Katie Weber, the creative force behind Demetre Design, launched her design and animation studio in Los Angeles in 2020. With services spanning motion design and traditional graphic design, her studio caters to a broad spectrum of needs, from web design and consumer packaging to digital marketing.
A Lifelong Passion for Art
Katie’s journey in design began in 2007 in Chicago, starting in the niche field of motion design—an area combining design and animation for commercial, web, and television projects. Her evolution into traditional graphic design marked the foundation of her business. This transition was rooted in her lifelong love for art, nurtured by a creatively rich family environment. Her father, a painter, and other relatives, who were craftsmen and chefs, instilled in her the importance of creativity from a young age.
Nurturing Creativity Amidst Challenges
Katie was fortunate to have parents who encouraged her to pursue her passions without reservation. Initially venturing into creative writing and film, Katie always found herself drawn back to visual arts. Her father’s traditional 9-to-5 job did not deter his creative pursuits, and this balance of passion and practicality significantly influenced Katie. The Midwestern work ethic she observed in her parents inspired her to channel her creativity into a viable career.
The Importance of Community and Collaboration
The motion design world, especially in its early days, was characterized by a collaborative spirit. Katie found herself amidst a community eager to learn and share knowledge, which significantly shaped her professional growth. This camaraderie extended beyond work, fostering an environment where creative professionals supported each other’s journeys.
Balancing Creativity with Business Acumen
Transitioning from a purely creative role to managing a business posed challenges, especially in sales. Katie’s approach to selling relies on her genuine passion for her work rather than traditional sales tactics. Pricing, another complex aspect, is approached by considering both the time invested and the value delivered to clients. For smaller businesses, cost-conscious strategies are employed, while larger projects account for broader value considerations.
The Rewards of Entrepreneurship
Running her own business has provided Katie with the freedom to balance her work and personal life, a crucial aspect often compromised in the creative industry. This autonomy allows her to set boundaries and choose clients that align with her values, fostering a healthy work environment.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Katie advises young creatives to assess the type of stress they are willing to manage. Entrepreneurship comes with its own set of challenges, requiring a passion not just for the craft but for all facets of running a business. Growing organically and sustainably is another key piece of advice, as rapid expansion can be risky. Finally, she emphasizes the importance of having a good accountant.
Future Aspirations and Ideal Clients
Katie’s ideal clients are small, female-owned businesses, particularly in the beauty and wellness space. One of her longest-standing clients, Monika Blunder Beauty, exemplifies the kind of collaborative and rewarding partnerships she values. Her studio offers a comprehensive range of design services, from branding and packaging to web design and digital marketing.
For those interested in learning more about Demetre Design, visit demetre.design. Katie Weber continues to inspire with her commitment to creativity, community, and sustainable business practices. To listen to her full journey, listen to Women in Motion using this link: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/artist-to-entrepreneur/
About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)
WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.
