Designing Determination: An Interview with Katie, Senior Designer at High Five Media
Every creative journey looks a little different, and for Katie, that difference is what makes her story inspiring. As a Senior Designer at High Five Media, she brings not only years of professional experience but also a relentless drive to learn and grow. Her story is proof that passion and persistence can shape a successful design career, even without the traditional path.
A Lifelong Passion for Design
“I’ve been designing professionally for about six or seven years,” Katie said. “But really, my whole life has been gearing up to do this.”
Her love for creativity has always guided her, leading her to explore design through curiosity and self-motivation. Whether it was experimenting with software, exploring new styles, or diving into tutorials, she found ways to learn that worked for her.
Working Hard and Learning from Others
When asked how someone can excel in a career like hers, Katie’s answer came with quiet confidence. “You really just need to put the work down,” she said. “You need to work really hard to get here.”
She shared a piece of advice that stuck with her from years ago. “I watched this old MySpace interview with Lana Del Rey,” Katie explained. “She said, ‘Find people whose life you love and do what they do. Copy what they’re doing and study them.’ That really resonated with me.”
For Katie, that meant observing others who had built the creative lives she admired, learning from their methods, and applying what worked to her own process. “Just study what they’re doing and really go for it,” she added.
Finding Her Own Way
Katie’s path into design wasn’t traditional, but it was full of determination. “I feel like I got into design in a really unconventional way,” she said. “There were times it felt impossible to make a career out of it.”
When obstacles stood in her way, she didn’t stop. “I started watching YouTube videos, studying how people were doing things, and teaching myself,” she said. “Even though I went to college, I kept getting close to that degree and having it snatched away. So I just started learning on my own.”
Her self-taught approach helped her grow quickly, proving that dedication can take you just as far as any classroom. “Obstacles are always going to come your way,” Katie said. “You might not know how to get there right away, but if you keep studying, keep trying, and keep following how others are doing it, you’ll get there. It just takes time.”
Persistence as a Creative Superpower
Katie’s story is a reminder that creativity thrives on perseverance. Her journey shows that success isn’t about a straight line but about adapting, learning, and pushing through. “That would be my biggest advice,” she said. “Keep going, even when it’s hard. It’s all about putting in the work and staying consistent.”
Her story continues to inspire both new and experienced designers at High Five Media, reminding everyone that passion and persistence can build a career as strong as any degree.
