Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Patterson.
Hi Kate, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I always knew I was an artist, but for a long time I didn’t know how to express myself. In high school, I took a film class where I discovered a medium of art that I could really thrive in. I went to college for filmmaking at San Francisco State University where I learned all about what it means to be a filmmaker. Since college, I have written and directed 3 short films, produced over 2 dozen shorts, and have worked on over a total of 70 sets in a variety of roles.
After working in Austin and San Antonio for a few different production companies, I learned what I really love is creating; not necessarily planning and production. With the knowledge that I learned from those jobs, I was able to start a foundation of community outreach. I knew I wanted to be able to make what I wanted to make, and it is important to me that others have the same opportunities. This is when I started hosting Writers’ Circles and Craft Nights. I also needed a creative outlet for when I wasn’t filmmaking that could earn some money to keep these events going. So I have been making jewelry and upcycling clothing that I have been able to sell at local markets. The profits that I have earned go right back into making art!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Filmmaking is expensive, and it often doesn’t pay well to be a filmmaker. That is why I really wanted to transition into something that could allow me (and others) to be creative without fearing for our financial stability. However, starting a business is not cheap either. I am fortunate enough to have the support to do what I love, but it is often terrifying to not know how much your paycheck will be each week.
I quit my day job in order to push Create Create forward, and it has been difficult to keep my mind on what is important. My first couple markets, I was expecting to make over $100, and didn’t sell a single thing. It’s discouraging. But when I do end up at markets where I make money, or I host events with dozens of people, I remember what Create Create is all about. Creativity, art, and community. Not the money.
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?
When people ask what I do, I always say I am a filmmaker first. My true passion will always be making movies, but as a creative person, you have to always be making something, even if it is small. While I am not able to make movies, I am crafting and creating. I have always had a love for fashion, and I have finally taught myself how to sew and upcycle clothing. I love that I can show people what I make by wearing it, and it is so inspiring to see my work showcased by other people as well.
I have also found a new love for photography. I am able to take my filmmaking knowledge of lighting and camera angles to create still images that feel cinematic, and make people feel beautiful.
I think something that sets me apart from others is the diversity of the art that I create. While some may say a jack of all trades is a master of none, I know in my heart that if you don’t try, you’ll never know.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
You don’t have to be “talented” or “artistic” to be creative. There are so many resources in our world right now, if you want to learn something you can. If you want to make something, you should. Not only should you, but you should be able to be creative without fear of judgement, finances, or failure. Someone will like your stuff, you just have to find your audience.
Being an artist can be a career. Growing up, my family and my peers were not artistic like I was, they didn’t understand that art is everywhere, that creation is everything. that was something I had to learn on my own.
Pricing:
- Photography services start: $120/session
- Scarf Shirts: $50
- Filmmaking services start: $200/day
- Earrings: $10
- Stickers: $3
Contact Info:
- Website: https://createcreate.art
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createcreate.art/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@2createcreate
- Other: Email: kate@createcreate.art
