We recently had the chance to connect with Alyssa Kate and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Alyssa, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, I’ve been finding creativity in unexpected places outside of my painting studio. I think when you work in a creative field, it’s easy to assume your inspiration always has to come from your main medium, but lately I’ve been giving myself permission to create in smaller, quieter ways. That might look like rearranging a room and finding new color combinations through décor, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, or simply going on long walks and noticing color palettes in nature. It’s reminded me that creativity doesn’t always have to be about producing something finished, it can be about slowing down, observing, and letting those little sparks of joy build into inspiration for when I do return to the studio.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Alyssa, the artist and maker behind Alyssa Kate Designs. While I’m known for my handmade stud earrings and colorful abstract paintings, creativity shows up in every part of my life. The way I decorate my home, cook, dress and even travel all play a role in shaping who I am as an artist. That’s actually why I started my blog, Living in Color, because I realized so much of my creativity happens outside the studio, too. I wanted to share the full picture, not just the art I make, but the lifestyle, inspiration, and color that fuel it.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
For a long time, I felt that all too familiar pressure to follow a path that looked like everyone else’s, to find stability, check the boxes, and fit neatly into what the world defined as success. But the further I’ve grown within my journey as an artist, the more I’ve realized that I’ve been circling back to who I’ve always been.
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a kid who created purely for the joy of it, making jewelry to perfectly match an outfit, rearranging my bedroom just because it felt fresh and new, and appreciating color in even the smallest and simplest of things. Somewhere along the way, life tried to shape that curiosity into something more conventional, but I’ve found my way back to her. That version of me still guides everything I do; in my art, my home, my travels, even how I cook or decorate a table. She’s the reason I chase color, creativity, and freedom in all forms, because that’s who I’ve always been at heart.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
For a long time, the fear of failing held me back, especially in my studio. As an artist, it’s easy to believe that creativity only counts when it’s happening in a structured, productive way. I used to put pressure on myself to always be “creating” something tangible, and when inspiration didn’t come easily, I worried I was somehow falling behind. I didn’t want to waste time, and I didn’t want to waste paint.
Over time, I’ve learned that creativity doesn’t live only within the walls of my studio, it flows in and out of every part of life. Some seasons are quiet and reflective, and others are full of energy and ideas. I’ve learned to give myself grace through those ebbs and flows, finding inspiration in cooking, travel, home design, or simply being outdoors. Once I realized that creativity can take so many forms, the fear of failure began to fade. It’s no longer about producing something perfect, it’s about living creatively, wherever I am.
Starting my blog, Living in Color, has given me a space to express all of these other aspects of my creativity without fear, and it’s helped me understand myself more deeply as an artist. I’ve learned that creativity reaches far beyond the walls of my studio, and that fear has no place in that kind of freedom.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
When I first started my art business, I felt a lot of pressure to make sure everything I shared tied directly back to what I was creating, my earrings, my paintings, my products. I wanted my work to speak for me, so I focused on presenting myself as “the artist.” But over time, I realized that my creativity, and who I am, extends far beyond the walls of my studio.
The public version of me has grown to reflect that. Now, what I share feels much more like the whole picture: the color, the curiosity, and the daily moments that inspire me. I’ve learned that my art isn’t separate from my life, it’s shaped by it. So yes, the public version of me is real, and that’s what excites me most, sharing the creativity that lives beyond the studio. It truly feels full circle to who I have always been.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’ve always known that art was what I was born to do, but for a long time, I thought I needed to chase something that sounded more defined, a “career” that the world would easily understand or label as success. It’s taken time and experience to realize that what I do now is not only enough, but exactly who I am meant to be.
Art has become an extension of how I experience life, from the way I decorate my home, to the recipes I create, to the places I travel, and the moments I choose to slow down and notice beauty. I feel fulfilled sharing that experience with others, because my hope is to inspire people to walk through life the same way, to recognize that you don’t have to be an artist to appreciate the art that surrounds us every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alyssakatedesigns.com
- Instagram: @alyssakatedesigns
