In Conversation with Kale Williams

Tell us about your background:

As the daughter of a children's book illustrator, I have been creating artwork from a very young age. I studied fine art during high school at Interlochen Arts Academy and in college at the Rhode Island School of Design. After college, I moved to NYC and found myself drawn to the world of print and pattern design for textiles. I loved creating artwork based on flowers and experimenting with the many ways to design a stripe.

After working for a design studio for a few years, I moved to Rebecca Taylor, where I learned how to create the finished print design product—a runway-ready collection. I then had the opportunity to design for LeSportsac, which is a print designer's dream job. The brand celebrates prints, essentially providing a blank canvas ready for wearable artwork. After eight years there, I gained the confidence to open my own print design studio.

Running my own print design studio has been an exciting adventure. I love working with amazing designers and creative directors across different industries and creating artwork collections with freedom. I've had the opportunity to work with clients like Ralph Lauren, Coach, Tory Burch as well as main stream brands like The Gap, Joe Fresh, J.Crew and Uniqlo. Meeting each creative team has been the start to a new friendship.

What do you wish you’d known when you started out?

I wish I had known that the connections you make during school and your career are the most valuable. Your friends and contacts can provide you with incredible opportunities when you're in transition.

Best career advice you've ever received?

"Just keep making things."

What leadership qualities are important to you?

A strong sense of purpose, leading a team by example, and total conviction in the work you're doing.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?

The biggest challenge I've faced is moving from New York City to Upstate New York. I truly appreciate how wonderful it is to be surrounded by professional creatives in NYC. Upstate is great for our family, but working remotely is challenging.

And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?

Birkenstock's Arizona Essentials. Living Upstate they transition super well from a cafe to my home studio to the garden.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalehalperinwilliams/

Website: www.kalewilliamsstudio.com

Instagram: @kalewilliamsstudio