Kat Cameron is also known as Team Kitten Kat, because she is the one-lady-band behind the illustrative power house that is Team Kitten. Based on the Gold Coast, Kat manages to combine super-cute folky, Japanese inspired retro awesomeness with bold, electric designs.
It's a family affair over at Kat's place. She shares her studio with her boyfriend and manages to juggle being a mum and designer all under the one roof.
Kat takes a deep breath and welcomes us into her space.
Describe your studio / working space ...
It used to be the main bedroom of the house, but since I share with my man Josh Thorsen (http://www.kid9.net) we needed the biggest room and this was it. So, at the moment I'm being a bit cheeky taking up three corners of the room, one with my desk, then sewing table and then drawing table that we both share. It's a fun place with loads of toys, artwork, music and craftiness.
What unusual things happen in your space?
Artwork gets created! HA! I know it sounds strange - that should be the usual thing, but lately, I tells ya, it's been a mission! Having two rug rats has made it almost impossible these days. Josh and I creep into the studio at night when the kids are in bed and try to get busy. Busy doing artwork that is!
What would you recommend to others when setting up a studio?
Keeping it clutter free (which i am terrible at) and surrounding yourself with visual treats. Comfy chair and no TV! Ha!
Refer to Kat's beautiful photo gallery to see what she is discussing.
1 - What do draw with in your sketchbooks?
Usually I'll draw with pacer and then ink up with black or colour. I am mostly drawn to sketching girls in fantasy style surrounds, nature and folksy elements and odd bits that can be incorporated into patterns.
2 - Are you the sort of artist that carries their sketchbook everywhere?
I used to a few years ago, however since I had my first baby Tyler I am lucky to carry anything for myself. When I race out the door it's all about the nappies, wipes and baby food. Now that I have two kids - this has multiplied.
3 - What are you working on at the moment?
Currently I am in the mid stages of getting my fabric business up and happening. I've got loads of designs to go with, I'm just trying to fine tune them and hopefully it will become a fruitful and fun adventure.
4 - Wow, those big posters on the wall are impressive! Tell us about these ...
These were part of a series of fantasy girls I created. One of many artworks and products I created with intent to send to shops to sell but decide I like them better on my walls instead!
5 - Is your pin-up board ever changing? What's your favourite thing up here at the moment?
I would have to say that blue Miso Pretty picture of the girl and the Siamese cat is my favourite. It's by Fiona Hewitt who illustrates the most beautiful Asian inspired graphics. My sister and I used to have a Siamese cat and a Burmese (they were both called Mouse) when we were young and they have always been my fave, this picture just reminds me of that time.
6 - What do you love about Posca pens?
The colours!!! That pink is amazing!
7 - It had never occurred to me before, but do you think Uran (Astroboy's sister) and Kewpie dolls are related?
I've never really noticed that before, but looking now they sure do have similar structure with their bodies and the hands! Most people might associate Kewpie Dolls with Japan but they are actually from Germany. Kewpies are big in Japan though - I remember going into one little shop and it was chock full of Kewpies big and small to the point where they started to look creepy and i couldn't decide if I wanted one or not - of course - I did get some, now I wish I got more!
8 - Why do you think people still love books in the face of the glory of the internet?
YES! Most def! You can't beat the smell of fresh books! Everything looks better when you can hold it in your hands and touch it.
9 - What is your favourite snack while you are working?
Can't beat a good cup of tea and a basic sandwich of fresh bread (has to be fresh) tomato, avocado, cheese and lettuce! Oh yum! And if I'm lazy and tired it's a good coffee and some chocolate!
10 - Wow, where did you find this owl? Is it a bell?
mmmm I love that owl! I found him at the West End markets in Brisbane years ago. I'm not sure what it actually is, perhaps something you could stick a tea light candle in? For me it's a cool ornament for my kitchen bench and to add to the growing owl collection.
11 - Do you think that creativity springs from chaos?
Yes and no! If you saw my desk before photos - it's a bit of a cluttered mess and I find i can't get things working right amongst the chaos, however I have had moments of sitting down amongst a pile of crap and shenanigans going on around me and drawing the best stuff, so again - yes and no. But I do prefer a life with minimal chaos, but don't think it's possible at the moment!
12 - Who is your cute studio friend?
That's my little boy Tyler Jasper. He's almost three years old and is a funny little character. My other studio friends are my partner in crime
Josh and another little Juniper, my baby girl who is just eleven months old.
What are you looking forward to this winter?
Flanny jarmies, hot chocolate and my fave winter sports - knitting and crocheting.
What local happenings have got you inspired?
Currently I am super excited about the building of this new
Cultural Precinct. It's aimed at supporting culture and arts on the Gold Coast. It will be refreshing to see this new arts hub so close, as previously we have had to head to Brisbane to get our arts fix. With the Gold Coasts culture revolving around tourism, beaches and theme parks many creatives leave here as there isn't much for the creative community - hopefully this will change.
What exciting projects do you have on the boil right now?
At the moment I am working on creating a stack of artwork and bits n bobs for the
Finders Keepers Market in Brisbane. I haven't done a market stall before, so can't wait.
Visit Kat on the
internet! And read her
blog too.