I'm Kt and I'm an Equestrian & Digital Artist.
Katie = ‘Horse Girl’ + ‘Art Kid’
I grew up in the saddle and that passion has been a driving force ever since. Being raised in eastern Iowa, I competed in low-level eventing and local schooling shows, attended 4H camps, trail rode on the banks of the Mississippi, and even team penning if I got the chance. I was all about time with my horse. My most cherished memories though were not in the spotlight or the show ring, but in the pasture, the barn, or somewhere we probably weren’t supposed to be…
These moments have fueled my passion for all things horses, inspiring me throughout my journey as both a creative and an equestrian.
While studying art in college, I spent four transformative summers working on a guest ranch in Colorado. Wrangling, riding, and sharing my love of horses with guests was a game-changer. After graduating, it was time to ‘grow up’ and get a real job. I ventured into the corporate advertising world with my design degree, spending eight years with two commercial agencies. I honed my skills as an art director, motion graphic artist, video editor, photographer, and graphic designer. And even earned a MFA in Digital Arts in 2018 while working full time. Yea, I like to stay busy.
But staying busy couldn’t stop me from daydreaming at my desk about the West and my wrangling days. So in January of 2020, I packed up my car with my best boy (Ranger) and my sassy kitten (Gin) and headed to the stunning landscapes of southwestern Montana, where I worked as the marketing director and in-house creative for three and a half incredible years at Elkhorn Ranch, the historic dude ranch.
It was an absolute dream come true.
Life happens, even when your dreams are coming true. And in the late summer of 2023 I found myself back in the Midwest needing to be closer to my family.
For me life as a series of chapters. With this new chapter, I've chosen to take the leap to pursue my passion full-time. I plan to continue to evolve as an artist, equestrian, and storyteller.
To me there are no limits in the horse world. I believe in showcasing the diverse stories each discipline and breed has to offer. I call the heart of the Midwest home and am still very tied to the West. It's from here that I'm ready to embark on this creative adventure, wherever it may take me.
Through my lens, I want to capture the spirit, the passion, and the sheer beauty of the equestrian’s world. Every photograph is a chance to bring a unique story to life. I'm here to create timeless memories and celebrate these extraordinary animals we’re so lucky to have in our lives.
So, let's chat, maybe ride, and definitely capture some incredible moments together.
Catch you in the arena or on the trail!
Awards & Accomplishments
2011
Best in Show for MIAD Senior Thesis
Graduated from Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, BFA in Communication Design with a minor in Photography
2012
Published in Sunset Magazine
2013
Published in Andrew Harper’s Hideaway and Condé Nast Traveler
2014
Published in Andrew Harper’s Hideaway and Condé Nast Traveler
2017
Top Ten for American Advertising Awards
Gold for American Advertising Awards
Silver for American Advertising Awards
Published on Fodors.com and
TheMostExpensiveHomes.com
2018
Final Five for American Advertising Awards
Gold for American Advertising Awards
Published on Land.com
Graduated from Minneapolis College of Art & Design, MFA in Digital Arts & Marketing
2019
Best in Show Dubuque Iowa Fair
Published on ColdwellBanker.com
2021
Published in The American Driving Society’s December 2021 Issue of The Whip, Featured Image on Front Cover
2022
Published on ArchitectureandDesign.com.au