Life & Work with Kate Wilson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Wilson.

Hi Kate, we’d love for you to start by giving us some background about yourself?
I grew up rurally, so naturally, I love the outdoors, wide-open spaces, and country music. After high school, I studied a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at university because I wanted a practical qualification that gave me a broad understanding of the primary sector, trade, and ecosystems globally.

In contrast to this, I’m creative at heart and have always been obsessed with making and creating things; painting, drawing, fashion, sewing, writing, and photography. Even though I studied agriculture, I think I always knew I would end up going down the creative route career-wise.

Since university, I have done a variety of work and travel; everything from driving large machinery during harvest season in Western Australia to freelance stylist, photography, and design work for musicians and apparel brands. Before moving to the USA, I spent 4 years as the Content and Engagement Manager for a marketing company in New Zealand.

My true passion lies within the music industry and I have really found a special at-home feeling here in Nashville. I now tour full time with musician Caroline Jones who is also a member of the Zac Brown Band. Within my role with Caroline, I get to engage my entire skill-set from logistical planning and aspects of tour management on the road to photography, design, and fashion projects.

In my spare time, I enjoy creating art, most recently, large charcoal drawings of my favorite musicians plus creative writing. Nature is a huge point of inspiration for me, I feel the most motivated and creatively charged after spending time outdoors hiking, climbing or fishing etc. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For many years, I felt like I couldn’t figure out where I ‘fitted’ because I have so many contrasting interests and skills.

I felt the pressure (mostly from myself) to either be ‘one thing or the other’ so that I wasn’t perceived as ‘half doing’ things. Fast forward a few years, it’s my varied skill-set and interests that I like the most about myself and evidently what landed me this diverse dream role here in the USA.

Growing up in such a small country (New Zealand) with an equally small music industry, there is only so far you can get before you are limited by job opportunities. Moving to America has always been the dream but it was a long road to getting a job and a work visa here.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do?
I roll with the broad title of ‘Creative’ as it seems the most appropriate way to encapsulate everything I do which is; photography, graphic design, illustration, art, creative writing and creative direction. 

When we aren’t on tour, I have my own personal projects on the go. I’m currently writing and illustrating my second children’s book, creating portrait art or taking photos. I feel proud when I see international brands and musicians using my work to build their own success. Last year, I had work featured twice on billboards in Times Square, NYC plus on platforms such as Vogue Business and Spotify. Earlier this year, an intercontinental music video that I directed for Kaylee Bell and Lindsay Ell premiered exclusively on CMT which was a buzz!