Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Hanson.
Hi Kate, 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?
I knew when I was little that I wanted to be a graphic designer. My dad was a commercial artist and I was always playing around on his Mac – art is in my DNA. I went to school for fine arts and graphic design and got my first job in the art department of an advertising agency in Minneapolis. In 2011, I moved to Denver and have now worked for agencies and multiple Fortune 500 companies here. Aside from my full-time career as a mobile app UX manager and designer, I own a small graphic design business where I design eco-friendly greeting cards and illustrate children’s books. I also help small businesses get off the ground with projects like websites and branding. The balance of a full-time career and owning a small business definitely keeps me busy and keeps the creative juices flowing!
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 wouldn’t say my career path has been easy; I definitely started at the bottom and worked my way up to where I am today. It created the foundation for a great work ethic. I feel fortunate because I’ve always had great leaders and mentors. I don’t take that for granted but I also worked really hard. It was never fake-it-til-you-make it. I was honest when I didn’t know something, moved quickly past my failures, and paid it forward every chance that I got.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I studied art and art history in school and have a deep passion for creative expression. I think art is one of those things that makes life better and it’s incredibly therapeutic. It’s fulfilling knowing that your work has inspired someone else. I have a fun greeting card line with messages written in guitar chords and I’m working on my fourth illustrated children’s book which is a new passion for me. It reminds me how important it is to turn off my Mac and get the markers out. A lot of my ideas come to me in my dreams or when I’m out in nature. When I’m feeling blocked, I trust my innate creativity will help me get past it when I’m ready. My husband supports and encourages my artistic talent which drives me to keep pushing it further!
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Denver is one of the best cities in the world. It’s such a fun vibe and you can’t beat those blue skies. I love being able to go outside every single day of the year. The mountains are just a short drive away, creating the perfect combo of urban living with endless opportunities for exploring nearby. I’ve lived here for over 10 years and still have so much left to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: katehansoncreative.com
- Instagram: @katewillcreate
