‘Relevant, Empathetic and Diverse’: The Keys to Kat Tushim’s Creative Spirit
Kat Tushim is a creative director at Upshot Agency, a Chicago-based agency "with an independent spirit, the drive to change the way marketing is done and a mind wide open". Outside of her day job, Kat is also heavily involved in up-and-coming creative conference True Chicago and is marketing consultant, photographer and illustrator for Artemisia Theatre.
Get to know this multi-pronged creative a little better.
Q> Tell us about your position with Upshot.
Kat> I’m a creative director, leading a team of creative art directors and copywriters. I have a passion for cultivating strong brands through intuitive interfaces, eye-catching visuals and relatable storytelling.
Q> We hear you are heavily involved in Chicago’s creative community. Can you tell us more about that?
Kat> In 2017 I was approached by an up-and-coming creative conference called True Chicago. They knew of my scrappy start, and my move from Flint, Michigan to Chicago with nothing more than a box of canned food and 20 bucks in my pocket. They also knew of my reputation in the marketing industry and thought my story would be relatable and inspiring for the next generation of artists. At that first conference I acted as their branding and marketing consultant and helped bring to life our mission through an artistic environment - I even created true-centric graffiti to build on the grit and beauty of the community they were speaking to. Ultimately I hope my role is to help Chicago’s creative leaders become more accessible and positively impact the local artist community.
Q> You’re also a board member for True Chicago. What does your position entail?
Kat> I work to help them in their mission to connect and empower creatives and make an impact on their local community. I’m part of a group of highly-specialised artists that work together with leaders in their respective fields to help create a platform for the next generation of leaders. Our workshops, conferences social events and dinners are learning environments designed to connect, inspire and galvanise Chicago’s artistic community.
Q> You seem rather prolific on both professional and personal fronts. What else are you up to?
Kat> I’m also a marketing consultant, photographer and illustrator for Artemisia Theatre for several years. This is a Chicago-based theatre group that produces modern, feminist stories that I develop a bright and bold illustration style for. My theatre poster art is influenced by the script and each poster hints at the storyline.
Q> Given your involvement in all these extracurricular worlds, how does it affect your day job?
Kat> Being deeply embedded in various additional artistic industries has helped me gain perspective - staying relevant, empathetic and diverse. I believe I bring those qualities to my work with our clients in good ways.
Follow Kat on Instagram here.
