Today we’d like to introduce you to Katharine Cameron.
Hi Katharine, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always enjoyed supporting people’s dreams and goals. I am like a life cheerleader. It makes my soul feel full and sparkly when I can help others. On a completely separate note, I enjoyed art, creative problem-solving, and design. When it was time to apply for high school, my mom helped me find an art-high school a couple towns over. I went to check it out and accidentally got put in the digital art class. My eyes got wide, and my jaw dropped. I couldn’t believe how cool it was — creative problem-solving, achieving goals, and marketing all wrapped up in an art and design bow? Yes please! I auditioned and earned a place in that class. Many graphic design for web and print jobs, full-ride scholarships to university, national art competitions, and shows later, here I am. Bringing my skill and passion to support to business and nonprofits.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There were obviously some bumps along the way. Is any life journey completely smooth? My biggest struggles were that of sexism. Sexism, like you thought, was left back in 1950s. It never ceases to completely shock me when I run up against it. Being forcefully pushed out of university classes in the first 2 minutes for being a woman, having the door locked in my face, and a kind “You have to work three times as hard as a woman in the tech field to get your foot in the door. Earn it.” Although I had already earned a full-ride scholarship. Clients standing in front of me, demanding a man speak to them, and refusing to talk to me, joking about how I must have gotten jobs that require computer skills… Sexism that made me physically ill was a daily occurrence as I learned, grew, and entered the work field. Luckily, when I branched out on my own, I seem to attract the right person. I seem to attract strong, happy, passionate clients who never cease to make me feel appreciated.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a jack of all trades; I have years of experience in print design and production. Wow – what does that even mean? I know how to make something look good on the computer, on your website, on social media. But also, I know how to create files the giant printers and cutting machines can read. Not a lot of people know how to do that since each machine is different, and there are many different machines.
I know how to pick the paper, the texture, the banner material. I know how to make it pretty in your emails so you can approve it and communicate to the printer what we need done using printer-speak.
I am known for clean designs for logos, brochures, flyers, product packaging, ads, and fun layouts for magazines, newspapers, and children’s books.
My clients come back to me because I have knowledge to help them brainstorm projects, and I want to work with them to create something they’re proud of. It’s not “my way or the highway.” I love trying to read my clients’ mind and creating art that they can feel ownership over. That’s an incredible power to have as a business owner, and my soul sparkles whenever I hear, ‘Oh my god! This is BETTER than I imagined!!!’
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
When asked about my favorite childhood memory, I am stuck between so many different ones. Almost all of them revolving around art, dance, and community. Childhood was pre-My-Graphic-Designer days. So, it’s all learning how to knit on my Nana’s couch, beading glass jars, sewing little beanie babies, taking pictures of flowers in the neighborhood, making stop animations out of my stuffed toys, painting, and soap making…
I told you I loved art and design! I’ve been a creator since before I can remember.
Pricing:
- $100/hr graphic design time
Contact Info:
- Website: camerongraphicdesign.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/camerongraphicdesign
- Facebook: facebook.com/camerongraphicdesign
- Other: https://linktr.ee/camerongraphicdesign
Image Credits
Coastal Wedding Magazine
Mac Mar
@ap.parentlove
Common Ground Society
KGB Reserve
Cameron Graphic Design
Lily of the Forest
