Katie Scarlett is an illustrator, animator, and graphic designer known for her vibrant color palettes and unique perspectives. She brings a fresh, inviting lens to familiar settings, often depicting home environments such as dining rooms and kitchens, as well as unexpected spaces like tennis courts and swimming pools. Drawing inspiration from her own surroundings, she frequently incorporates the plants, furniture, and décor from her home into her work.

I first came across Katie’s work at the Artists & Fleas market in Chelsea and was immediately drawn to her fearless use of color and playful compositions — I knew I had to share her work with the Digital Arts Blog community.

She discovered her passion for illustration while studying Graphic Design at Georgia Southern University, where she earned her BFA in 2019. Katie has collaborated with a diverse range of clients, including Microsoft, Thrillist, Vox Media, MindBodyGreen, and ALAND. She currently resides in Brooklyn, NY, with her cat, Kirby.

We asked Katie about her art, creative process, and inspirations.

Can you tell us about your background as a digital artist? How did you get started in this field?

I got started as a digital artist back when I chose to study Graphic Design, I attended Georgia Southern University and graduated in 2019. While studying design, I was required to take several drawing classes and additional art electives. I had never really considered myself to be good at drawing because I always had a difficult time drawing people, but then I took a 2D animation class and fell in love with environment design and illustration for my animated pieces and I definitely think this was the beginnings of my current drawing style!

Your choice of color is one of the standout features of your work — it's so vibrant and engaging. How do you approach selecting colors for your illustrations, and what do you hope to convey through your use of such bold, lively palettes?

I have always loved bright colors and so naturally I gravitate towards creating bright and whimsical color palettes. I am always experimenting with new colorways and seeing how different colors work together and be vibrant while containing a cohesive look. I hope my use of color brings feelings of happiness and contentment to the everyday scenes that my work depicts!

Your work often features cozy, everyday spaces like dining rooms and kitchens. What draws you to these familiar settings, and how do you make them feel fresh and unique?

Kind of going back to the previous question, I think my color palettes play a huge role in the uniqueness and recognizableness of my work. I also love to incorporate fun details like plants, cats and other decor that make each piece look inviting! I am drawn to these familiar settings because I love finding beauty in the ordinary.

Is there an event which you consider a milestone in your digital art career?

There's actually 2 events – they both happened around the same time! I would say quitting my 9-5 design job to pursue illustration and signing with my agency, Totally Reps have been the biggest milestones.

Is there a project or collaboration that stands out to you as particularly memorable or rewarding? What made it special?

I think my collaboration with Microsoft is one of the biggest standouts-- it was one of my first projects I got after quitting my job and also one of the highest paying projects I've had! It really gave me extra confidence with my decision to illustrate full time.

What is a fun fact about you?

I am scuba certified.

What is a dream project you’d like to make one day?

I'd love to do a New Yorker Cover one day.

What else fills your time when you’re not creating art?

The business side of my work takes up a lot of my time! But aside from that, some of my other hobbies include traveling, exploring new things around the city, hanging out with my boyfriend, friends, and cats, and more recently I've been going to Yoga!