Today we’d like to introduce you to Tessa Rushton-Sanders
Hi Tessa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am Tessa Kate, the creative behind Tessa Kate Creates. I am a Graphic Designer, Illustrator & artist specializing in vibrant colors, hand drawn letters, surface design, art licensing & custom branding.
I’m a native to the Salty Lake area in Utah. I have always been drawn to art & design from a young age. I was always coloring, drawing and playing on Mircrosoft Paint on my parents computer. I knew I wanted to pursue something that incorporated those aspects when I went to college. In my freshman year I found the Visual Communications Degree, which was a perfect fit for me because it was a combination of being creative and using the computer.
I earned my BFA in Visual Communications and have been working in the creative industry since 2009. I am currently creating art and design for the art licensing industry and taking custom freelance work. My artwork is a harmonious blend of vibrant colors, playful sketchy lines, hand-drawn letters, and organically crafted digital illustrations.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I feel like I have ping ponged through a lot of different avenues. I’ve worked in marketing departments, designed websites for dentists, did marketing for real estate agents, sold art prints at markets, designed a children’s books, designed a bench in a cemetery, created multiple branding packages for small businesses, taught children art classes and drew a dozen portraits of women for an OBGYN office. Now I am currently working in the art licensing industry by building my greeting card and surface pattern portfolio. There have been times I have been phased out of a job because I had just had my first child and the company didn’t want to work with me on the hours, I have had times I have been doubted because I am a woman and was too emotional or too opinionated. I have also struggled with depression and anxiety which at times have resulted in burn out and made it debilitating to be creative. I have learned from personal experience my creative self always comes back I just need to let myself rest. I was not made to be someone who hustles.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
A lot of my inspiration comes from my colorful and messy life adventuring in the outdoors with my three children. When I’m not having killer dance parties, baking cookies and sewing costumes with my kids, you’ll find me sketching out my next creative adventure. I chose freelancing specifically so I can do the Mom thing. I have the freedom to be home with them and take clients when it fits into my schedule. It’s not always easy but it’s worth it knowing that I will work more when they are a little older.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
The Power of Fun by Catherine Price
Art, inc by Lisa Congdon
Find your artistic voice
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Graphic Artists Guild Hand book Pricing and ethical guidlines
Creative, Inc by Meg Mateo Ilasco & Joy Deangdeelert Cho
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tessakatecreates.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tessakatecreates/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessarushton/
