Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Delgado.
Hi Katherine, 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?
Hi, I’m Kat.
As I was establishing my career and gaining experience, I started to realize how much I intertwined my values into my creative expression. I constantly crave nostalgia and knowledge, so understanding and developing a story is really important to me. I tend to express myself through creative/ art direction, but I try not to limit myself. In addition to executing digital work, some of my recent creations are in tangible mediums, focused on community and sustainability.
I was pretty laser-focused right out of high school, really eager to go to an art school and start my career. Even though I wasn’t exactly sure what my end goal was at the time, I was just excited to learn and explore any creative outlet. And the thought that it could be my job was a driving force.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I have invested a lot of time and effort into getting where I am today. I wouldn’t necessarily say it has been a smooth road because a lot of the time there was no clear road, it was something I had to carve myself. What has been really important for me to remember is pushing through the struggle, win or lose, I’m always glad I’ve tried. I’ve learned so much from my successes and failures and the experiences have taught me how to better communicate and use my voice.
A pretty huge leap I took in my career was deciding to become a freelancer. It was honestly a real challenge for me because, while financially independent, I felt like I had a sense of security at my 9-5. I also felt like I had invested so much of myself into that company and had worked my way up there. But I knew I wanted more flexibility in my day-to-day and more of a creative challenge, which is what lead to me to where I am today!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a freelance creative focused on centering my work around amplifying the experiences of communities, individuals and brands through a range of visual communication. While a majority of my work is expressed through creative/ art direction, styling and graphic design, I do also create work that is in physical format as well. I tend to gravitate towards expressing emotion and highlighting community and sustainability efforts.
I think what sets me apart is the thing I am most proud of, which is the fact that I am always open to exploring and trying something new. Being open to new challenges and opportunities is a part of what has helped me be where I am today. Growing up, I was surrounded by family and hard-working parents. They always taught me to strive for my dreams while being my best self – I try to hold onto that every time I create. No matter the challenges I may come across, I know I have their support helping me navigate through.
One of my most recent Creative Direction works is titled “It’s Always Cold (Freezing) in Los Angeles”. It is a playful, colorful collection of images and a video that expresses my love for LA and the fact that SoCal natives/locals are always cold even in 70-degree weather. I worked with a wonderful team of creatives to bring my vision to life and we actually got it published in a magazine as well!
In regards to my community-focused work, last year, a friend and I were selected to design and execute the artwork for the community fridge in El Sereno. This was a really special project for both of us because it is in the neighborhood we grew up in and doing something to give back to the place that helped shape us seemed right. This was a mutual-aid project, which means we all volunteered our time and talents towards creating this for the community. On so many levels this is a very special project that I was honored to be a part of.
One of my most recent sustainable-focused projects was created in collaboration with Goodwill x Vice. They asked 10 designers to reimagine, reuse and repurpose old merch with total creative freedom and with the intention of selling the items to raise money for the Goodwill Southern California Jobs Accelerator Fund. This program assists those most impacted by the COVID-19 unemployment crisis with job training, placement, and additional supportive services. The final work which I created was a colorful custom tie-dyed quilt.
As you can see from some of these three creations, I like to play around with different mediums while discussing things that are important to me. The common thread I wish to express is a sense of belonging and community. More than anything, I hope that is what comes across in my work.
How do you think about happiness?
When I think of happiness, I think of family, I think of friends and I think of all the ways I can spread my joy and truth. Happiness for me is sharing parts of me rather then holding them in.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kidthesister.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidthesister/
Image Credits
It’s Always Cold (Freezing) in Los Angeles – Michelle Terris, photographer
