We are so proud of our Make Art That Sells Alumni, that we are pleased to continue a series of spotlight interviews showcasing their successes and artwork. We also ask them to share how the MATS courses have helped them learn and grow. You can see more Alumni Success stories here
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Today, we have an interview with Kate Endle. Kate has taken Bootcamp, MATS A & B and Home Decor. She is also signed up to more classes for 2017!
1. Tell us a little about how you got started in art and design.
I have been an artist since I was about a year old. My mom saved all my drawings from when I was a toddler! So, technically, I’ve been an artist for about 44.5 years; I’ve been illustrating professionally for about 25 years. I have very supportive parents and teachers and have been encouraged to create since I was a tot. I went to The Columbus College of Art and Design in Ohio, USA, where I obtained my BFA in Illustration. The big decision for me was whether to major in Advertising or Illustration. Because of my love of drawing and painting I chose Illustration.
2. Lilla always says “People buy your joy.” What brings you joy?’
SO MUCH!! Art, of course. Color, pattern, nature, my husband and family, good food and friends, waking up in the morning, going on walks, the first sip of coffee in the morning, seeing live music, traveling, and my massive collections of Japanese folk art, weird wooden things, stickers, vintage children’s books, vintage ceramics, house plants, and more. Pinterest and Instagram, too. Clearly, I could go on and on…
The fox image from the suzani assignment in MATS has been purchased for licensing.
3. Which is your favorite market(s) to design for and why?
I love licensing my work for paper and home decor products. I am a child of the 80’s so stickers and stationery from that era was a BIG deal to me when I was a kid. When I see my work on those types of products I really feel this sense of accomplishment because that was a goal of mine as a child.
4. What are you working on currently?
I’m working on the final touches for my next two board books- Ocean Motions and Penguin On a Scooter (Little Bigfoot/Sasquatch Books Spring 2018). I’m always working on images for Madison Park Greeting; they license my work for paper products, magnets, necklaces, and keychains. I also sell my art at the historic Pike Place Market in Downtown Seattle, Washington as a craft vendor. A couple days a week I set up a booth at the market and sell my originals, prints, and children’s books. Replenishing inventory is a constant project for me.
5. What are some of the key things you have learnt from the MATS experience?
Try something new. Conquer my fears by going towards the thing that give me feelings of apprehension.
6. How have the classes helped your artwork evolve /grow?
MATS has pushed me to explore different themes for my art. The images I have created through MATS would not have happened without the guidance provided by classes.
7. Any aha moments during MATS you would like to share?
Rediscovering my sketchbooks! I am a collage artist working in paper. I do draw, but not like I used to as a kid. Working on the minis make me feel like I am riding an art roller coaster. The immense joy of being free to create for fun literally brought me to tears. My first round of MATS classes (Bootcamp and MATS 2014-2015) was a very physical and emotional experience that’s a bit hard to put into words. My aha moment was, “This is never-ending. The wealth of inspiration in art is never ever ending. I can, and will, create art for as long as I am breathing”.
8. What are your key successes since taking a MATS class?
My MATS assignment was purchased by The Land of Nod and Madison Park Greetings. Dream come true!! Thanks, Lilla Rogers and her crew, for creating such a brilliant set of classes. I signed up for another round of Bootcamp, MATS A and B, and Home Decor 2017 classes. Woo hoo!
My unicorn series was heavily influenced by the suzani MATS assignment and I sold that series to Madison Park Greetings, too, for magnets and necklaces
9. How would you describe taking a MATS class to a fellow artist looking to develop their art
I would put a big emphasis on the global community that is created by the classes. Not only are the assignments inspiring, but I love having MATS friends through social media. The Facebook and Instagram component is very important for me and I appreciate the platform MATS give us to continue our online friendships after the course is complete. It’s easy to feel alone and isolated as a freelance artist. While taking MATS classes I feel like I have thousands of people I can go to for advice via the internet.
10. What is your dream gig for your artwork?
I would love to work for Ikea, Chronicle, eeBoo, Crocodile Creek, or any job that pays me to travel to make art. Creating a bedding collection for The Land of Nod would make me explode with joy! I also think it would be dreamy to be hired to write and illustrate an art/lifestyle book. It would be super fun to see my images animated. Dream big or go home, right?
See more work here: Website | Facebook | Instagram
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How would you like to get something from a top art agent every single Monday, for five months, to grow your artwork and your career—for the price of one latte a week?
Now in its fourth year, Make Art That Sells: Assignment Bootcamp 2017 with art agent Lilla Rogers is an exciting, structured five month e-course full of all-new assignments and bonuses to inspire you to make great art that attracts work. Class begins on MONDAY 6 MARCH.
Lilla has written brand-new fabulous Minis and Assignments for you, so you can attract work in the hottest markets. Don’t miss out on this brilliant opportunity to build your portfolio at a very do-able pace over the next five months.
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Would you like to experience all of the Make Art That Sells classes yourself? Browse our live and self-paced classes here
Graduates of our courses have gone on to win work from clients such as Hallmark, Robert Kaufman Fabrics, Oopsy Daisy, Uppercase Magazine, West Elm, Midwest CBK, and more. It is industry learning that works in the real world. Find out more HERE and start today!
