Seattle

catherineblakesmith@gmail.com

About

Catherine Blake Smith
Photo by Adam Boender

Originally from Springfield, MO I transplanted myself to Seattle in 2009, after visiting family here since I was young. I’ve long loved Seattle’s lush greenery and dense neighborhoods, as well as its long history for innovation. Initially arriving in Seattle to practice theatre, I have evolved my love for dramaturgy—contextual research, season planning, script development—theatre directing, and production managing into a new direction and a certificate in Web Design from Seattle Central College.

Download my resume.

Studying web design, I learned UX/UI design and modern web design are an extension of everything I practice in producing theatre. The first questions we ask as a UX/UI designer are contextual research. Why did we choose this platform or app? What do we want the audience to take away from their experience and interaction? What information does the user need at this time to feel the way a certain way and is it readily available? Site architecture, consultation, and bridging the gap between the viewer and the creator is what I do as an artistic director of a 32-year old anarcho-democratic collective. When the user visits the site or interacts with the app, are they having an integrated, holistic experience supported by our mission and purpose? And ultimately, my dedication as a production manager for volunteer-led artistic projects has led me to become an empathetic and considerate leader who values everyone’s opinions to devise solutions utilizing stated needs and available resources.

Read my 2017 interview with Gemma Wilson

I believe Seattle sits at a unique intersection of deep history and innovative thinking. As a web designer and project manager, I help individuals develop and showcase their web and theatre products to express their work holistically and become professional artists.

Every single project is powered by americanos or cold brew. My favorite spots to drink a cup are Analog Coffee and Kaladi Bros. and my favorite work/hangout spots are Cafe Solstice and Saint John’s. In my free time, I enjoy reading about tarot and astrology, listen to a lot of Metric and Carseat Headrest, and podcasts.