Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathy Gonzales.
Hi Kathy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I founded my company, Urban Artist Designs, seven years ago, motivated by my passion for helping others. I provide consulting services to various small business entrepreneurs, assisting them in launching their ventures while focusing on both the creative and technical aspects of their operations. This included areas such as website development, social media management, point-of-sale systems, and network operations.
Before starting my business, I spent many years working in the entertainment industry in a technical role, surrounded by creative individuals and exciting projects. Some of these projects took me to fascinating locations and introduced me to a diverse range of creative minds. During that time, I also dedicated many years to studying fine art and graphic design before becoming a technical engineer. Although I always knew I wanted to explore my artistic side beyond my technology career, life circumstances shaped my path. As time went on, my passion for helping others grew even stronger, prompting me to focus more on my artistic background. I enjoy painting, writing poetry, and connecting with other creatives to learn about their experiences and artistic processes.
This passion ultimately led to the creation of Urban Artist Magazine—a digital publication dedicated to balance and self-expression, now in its second year! My goal is to uplift local artists and understand their creative journeys, exploring the motivations behind their work. After all, creativity fosters a sense of peace, joy, and mindfulness; this is why Urban Artist Magazine’s tagline is “Yoga for the Mind.” The magazine is a quarterly digital publication where I highlight the stories of various artists, including painters, photographers, illustrators, writers, and more.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Are any passions or dreams easy? I believe I would be fooling myself and others if I said they were. Creating something is never truly easy. I had been considering this project for years until one day, I thought, “Why not? What do I have to lose?” So, I just started it, despite not having much experience in interviewing or magazine production. I went for it simply because… well, why not?
I have to make many decisions, such as what the topic for each issue will be and who to feature. Will I conduct interviews in person or via Zoom? Will I have enough time to interview, write, and put together the magazine—all while creating my own art?
I had so many questions, but I just had to take the leap and figure it out. I called a few artist friends and interviewed them. Now that the magazine is entering its second year, I have seen it evolve in layout and design. I recognize there are areas to improve, and I continue to strive to do just that.
With each issue I create, I receive feedback about the layout, stories, and the curation of the artists, which helps me continually improve. I wear many hats: I’m the editor, proofreader, designer, writer— you name it, and I’m probably doing it.
I am fortunate to have others who have offered to write stories for the magazine, which helps significantly. I want to give a shout-out to Elizabeth Mackey, an excellent writer and art history teacher at College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, California. Her articles focus on art history relevant to the style of art featured in each issue. I also appreciate Veronica Stanley-Hooper, who creates children’s picture books and engages in various creative endeavors. I genuinely value both of these women. I didn’t know them before I started the magazine, but they both stepped forward to support and believe in my vision. Simply thank you both!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work in creative and technical fields that truly inspire me. My time at HBO Home Box Office was particularly special, as it allowed me to collaborate with incredible talents on a variety of exciting projects. One unforgettable experience was flying to Paris in 2001 for the premiere of “Band of Brothers.” We celebrated on the historic beaches of Normandy, surrounded by the brave veterans of Easy Company from the 101st Airborne Division. It was a profound moment that reminded me of the sacrifices these heroes made for our freedom. As our buses rolled through Normandy, the townspeople greeted us with American flags, showing their gratitude for the men who liberated their town. I felt immense pride to be part of such a significant event, one that highlighted the bravery and resilience of those who have served. Moments like these fuel my passion and reaffirm my belief in the power of storytelling and the connections we forge through shared history.
Everything unfolded in the beautiful “City of Lights”, where I found myself inspired not just by the bravery of these remarkable individuals but also by the masterpieces surrounding me. It’s incredible to reflect on how their courage has preserved so much art and history, allowing us to experience it today. I love how life and art come together in such a profound way. I feel genuinely proud of this chapter in my career and my work with Urban Artist Magazine. Here’s to celebrating both the artists and their incredible stories!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Absolutely! Dive into what fuels your passion; it’s the perfect way to build connections in your field. Personally, I’ve always adored art and knew I wanted to immerse myself in it more. By getting involved with fellow artists and absorbing the incredible visuals around me, I discovered a vibrant community. Joining groups was essential for me to learn from others and connect with those who share my enthusiasm for art.
I had the honor of serving as president of the Santa Clarita Artist Association (SCAA) for two years, a role that enriched my experience tremendously. I’m also proud to be a member of the Colored Pencil Society of America (CPSA) and AIGA, the American Institute of Graphic Arts. Building relationships within these communities is invaluable, as many members are active in creative careers. I highly recommend attending conferences, workshops, and internships; they’re great opportunities! When you embrace your passions, you’ll find doors opening to exciting possibilities. So go ahead and explore every avenue that interests you—you might just uncover your next big opportunity!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.urbanartistdesigns.com/copy-of-home-page
- Instagram: urbanartistmagazine
Image Credits
Lindsay Schlick
