Kathleen Shannon: Being a Lifelong Creative

What did you use to do during recess?

I loved practicing gymnastics on a metal bar on the playground – from pullovers to basket swings. I also loved jumping off high playground equipment. 

Did you think of yourself as a creative kid? What does creativity look like for you these days?

My whole identity was centered around being creative. I was always drawing, working on crafts, learning to sew, playing instruments, and performing in community theater. I once introduced myself to a great aunt by telling her that I’m an artist and she said “Well, honey – we’re all artists.” These days I work as a creative director for a branding agency I founded with my sister over a decade ago. I’m writing, designing, and doing art direction for brand campaigns. Outside of work I express my creativity by painting, sewing, and cooking fun meals. 

How did motherhood change your creative practice? 

As with most things since becoming a mom I have to be intentional about carving out time for big creative projects. But lately I’ve been drawing a cute or creepy illustration on a post-it note that I stick to my son’s snack. After a whole school year of this little daily practice I can see my own evolution in illustration! 

When do you feel most creative? 

Travel makes me feel creative. Also just hanging out with other creatives who are passionate about what they do and make is always inspiring. 

How can we support and encourage each other more?

I think the best way we can support and encourage each other more is to stop pretending like parasocial connections (comments, likes, and texts) are enough. Pick up the phone and call your girlfriend! 

If you had a free hour, how would you spend it? What about a free day?

I wish I could say it would be visiting an art museum or library for inspiration… but because I’m creative for a living I spend my free time at the gym being a total meathead and lifting heavy weights. Ha! 

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Kathleen Shannon is partner and creative director at Braid Creative. Kathleen is also the author of Being Boss: Take Control of Your Work and Live Life on Your Own Terms (published by Running Press in 2018). When she's not designing a brand or managing her team, Kathleen can be found cooking a bombass dinner for her family or daydreaming about her next travel destination. Kathleen currently lives in Detroit with her husband and son, Fox (9). Visit her Youtube Channel for friendly inspiration.

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Hi! I’m Heidi. Writer. Editor. Mother. I’m interviewing 100 creative mothers, because I believe the more we see other mothers making beauty and meaning in small moments, the more we will be inspired to make our own kind of art, whatever that may look like during this intense season of life. Support the project by sharing with a friend.