Kate Schelter: The Watercolor Wonder

Photography by Meg Niemann | @MSNPhotography

I was so excited when I heard that Veronica Beard (one of my ALL time favorite brands) was teaming up with the legendary Kate Schelter on a new collection inspired by some of her most famous works. 

I sat down with the artist, illustrator, creative director, and stylist to talk all things entrepreneurship. Read below for more!!

Interview with Kate Schelter

Was there a particular moment that made you realize this career was for you? Have you always been interested in fashion illustration?

I have always been drawn to what I do—my work is my passion! It has grown as I have grown. I have always been an artist and painted—I went to art school—I used to do it for fun as I was a fashion stylist for 15 years, and then friends noticed my watercolors and asked me to work on projects together. It was really organic and it naturally coincided with my pregnancy with my daughter. Her birth marked a huge shift in my life and my career: a beautiful blossoming.

What advice do you have for other creative women with a passion for entrepreneurship and starting their own business?

Do what you love, do it everyday, practice it and cultivate it. Have heros. Meet your mentors. Pound the pavement, find your people, and connect with the ones you love. Work is all about relationships and its important to approach people and meet them in person, reach out of your comfort zone. Take risks.

What makes your approach different than other illustrators out there?

What I do know is that I am an artist who listens to my gut and paints from my gut. I paint what I love. I don’t sketch—I paint from life, completely improvised and free. All my joy flows out of my paintbrush and onto the paper.

What is the most exciting project that you have worked on to date?

Writing and illustrating Classic Style was deeply personal and fulfilling—I learned that I love to write. Its an illustrated autobiography—a two year process—it tied a beautiful bow around my entire life and career. I love connecting with readers and I love knowing a book is permanent.

Did you ever have an ah-hah moment where you felt like you had finally made it? And if so what was it/what was it like?

When I landed in NYC at 25 and got my first job as a Vogue photographer at New York Fashion Week it was a dream. I couldn’t believe it was happening.

What’s next for your career? Do you have any exciting projects coming up?

I have just completed a year’s work on rebranding a hotel, The Colony Palm Beach—I designed an entire universe and it was so much fun! 

Now, I am working on a line of Kate Schelter fabrics, textiles, ceramics. 

How do you stay “Honest" to your brand?

I go by my gut: the “Hell, yes!” factor. I say yes to projects that reflect my passions and interests. I have to listen deeply to myself and I only accept projects that allow me to grow, learn, and collaborate with amazing and talented people.

Thanks for sharing Kate! Stay tuned for our next #HonestGirl

X kt