About

Hi! I'm Kate. I have been a professional designer and creative director in the Chicago area for the past 20 years. My experience includes print, branding, signage, photography, social media, and marketing. I consider myself to be an extremely effective communicator; and I take pride in my organization, problem solving, and project management skills.

Testimonials

"Kate has been my boss for 2 years, and I have learned so much under her guidance. One of the most admirable aspects of Kate's leadership is her dedication to mentoring young designers. Kate's teaching style is hands on and supportive, and Kate really wants to help me learn. Kate's teaching is not just limited to technical skills, she also emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and creative problem solving. Another standout quality of Kate's is her ability to manage client relationships. Kate has taught me how to professionally and effectively speak with clients which has been pivotal in my growth and networking skills."

Emily H.

Sr. Graphic Designer

Innovative Marketing Solutions

06.16.2024

"You [Kate] were the BIGGEST reason to stay at Niven. I can't tell you enough how your motivation, talent, and ENDLESS amounts of patience inspired me every day. Not only were you taking on an intense workload, but you were taking the time to teach me and help me get what I wanted out of this job. You always pushed for me to get more design work and consistently let me know how my job performance was. Your passion for whatever job you take on is unmatched. Whatever your next steps are in your career, you'll be incredible at that too."

Sarah K.

Art Director

Niven

08.12.2011

"Happy work anniversary, Kate! I'd like to take a moment to tell you that I truly consider you the MVP of Innovative. I find your creativity, organization, and people skills to be so important to our creative department. I think this place would literally come to a standstill without you - and it's an opinion that I've shared with other people. I hope you have a lovely day and are thoroughly appreciated for all that you do!"

Chelsey B.

Director of Retail Experience

Innovative Marketing Solutions

10.12.2022

"I mean what I say about your work and your work ethic! You are very talented! Plenty of people are talented but just don't have the work ethic to go along with it, which makes their talent of zero value to anyone. You are the whole package - talent and the willingness to back it up with solid effort, too. I am super appreciative to be the recipient of your hard work and talent. :)"

Amanda N.

Executive Director

Varsity Vocals

12.06.2010

"Just wanted to let you [VP Creative] know what a huge help your entire team [Kate, Lauren, and Stacey] was and the effort they put in to get the Columbia Minx/Trail units out. The project met with more road blocks and challenges than I care to recount, but your team was there every step of the way to make sure the parts were correct and ready to ship. Given my schedule, I never would have got this out without each one of them pitching in. I continue to appreciate all of their help and support on projects like these."

Mike D.

Director of Project Management

Niven

02.20.2014

"Just wanted to thank you [CEO of Niven] for an amazing year. Niven has been wonderful. I couldn't have asked for a better place to get work experience and meet great people. In particular, there is one person who deserves much credit for Niven's outstanding company culture, and that is Kate. She is an incredible teacher, boss, and coworker. She loves Niven, and it shines through in her dedication, hard work, and positive attitude. I am thankful to have such a patient, warm heart to look up to. I will truly miss her as well as the rest of the company."

Lauren E.

Art Director

Niven

10.30.2009

"... HUGE thanks to Kate and Lauren for pulling it all together and meeting our timeline. Those two are not only awesome with their creativity but outstanding with communication and follow up!"

Annette R.

Manager of In-Store Marketing

The Valspar Corporation

11.25.2013

"I just wanted to tell you [VP Creative] that, once again, Kate wore many hats today and was pretty much running a one-woman show back there. She also dealt with a lot of last minute items as well. She's a real trooper."

Bev S.

VP Client Services

Niven

12.29.2005