Feature Friday: Kathryn Diaz

Kathryn Diaz is an artist we at Plebeian have gotten to work very closely with and it's been a delight. Diaz is a talented photographer, documenting her life and travel through the eye of the camera. Her photos capture real life as it goes by and her use of soft colors make shots feel like classic Polaroids. This feel and control transfers into her work as a designer seamlessly. Diaz has this great balance of classic font and photo style paired with new ideas and it makes for some really beautiful work. But, enough of my ramblings, just like every Friday I was fortunate enough to get to talk to this badass artist so I'll let her take it away!

1. First off, tell us a little about your artistic background, what made you the artist that you are?

I owe a lot of my artistic background to my parents. When I was a kid they always encouraged me to explore my creative interests no matter what it was, supporting my after school clubs and shows. They even passed along my great grandfather’s first film camera which jumpstarted my love for photography and the joy of capturing my friends’ and family’s raw emotion. Ever since I got that camera (which is still kickin) I’ve learned to appreciate the smaller things in life. There a beautiful details in people, places, and pretty much everything that I wouldn’t necessarily notice without my early start in art.

2. In your photo work you've got some very interestingly framed shots, what goes into framing a photo for you? Are you setting the stage or just capturing life?

When framing compositions I’m always conscious of strong lines and diagonals, but I usually try to capture life as is. I used to spend so much time setting up comps that I lost sight of what was actually in front of me. So now I try to keep a balance. 

3. Your photos always have such soft color. Whether they're muted or really vibrant, they're always gentle on the eye. Is this something you strive to achieve in taking the photo or is it an effect achieved in editing?

It’s a little bit of both. I always look for interesting natural lighting situations whether it’s diffused or shining through cracks/objects. I always picture scenes before me like a dream,  so being able to convey soft imagery is important in each composition.

4. You're also a skilled designer, what is your work in this field like? Do your photo and design work ever cross over?

My photo and design work always influence each other. I recently got more into designing at the end of my schooling, whether it be editorial or branding, and my background in setting photo has definitely helped find balance in design. It also works the other way around. Learning more design principles and design history through the VC program has influenced how I see images now. 5. You're getting ready to head into the exciting world of professional art, any big design plans? Photo plans?

As of now I don’t have any solid plans of work, but I hope to work in a place that will allow and encourage me to use both skill sets of photo and design, which are pretty much interchangeable now. So if you see this and are looking to hire a fresh, hungry creative hit me up!! Other than professional plans, I want to get back into film photography again. Whenever I travel I try to take some rolls, but I want and need it to be more consistent again. It’s important to me to get back into something I love and what pushed me to pursue this field in the first place.  6. PLUGS! Where can people find you and what do you have coming up?

If you want to check out my work you can visit my IG @kathrynediaz or my site kathryndiaz.com. I also have a senior exhibition coming up with the University of Delaware VC program on May 22-31 at Recitation Hall! You can check out the show IG @theshowvc19 to see a preview of my work!

Remember Folks! Feature Friday is an awesome way to get your work seen and promoted, as well as make you eligible for other prizes! But, you’ve got to post on that forum so we can see your work and promote it! So post, comment and post some more! Let’s see and talk about all of your work!