Kat Thay is no ordinary artist; she's a master connector and facilitator.
Throughout her career, she's excelled by building and nurturing creative teams that shine not only in skill but in character.
With over 20 years of experience in the creative industries, Kat began her journey as a graphic designer. She later transitioned to creative operations, establishing herself as a trusted leader of in-house creative units.
Her unique understanding of maximizing the potential of creative teams has been termed 'the business of creativity.'
Equipped with keen insights and effective marketing strategies, Kat crafts campaigns that command attention and make everyone take notice.
"After graduating in Graphic Design at Brighton University, I had an internship at a local branding agency. By lunchtime on the first day, it was abundantly clear that I wanted to be at the feisty account teams' table discussing clients, new business pitches, and how they were going to fit the work schedule onto our quiet table of designers ... I decided there, I wanted to be sat on the loud table."
"Being British, I always had warm, accessible countries in mind. As a result, I traveled extensively and worked in India, Australia, Greece, and Bali. As a face painter, waterski instructor, restaurant host, and occasionally in the creative business. In every profession, you meet some incredible people who are wonderful, diligent workers, and kind. My Mantra is always 'work hard and be nice', especially to hard-working creatives."
"I've recently taken part in a number of conferences, from SXSW to Cannes Lions, where I've spoken with creative agencies from all over the world. We've freely addressed the challenges and issues that creative studios face and how we can work together to overcome them."
"As the Co-President of the AAF Austin chapter, I'm deeply rooted in our creative community. I frequently hear about folks who struggle to enter the creative industries, therefore events like these are genuinely priceless. Getting out there and breaking out of a rut requires attending events, networking, and meeting new people."
"Since I can remember, I've wanted to help artists by getting them the work they want, enjoy, and are good at. If I can do this for others, it will be my legacy."
"I’d really like people to talk more about challenges in the creative space, so we can all help one another."
Dive deeper into Kat's 2023 work with her female-founded creative video agency - K&C - in the project recaps below.
"As a creative agency in Austin, SXSW is a goldmine. The annual festival and convention brings the top creatives from around the globe to the Texas capital, making it the perfect environment for learning, networking and, yes, collaborating." Continue reading at katandcarter.com.
"This was a dream project... We got to create content for a cause we strongly believe in (inclusion and representation of LGBTQ+ people in advertising). We got to do it in our own satirical way. And we got to work with an amazing group of friends (old and new) who each brought something special to the piece."
Continue reading at katandcarter.com.