Kat Kess
Visual Artist & Designer | Tattoo Apprentice
OH, USASalutations, my name is Kat Kessler.
I'm a multidisciplinary creative, equipped with a strong eye for detail and the inability to sit still.
I have experience in various creative environments and mediums, ranging from amusement park portraiture to university welding projects and rebranding.
Aside from an ongoing tattoo apprenticeship, I like to partake in kennel work and animal welfare projects; I also value psychology, sociology, and the unique human/individual experience.
Some things I find pretty rad include: unconventionality, authenticity, introspection, and nuance.
I'm a multidisciplinary creative, equipped with a strong eye for detail and the inability to sit still.
I have experience in various creative environments and mediums, ranging from amusement park portraiture to university welding projects and rebranding.
Aside from an ongoing tattoo apprenticeship, I like to partake in kennel work and animal welfare projects; I also value psychology, sociology, and the unique human/individual experience.
Some things I find pretty rad include: unconventionality, authenticity, introspection, and nuance.
Work Experience
Freelance Work
Commission Artist
February 2013
- Present
Fly Tattoo
Tattoo Apprentice
July 2022
- Present
Ohio, United States
Cartoona Matata
Caricature Gig/Travel Artist
June 2022
- Present
3dx Scenic, L!VE
Temporary Composites Fabricator
Executed the fabrication of various scenic elements and displays.
Additional Training: mold making/ fiberglass/ resin/ polyurethane/ silicone/ PPE
Additional Training: mold making/ fiberglass/ resin/ polyurethane/ silicone/ PPE
March 2023
- May 2023
United States
Miami University Sculpture Department
Sculpture Shop Monitor/Student Assistant
December 2018
- May 2020
Ohio, United States
Miami UCM (University Communications & Marketing)
Illustrative Artist | Graphic Design Intern
April 2019
- June 2020
Ohio, United States
Kaman's Art Shoppes Inc.
Gig Artist | Portrait Dept. Head Supervisor
Additional Training: caricatures/ body art/ gigs/ airbrush apparel/ customized ornaments/ photo/metal-stamping/ hand-cut silhouette profiles
February 2013
- December 2019
Ohio, United States
Kennel Resorts
Lead Kennel Tech | Office Management
March 2022
- January 2023
Ohio, United States
Education
Miami University
BFA in Communication/Graphic Design, minor in 2D Fine Arts
August 2016
- May 2020
Ohio, United States
Awards
UCDA Awards 2020
Excellence Award (Integrated Marketing) | Honorable Mention (Student Work category)
2020
National Woodcarver's Association Scholarship
Annual Departmental Merit Scholarship awarded to an MU Dept. of Art undergraduate | skill/passion working with sculpture and 3D fabrication
2019
Jim Killy Art Scholarship
Annual Departmental Merit Scholarship awarded to an MU Dept. of Art undergraduate | excellence in the field of art
2018
American Greetings Endowed Scholarship
Annual Departmental Merit Scholarship awarded to an MU Dept. of Art undergraduate | top portfolio submitted/accepted into the Communication/Graphic Design program
2017
Persuasive, Research-Based Argument Award
Nomination of an essay on transgender inequality/discrimination to be featured as a student example in Miami University's new ENG111 textbook.
2017
Miami University Creative Arts Dean’s Scholarship
Awarded to an MU Dept. of Art undergraduate for excellence in their admission portfolio review.
2016
University Academic Scholars Scholarship
Awarded to members of MU's College of Creative Arts (CCA) University Academic Scholars program.
Skills
Adobe Acrobat,
Adobe Illustrator,
Adobe Indesign,
Adobe Lightroom,
Adobe Photoshop,
Adobe Premiere,
Caricature,
CLIP STUDIO PAINT,
Creative Collaboration,
Detail,
Drawing,
Eagerness To Learn/develop,
Fabrication,
Illustration,
Letterpress Printing,
Metalshop,
Observation,
Paint Tool SAI,
Painting,
Portraiture,
Problem Solving,
Prototyping,
Research,
Welding,
Woodshop,
Certifications
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Premiere Pro
Human Research-CITI Program
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Premiere Pro
Human Research-CITI Program