Your Brand Personality.

In the next couple of months, I’ll be launching a group learning experience: Brand Personality Blueprint. It’s a supportive group course designed to uncomplicate your branding. BPB is designed specifically for entrepreneurs (creative or otherwise) who are transitioning from a side hustle to something bigger.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.katieschwarzdesign.com
• Email: hello@katieschwarzdesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandpersonalityblueprint/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BPBwithKatieSchwarz
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/byKatieSchwarz

Image Credit:
All the photos of me are by Sammy Noelle.
Stock photos that accompany the graphics are by Moyo Studio.

Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.