Kate Glenn – Chief Designer
LittleLizzyLou Designs
Kate and I started design and selling at Cafepress right about the same time. I noticed her right away because she had no problem jumping into the forums and asking for feedback on her designs. There’s something truly wonderful about the power of simplicity, and I think that’s where Kate’s designs live… and quite happily. She’s helped a number of people share their passions and joy with her custom Little Lizzy Lou designs. Kate has also been a big supporter for Breast Cancer Awareness. I finally had the opportunity to meet Kate and her Husband June of 2008. They are such a fun couple to be around – Always smiling and ready to share a conversation about whatever comes up. Kate’s passion for her work and her genuine interest in those around her becomes apparent the moment you meet her!
What do you create?
I have created two main characters – Little Lizzy and Little Lou. Most of my designs are of these simple & cute characters with their favorite things. I have designs in awareness, celebrations, music, politics, sports, animals, food & drinks, and miscellaneous fun. I also create custom designs in all of these categories, which seems to be really popular.
 Girl & Pink Ribbon |
 Boy & Penguin |
 Girl & Daisy |
What medium do you enjoy most?
I work with digital graphics primarily. However, I’ve been working on recreating my designs on a sketch pad to broaden my horizons.
What title would you give yourself?
I started calling myself “Chief Designer” about a year or so ago. I reach out to my friends & family for ideas & inspiration, so even though I’m doing the creating & designing, I feel like it’s bigger than me.
How did you get started?
I’ve always been a creative & artistic person, but I got started with the LittleLizzyLou characters in February 2005. The Lizzy character is named for my sister, and was created for her birthday. Lou is named for me, since my mom called me Katie Lou a ton while I was growing up. I started with a few designs for each character, and the whole thing just snowballed from there! I started doing this full-time in September 2008.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I know this is a total cliche, but I want my designs to be recognized everywhere! I want to be able to create my designs for people for years to come, and would love to be able to change lives with them.
Name three favorite artists/designers/creatives:
Sujean Rim – She does the illustrations for Daily Candy & they are so detailed & adorable!
Beverly Boulton (my mom) – Mom is the one who taught me how to be unique & artistic, and to turn nothing into something. Her new company, Gee Bee’s Goods, puts her creativity to a great new use.
Lisa Robinson – a very good friend of mine, Lisa is a photographer, and her photos are so artistic & beautiful.
What kind of training, schooling or other learning experiences have you gone through that have helped you get to where you are now?
I have a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, with a Concentration in E-Commerce, which has been amazingly helpful to me as I grow my brand & market my designs. I don’t have any formal graphic design training, but I would love to do this in the future!
Do you feel you’re successful?
I think there are different levels of success, and I think I’m on my way. Marketing is my greatest challenge. I had a design featured in Redbook Magazine in February/March 2008, which was an amazing opportunity. I’m convinced that if the right people see my work, it will just take off! How could you not love these little characters?!
What do you like most about what you do?
Honestly, the thing I like most about what I do is working with my customers to create their custom designs. I have a lot of designs geared toward Breast Cancer Awareness, along with many other diseases. When a customer emails me their story, I am so touched & I feel so blessed that my design might make a difference to someone going through a challenging time. If I can bring a smile to their face, I feel like that’s such an amazing gift. Not everyone is as lucky to have that interaction with their customers.
What #1 piece advice can you offer to those which might like to “follow in your footsteps”?
My advice to others would be to always carry a little notepad & pen with you. You never know when inspiration might strike, and the last thing you want is to have this great idea, and then lose it because you don’t have a way to document it.
What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the fact that I believe in my designs. This is hard work, and a lot of people might give up. I believe that my designs can change people’s lives, even as simple & cute as they are. Sometimes that’s all you need in life!
 Girl & Coffee |
 Boy & Drum |
 Girl & Earth |
Other comments and ideas you’d like to share:
I think Jen Goode is an amazing person & artist. I strive to be like her one day!
Note from Jen: Thank you! I didn’t offer chocolate or cash for that comment… but I do believe that good people find eachother no matter where they go. I think we’ll only become closer as time goes on.
