- What is your name / organization / title?
Kate Carleton / Kate Carleton Illustration/ Freelance Illustrator
- What motivated you to become a maker?
I’ve loved watching cartoons since I was a kid and always was amazed that was someones job. Drawing. What a concept! So I would draw constantly and still try to. Then I discovered about conventions with my now husband in college and decided to start sharing my art publicly anywhere I could.
- Looking back on the early stages of your journey, what advice would you give yourself now?
To either try going to a college in CA to get to Cali art scene experience or honestly not go to save on money (still paying off those student loans.) Also to actually apply for internships while in school to gain experience. Now as far other aspects like conventions I would totally tell my young aspiring wide eye self that selling rough sketches on lined paper is not enough to exhibit at shows and people don’t want a self published comic at a true blood convention.. yes it was that bad, lol.
- What is your favorite thing you’ve ever made? Why?
Oh man.. that’s tough! I feel like this answer always changes. But right now I’d say self publishing my first Inktober zine called #Blumbtober where I drew Jeff Goldblum for a month. And to have his wife and himself like a few of those pieces on Instagram. I love him!
- What’s the next evolution for you (or your industry) going to look like?
Well I want to grow my husband’s and my other Brand Okay Stuff. Enamel Pins I used to make are sold there now, but we are learning how to screen print in our garage to make new products and he’s learning how to 3D model and print and we hope to try to make our own figures down the line as well. Eventually I’d love to leave my full time job and work for myself full time selling my art and making new products with my husband. But I know it will be a tough road for us. Especially since we want to start a family at the same time. However if I got any cool freelance offers are projects I enjoy I’d be happy to work on those. My dream is to get into more galleries , get into character design stuff, and even design products for theme parks, my other passion I enjoy.
- Who would you partner with (living or dead) for your dream collaboration? And what would you work on together?
Oh man there are so many people who inspire me and I admire. I think it would be fun to work with Mary Blair and make something fun and colorful with her. Just see what we create and hear all her stories.
- You're on death row and it's time for your final meal. What'll ya have?
Korean BBQ. It’s my favorite meal on earth for any special occasions I have. I’m lucky to have a great spot in my town.
- In a world where you have two hands, all of your pets and loved ones are safe, and your studio is on fire, what do you try to save?
My laptop with art files and my iPad. I can always replace my supplies and create new art. Would suck of course. Care more about my family and pets.
- What is one piece of pop culture (movie, tv, artwork, song, etc.) that no matter how many times you return to it you still draw excitement, movement, or inspiration?
Labyrinth is my favorite movie of all time. Jurassic Park is a close runner up. Both I can watch many times. However I do enjoy my Disney classics as well.
- I love useless facts. Impress me with a seriously useless fact!
I have a phobia of butterflies. They terrify me. So butterfly houses are more like haunted houses for me. Don’t expect me to get near them.
- If you could try any profession other than your own, what would you choose to do?
I always thought Archeology was cool because of Dr. Grant as a kid.
- What is your personal strategy/philosophy when it comes to using social media for your work?
I use it to share my art. It’s hard nowadays with algorithms and etc. To me it’s feels so fake , some aspects we are told works and how having a huge follower count is important . I probably am horrible at social media, but I want to be real with my followers. Make real connections. Have people enjoy my art as much as I love making it. It’s great to hear people love something I also enjoy. And I’m human and social media does get to me, but I try to let it not get me down. I’ve met amazing people online.
- Speaking of social media, where can people find you?
You can follow me on Instagram and Twitter under the handle @keelhaulkate. I use Facebook, but honestly not as much. I have a page Kate Carleton Illustration there. As for my other company Okay Stuff with my husband we have an Instagram page under @okaystuffco.
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