Kat Bass

Kat, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?

Born and raised in Hialeah, FL. In 1981 father was a photographer and lover of the arts. So art has always been present in my life. Father passed away when I was ten so I’ve held on tightly to his teachings and memories. Art has always been a passion of mine and has consistently been presented in my life. Became a professional Graphic Designer and my art is painted on many different mediums I don’t have just one type of canvas. My canvas consists of murals, kustom shoes, paint on drag cars, renderings and pretty much everything. Now I’m a mother of four and was just hired as illustrator for CARtoons Magazine. They have been in publication since 1960! This is my dream come true.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not easy at all. Experienced the death of my father at a young age. I was lost for so many years, started working at a young age my teen years were extremely rough, I was in an abusive relationship and left Miami. Later Due to a divorce my kids and I experienced an eviction where we almost became homeless. Dust has settled and I thank god for all these obstacles in my life. Without these experiences I wouldn’t be the strong willed woman I am today for my kids. Today I am happily married to the man of my dreams, tho my past was a rocky one, I appreciate everything that I over came to be the best I can be. 

We’d love to hear more about your art.
I went to school to become a Draftsman using AutoCad I landed a job in a firm. Later I realized that wasn’t for me I became a tattoo artist. Though it was fun, also didn’t suit me. Being a full time mom and tattooing did not fit. I needed to be home more. I launched a website where I hand painted caricatures on wine glasses and beer mugs. I owned and operated that biz seven years. Till my divorce was over about two years later I needed to do art again and became a graphic designer! I fell into the automotive world and started to Pinstriping. That lead into other automotive related art like car renderings and kustom kulture art. I’ve painted on motorcycles, hot rods, drag cars. Then… I got a message from the CEO of CARtoons magazine asking if I wanted to become an illustrator and my dreams have come true. They have been in publication on magazine stands for over 60 years! Now my illustrations will join the ranks of some of the BEST automotive/cartoon artist ever and I can’t believe it!! I am so excited for what’s to come.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Landing the new role of illustrator for Cartoons Magazine and becoming a licensed Rat Fink Artist. Being published in magazines & guest in podcast, I really never thought my art would ever reach those milestones. I am grateful for every opportunity that was presented to me.