behind the brush with Katie Lukes
Welcome to Behind the Brush, where we offer a peek behind the curtain through the voices of talented artists within our community. This week, we’re chatting with Katie Lukes, an impressive Chicago-based artist who has helped us make an impact for local and national organizations, like Choose Chicago and Cricut.
What first drew you to the world of art and illustration? Can you share some key moments that shaped your early career?
I went to school for graphic design, ultimately because I wanted to have a stable creative career. I was a designer for several years out of college which I enjoyed but it wasn’t quite the right fit and I knew it wasn’t what I was most passionate about. I found that I was always trying to solve creative problems with illustration. When I moved from working at a small traditional design studio to working in-house at a company called Threadless, I was given the opportunity to implement illustration in my work all the time and it really fueled my passion for illustration even more.
Growing up, were there any artists or experiences that significantly influenced your decision to pursue art professionally?
Growing up I drew all the time. Raised an only child, I was often bored while my parents brought me to do boring adult things and had to entertain myself. Drawing became such a habit and a comfort that it felt like the most natural option for me to pursue in some way; I wasn’t really drawn to any other profession so I knew I had to make it work. As a kid I was really drawn to simple comics like Garfield. I loved the cleverness used in order to portray a message in its simplest form.
Your work often features a playful use of color and form. How do you approach the creation of your unique illustrations?
I think the visual communication aspect takes precedence when I approach a project—everything I’ve learned from my graphic design days. I think about how I can visually communicate whatever it is I’m working on in a clear effective way, paired with approachable humanistic lines and shapes. I want what I make to be easily digestible and approachable to the viewer.
There’s no shortage of talented artists in Chicago. And, being a full-time artist comes with a lot of non-related art responsibilities, like getting your name out there. What’s been something that you think has helped you earn the attention of both local and national organizations?
I feel lucky that I started using Instagram to get my illustration work in front of potential clients early on when it wasn’t so saturated and easier for Creative Directors and the like to find freelance illustrators like myself. I took advantage of the platform by creating illustration series on there and tons of one-off illustrations. This got me visibility but it also was a way to push myself as an artist. It was (and still mostly is) my form of marketing myself, because I don’t do much outreach although I’m trying to get better about that!
How do you incorporate elements of Chicago, or your personal experiences, into your artwork?
Like a lot of artists, I consider myself a very observant person. I like to use that skill to my advantage just by noticing the little things, the everyday occurrences that get overlooked (and not given their moment because life moves so fast) and give them their moment through my work. The same goes with work that’s Chicago-related, there are so many little things about our city that make it so great and I want them to be remembered.
How do you handle creative blocks, and what strategies do you use to keep your ideas flowing?
Something that is inevitable as a full-time creative is that you will have tight deadlines and you will have to come up with concepts fast even if you’re not ready. I’ve learned that not panicking is key, as that will stop any ideas from flowing (which I know is easier said than done)! Pivoting to a different more menial task like doing the dishes or walking the dog is great because it gets you moving and out of your head, yet gives you the space to still think about the concepts you need to come up with while the pressure is off. Space and movement do wonders for me. But the longer I do this the better the creative muscle is and I can usually visualize it pretty quickly and get quick sketches down right away.
Can you tell us about a recent project that was particularly meaningful to you?
Earlier this year I was approached by Levain Bakery to create a Chicago-inspired tote design for them. Although a smaller project, it was meaningful because as a brand I’ve admired their branding which includes a lot of great illustration work. It’s always super flattering when my work gets paired up with quality brands and to represent my city within this project makes it even more meaningful.
We loved your work for our partnership on the Choose Chicago campaign. There were so many fun easter eggs relating to the city and its culture. We’re wondering if you had a personal favorite within it?
Thanks so much! It was a great honor to represent Chicago in this way. I’ve lived in the city for 11 years now so it’s been a while but really it’s only been in the last few years where I’ve felt like I’ve earned the title of “Chicago Artist.” This project got me reflecting on my 11 years here, and realizing how much there is to offer in Chicago. I knew that a lot of the things I love about the city, other Chicagoans love too. For example, I’ve lived on the West Side for most of my time in Chicago, so the swan out in the Humboldt Park lagoon was my favorite easter egg. I love driving down Humboldt Boulevard in the summer and seeing the swan boats out on the water.
What advice would you give to young artists who are just starting out in the industry?
My best advice is to make make make. Make a lot of stuff, it’s going to be bad half the time, and that’s okay. It’s truly the only way to grow. Don’t be precious about it! Also put yourself into your work, don’t just make work you *think* you should be making. It’s always clear when artists make work that they’re truly passionate about and put themselves in it.
Let the people know where they keep up with you and your work!
Yeah! Instagram is best and you’ll find me @lukeskatie. Otherwise you can check out my site at katielukes.com.
