Daily Inspiration: Meet Kat Wilson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kat Wilson.

Hi Kat, 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 grew up creating something out of nothing—this idealistic mindset has driven my artistic journey from the very beginning. I am mainly a self-trained artist, and for most of my life, I built my practice through experimentation, community, and personal exploration. My public school art teachers are everything to me—they were the first to see and support my vision. Last year, I had the opportunity to take part in an artist residency in Florence, Italy, which was the first time I received formal training outside of the public school system. That experience deeply affirmed my path and expanded my approach.

Currently, I’m a student with the MSU Art Department, working toward a BFA with a concentration in painting and photography. As for my story—I’m just getting started.

What I love about being an artist is that in a world built on rules and regulations, you have the ability to create your own world—your own rules—whatever you say goes. My work empowers me as a voice in a world often intent on silencing differences. I’d say most people who know me understand how much I value the arts and how much joy they have brought to my life. The world needs more spaces for people to freely and safely express themselves, and I hope to continue cultivating those.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I believe that’s part of what’s shaped me as an artist. Being mostly self-taught meant I had to continually advocate for myself and carve out opportunities , that did not exist at the time. Access to resources, mentorship, or even validation wasn’t easy to come by. There have been—and still are—times when I’ve questioned whether I belong in the art world, especially within environments that can feel exclusive or inaccessible. Financial limitations, self-doubt, and lack of representation have all been very real challenges.

One of my favorite quotes is by Emily Dickinson:
“We grow accustomed to the Dark—
When Light is put away—
As when the Neighbor holds the Lamp
To witness her Goodbye—”

I love this line because it speaks to the solitary paths we often walk, especially through uncertainty or grief. And yet, it’s a reminder that even in the darkness, the world is still with us. That sentiment is part of why I named my art practice The World Is Big Designs—to remind myself and others that no matter how lost or isolated we feel, we are never truly alone. The world is vast, and we are each just one part of its grand, interconnected design.

I think many people struggle to show up for themselves—especially when it comes to their mental health, and I’m no exception. My art often serves as an allegory for what I’m experiencing. It’s how I make sense of the internal obstacles I face. On the days when it’s hard to wear a brave face, the canvas becomes a safe space—a net to catch all the feelings and moments I can’t always put into words. Through creating, I process. Through sharing, I connect.

Every challenge I’ve met has shaped me—not only as an artist, but as a person. It’s made my voice clearer and more grounded. I’m proud of where I’ve come from, and even more proud that I’ve kept going.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work lives at the intersection of emotional storytelling and material exploration. I specialize in painting and photography, often using these mediums to build layered narratives around memory, identity, and transformation. Much of my work feels like a visual journal—each piece a snapshot of a moment I’m processing or a feeling I’m learning to hold. I’m especially drawn to symbolism, texture, and color as tools for emotional translation.
I think what sets me apart is the raw honesty I bring to the work. I approach art as a deeply personal form of navigation, using it to move through mental health challenges, grief, growth, and everything in between. I’m less interested in perfection and more committed to presence—to capturing whatever is real in that moment. One of the core beliefs behind my work is that love should be loud, but the acts to show it are often quiet. That’s the energy I try to bring to my creative practice—small, intentional gestures that speak volumes over time.
One of my favorite memories is from last summer, when I threw a art show at a local comedy bar, Wide Right. I called it The Purge— a collection of the past five years of paintings, along with a print series I had recently completed. The centerpiece was an 18×24 chalk pastel drawing of an abstracted labia. In the moody bar lighting, it created a unexpected contrast that drew a lot of attention from the comics performing that night. One of them, Addie Lynne—who’s now a good friend—bought it almost immediately, saying, “This is the cheapest vagina I’ve ever bought for myself!” The piece became a fixture in the bar and was often referenced in comics’ sets until Wide Right sadly closed in December 2024.
That moment captures a lot of what I love about my practice: the spontaneous connections, the humor, the depth, and the courage to show something vulnerable in a space that doesn’t usually hold it.
Whether I’m working on a canvas, behind the camera, or creating public work, I want people to feel something when they encounter my art—not because it shouts, but because it speaks to something soft and true.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is staying connected—to myself, to others, and to the bigger picture. That connection shows up through honesty, empathy, and creative expression. I’ve learned that the world can be loud and chaotic, and it’s easy to lose your sense of self in all of it. So for me, making art, showing up for my community, and creating spaces for reflection and expression are all ways of grounding that connection.

I care deeply about authenticity—not just in how I present myself, but in the way I make and share my work. Art allows me to be honest in ways words sometimes can’t, and I believe those small acts of vulnerability have a ripple effect. I want my work and my presence to remind others that they’re not alone, and that even in the darkest moments, there’s still beauty, humor, and meaning to be found.

At the end of the day, what matters most to me is creating with purpose, and making sure others feel seen in the process.

Pricing:

• Commision services are availble nonrefundable deposite of $100 + flat rate fee depending on size, medium and time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theworldisbigdesigns.com
• Instagram: theworldisb1g
• Youtube: theworldisbigdesigns

Image Credits
I took all these images and its my own creations 🙂