We had the good fortune of connecting with Katherine Parmalee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katherine, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
One thing I realized once I really started doing projects for people outside my immediate circle was incorporating the business aspect into it. There is a lot more that goes on behind the scenes than just making the art. You have to think about fitting the work around a day job— which includes invoicing, developing your pricing, and creating a brand for yourself, whether that be on social media or by word of mouth. It takes a lot of time management!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
So I began as an oil painter. In college, I would make little pieces for friends as a small side hustle. I loved the look on my friends’ faces when I would present them with their own personalized piece! Through word of mouth, my pool of clients spread. I fell into the pet portrait speciality for a while, which I enjoyed, but I wanted to take my art further into an even more marketable space. Over the pandemic, I began to teach myself how to make digital art. These days, I will do pretty much anything someone asks of me creatively because I know I can figure out how to do it if I don’t already have the skill in my wheelhouse. I love learning something new with every project I do. It is not always easy, but I like to think of myself as a bit of a chameleon. I strive to build my repertoire constantly.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As an East Nashville resident, I tend to frequent the fantastic local restaurants and bars around the area. I love shulmans and hawkers. Mitchell’s deli also remains a staple in my rotation. And of course, it wouldn’t be a visit to Nashville without seeing a local show!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to give credit to my friend Morganne Allen. Before we started our own art showcase, Artsy Fartsy, I had totally given up on vending booths. She has made it so accessible not only for me, but for fellow artists who face obstacles such as booth fees, travel costs, merch production, etc. By not charging to vend or by keeping the booth fee very low (depending on the situation), she has made it possible for many to get their footing in a very exclusive sect of people who are privileged enough to vend their work in public spaces.

Instagram: katparmaleeart

Image Credits
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