Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Weir.
Hi Katie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Katie Weir is the owner and creative force behind Dollop Creative, a design, marketing, and fine art studio she founded while studying design at The Art Institute of Portland. Originally launched as “Dollop Art” to reflect her work across multiple mediums, the business has evolved alongside a career spanning graphic design, marketing, website development, social media strategy, and fine art.
After graduating in 2013, Katie worked as a Marketing Specialist for OSU Federal Credit Union, where she helped redesign the organization’s logo. She later joined BrandMuscle (now Ansira), creating marketing and design materials for national wine and spirits brands. Her career continued through agency, in-house, and freelance roles, including work with G5 in Bend and Nashelle Jewelry, where she led website and social media initiatives that helped revitalize the brand’s online presence.
Although much of her professional career has focused on design and marketing, painting has always remained at the heart of her creative practice. Katie studied Fine Art Painting at Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design in Vancouver, BC, an experience that continues to influence her work today.
Now based in Oregon, Katie has returned her focus to fine art while continuing to offer graphic design, website design, and marketing services through Dollop Creative. Most recently, she completed a whimsical indoor mural for Hearing Resource Audiology in Portland’s Hollywood District. Whether designing a brand, building a website, or painting a wall-sized artwork, Katie is passionate about creating work that connects people to beauty, story, and place.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not always been a smooth ride. COVID was the biggest obstacle for my freelance career.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a multidisciplinary artist, designer, and marketer, and the owner of Dollop Creative. My work spans fine art painting, murals, graphic design, website design, branding, and marketing strategy. While many creatives specialize in a single discipline, my career has allowed me to move fluidly between art and business, helping clients not only create beautiful things, but also connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.
At my core, I’m a painter. My early education was in Fine Art Painting at Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design in Vancouver, BC, and that foundation continues to influence everything I create. Whether I’m designing a brand identity, building a website, or painting a mural, I approach each project as both an artist and a problem solver.
One project I’m especially proud of was helping revive the digital presence of Nashelle Jewelry through website and social media work during a pivotal time in the company’s growth. More recently, I’ve returned to large-scale painting, completing a whimsical mural for Hearing Resource Audiology in Portland. Reconnecting with painting after years in design and marketing has felt like coming full circle.
What sets me apart is the breadth of my experience. I’ve worked in-house, at agencies, and as a freelancer for businesses ranging from local startups to national brands. Because of that, I understand both the creative and strategic sides of a project. I can think about aesthetics, storytelling, user experience, marketing goals, and business outcomes all at once.
Today, my greatest passion is creating work that brings a sense of wonder, connection, and beauty into everyday spaces. Whether that’s through a mural, a painting, a website, or a brand, I love helping people tell their stories visually.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I’ve taken a number of risks throughout my career, but the biggest one has been continuing to bet on myself. Freelancing isn’t always the safest or easiest path, yet I’ve maintained Dollop Creative for over fifteen years because it gives me the freedom to align my work with my values.
My perspective on risk has evolved over time. When I was younger, I thought risk meant moving to a new city, changing careers, or taking on a big creative project. While I’ve certainly done those things, I’ve come to believe that one of the greatest risks is standing up for yourself when something isn’t right. Throughout my career, I’ve experienced workplaces where creativity wasn’t valued, where people weren’t treated with respect, or where the culture simply wasn’t healthy. In those moments, I’ve chosen to leave rather than stay somewhere that compromised my well-being or integrity.
That hasn’t always been the easiest choice. Walking away from stability can be uncomfortable and uncertain, but I’ve learned that growth often happens outside of our comfort zones. Every major step in my career, from relocating for opportunities, to rebuilding after personal challenges, to returning to my roots as a painter, has required a leap of faith.
At the heart of it, I’m a problem solver. I believe in helping people, improving what can be improved, and turning difficult situations into something meaningful and beautiful. Whether that’s through art, design, marketing, or simply how I navigate life, I try to approach challenges with curiosity rather than fear.
I don’t think risk-taking is about being fearless. It’s about trusting yourself enough to move forward even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. Some of the best things in my life and career have come from taking that chance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dollopcreative.com
- Instagram: dollop_creative
- Facebook: dollopArt
