Meet Kat Lyons

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started drawing as soon as I could hold a pencil. From a young age, my parents started getting me involved in extracurricular art activities due to my interest in the subject. I spent a lot of time drawing and served a lot of detention time for doodling in class.

I went on to pursue a BFA in Illustration at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. There, I figured out doing visual development for animation and games was what I wanted to do.

I do currently work in visual development, but not for animation or games at this time. Right now, I do a lot of concept work for live productions and product design, which is definitely its own animal but is a lot of fun.

Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely not. I just came back from a Light Grey Art Lab residency in Norheimsund, Norway, and the entire presentation was about the burnt-out state I’ve been in for the last three years. After graduation, I picked up jobs in restaurants and theatres working as a waitress, barista, and theatre technician doing carpentry, electrics, and running live performances. I was working about 50-70 hours a week and not making very much money. At some point, I thought about moving home, but knew I would be even unhappier there (I love my parents, but New Jersey is very boring). When I finally landed my first art-based job, I threw myself into it hard. Between working too many hours a week, working on art in the office, and trying to keep up my personal practice, I really drove myself into the ground with the overwork. I was so tired that making art gave me no joy anymore. I’m trying to let myself recuperate and relax, taking things at my own pace. Remembering that your art practice is a journey and not a race is very, very difficult.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with your work– tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I work for a company called Korins based in Manhattan that does visual development for a variety of things. Some of our most notable work that I’ve had the pleasure to be a part of has been the Hamilton Exhibition in Chicago, the 2019 Oscars in Los Angeles, Beetlejuice on Broadway, and the Treasures from Chatsworth Exhibition in New York.

While I still work for this company, I’m trying to shift gears into focusing more of my creative energy into my own practice. Since I’m still pursuing animation, my main goal has been developing a new portfolio that would better show my skills in that industry.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and the least?
The weather is a big plus for me. I can grow so many more plants without having to worry as much about them. My roommates and I have a couple of orange trees on our balcony that we’re really excited about.

Coming from living in the greater New York City area my entire life, the lack of cohesive public transportation does make my head spin. It would take a lot of cars off the road if it made more sense.