If you don’t know this about me by now, I LOVE finding South African artists and discovering new styles of art. There is nothing more special to me than receiving personalised gifts, and really seeing the time, effort, and love in the choice of spoiling.
Katy-Jane has such a unique style of art that is full of soft colours, happy memories, and absolute inner beauty. Her art evokes such joy whenever I see a new piece, and I often see that these are used to capture very special moments. I am thrilled to bring you an interview with this talented #GirlBoss below.
Your name: Katy-Jane Huemer
Business name: by Kate
Social media handles: Facebook and Instagram. Personal Instagram.
Tell me a bit more about yourself: Currently I’m in the process of building my own sustainable Fashion Label. Sustainability within the fashion industry sits extremely close to my heart and if I can make a slight difference to our ever so growing world; why not? Local is lekker.
I have two years experience working as a Freelance Fashion Designer/Creator in Cape Town. I’ve done work for brands such as Woolworths and Markhams, creating CAD’s, Techpacks and Prints. I’ve also done my fair share of Internships… Truworths, Crystal Birch and Aisha Baker.
At present, I am a short course Digital Design Lecturer at Design Academy of Fashion. Teaching to both part-time students and industry workers. I help people fall in love with the digital fashion world. Before venturing into the design world I spent four years of my life in the hospitality industry, owning and managing my own coffee shop, Blonde&Beard.
I have a love for people, I have a love for serving people and a huge soft spot for coffee.
Have you always been artistic: YES – I grew up in a very creative and artistic household. My Mom and Sister inspire me daily – I actually send through every illustration to Mom to get her approval before sending off to it’s new home (she’s my bestie and biggest inspiration).
How would you describe your style of art: Quirky and unique? I guess I find describing my art very difficult, I’m not someone to boast
What makes your art different to others: The amount of love that I pour into each illustration, this is my magical remedy
How can people place an order with you: Placing an order is super easy and user friendly; one could just hop onto my Facebook or Instagram page and pop me a message OR they can also mail me at katyjanehuemer@gmail.com
What emotion do you hope people feel when they see your creations: HAPPINESS | I strive to portray happiness and emotion throughout all my illustrations.
Which is your personal favourite piece of art that you have done: A personal favourite of mine is pretty much anything animal / pet related. I LOVE drawing up Pet Portraits – who doesn’t love staring at a cheerful doggy or beautiful kitty all day? There’s an innocence about them that tends to bring me peace & calmness.
How did lockdown affect your business: Lockdown actually enabled me to start my illustration business so I’d 100% give lockdown a thumbs up from my side.
Why do you encourage people to support local: I think by supporting local you are supporting your country or better yet even your home town; there’s just something so special about this. To me it brings a community together, makes us stronger as a ‘whole’ and allows small businesses to grow and get the recognition they deserve!
Quote you live by: “So plant your own gardens and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring your flowers.”
Anything else you want to add: I’m a HUGE coffee Lover!
Are you not completely and utterly obsessed over this art? I am crushing hard on her artwork, and absolutely loved chatting to Katy-Jane. You can feel her positivity and happiness bubbling out of every pore, and she was an absolute joy to get to know.
I’m definitely going to be placing an order for a piece of work for our home soon. An anniversary gift, wedding present, birthday surprise, or something to celebrate a special occasion – it would suit any of these. Please tag me in your pic if you get one done! I would love to see how they turn out.
