Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathy Blackmore.
Hi Kathy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I received my BFA in illustration from The Cleveland Institute of Art in 1992. On a recommendation from my drawing professor, I began teaching in the summer Young Artist Program there before I graduated. I’ve been a professional Illustrator for over 30 years and an independent Art Teacher for about 20 years. I interned and then was hired by the Disney Animation studio here in Orlando. I animated on a few feature films for about 8 years there. After being laid off, I wanted to get back to teaching. I taught at a Montessori school before being hired at Full Sail University. I developed and taught a 2D Animation class there for about 6 years. I’ve taught Pre-K through college level art classes. I started Creative Core Art Program in 2013 when I retired from teaching animation at Full Sail. Teaching my own classes after-school also gave me time to focus on my freelance illustration for children’s books. I’m represented by Shannon Associates. So, now I’m living my dream of teaching art to kids and making art for kids’ books.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have always wanted to draw for a living – and I am quite accomplished in that respect. I’ve been very lucky to have worked for several companies where I could use my degree as an “Applied Artist”. Not many artists can say they ever had a steady paycheck, and that was the case for me for many years. I worked best in the studio environment. The biggest challenge I’ve faced as a professional was when Disney laid off their artists (eventually, closing the FL studio), and I was let go. I had no idea what I wanted to do next. All I knew was that I didn’t want to learn computer animation. That shift in my career was a struggle; I felt lost without the structure of working for a studio.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Creative Core Art Program?
My After School art classes provide a safe space for kids to make art. Their process and ideas are respected and celebrated ~ we have fun making a beautiful mess (within reason – lol!). Class size is very limited in Studio 142 at FAVO and kids get a lot of individual attention. I always try to infuse lessons with the basics (Elements of Art), emphasizing technique and process over product. The classes are structured around a project but only as a starting place. Kids are encouraged to “do their own thing” – and they always do: I love that!
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I feel that we make our own luck – if you can keep your eyes open to whatever could be next. I was in the right place at the right time at almost every change in my career. The biggest stroke of luck for me, was finding an after-school program already established in College Park – meeting the teacher, seeing her studio classroom, trying to figure out what I could make of it. That teacher was ready to retire and literally handed me the keys. I stepped into her shoes and grew from there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ccart.studio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativecoreartclasses
Image Credits
Kathy Blackmore
