Bio

What’s the secret to happiness? ❝Some believe in destiny and some believe in fate, but I believe that happiness is something we create.❞ If you’re a Sugarland fan, too, then you recognize this lyric. It’s my favorite from their hit song, Something More. It’s completely true. We’re presented opportunities for happiness in life and work. But unless we make the effort to pursue those opportunities, we’ll never know what it means to be happy. I’m Katherine Klimitas, artist, speaker, author and graphic designer. I have Osteogenesis Imperfecta, better known as Brittle Bone Disease. I get around in an electric wheelchair. I’m 2 feet, 7 inches tall. And by age 10, I had broken 500+ bones. But there was no way my parents and I were going to let my disease dictate my happiness. My parents influenced me the most. They made me want to make something of myself, and I was going to be happy doing it—end of story. During my senior year at Loyola University, I started KAK Art & Designs. While my services have changed since 2011, I’ve stayed focused on 2 key areas: 1) expanding my reach and capabilities as a watercolor artist; and 2) motivating others to contribute to their communities. After owning my business for nearly a decade, what keeps me striving for something more? ♡ I want my work to bring people joy. ♡ I paint, speak, write, donate my paintings to animal causes and take on music industry creative projects. My accomplishments include: ➭ Completed 2 book projects, Looking Up and Breed All About Us: Canine Expressions of Art & Voice. ➭ Hand-picked by Rod Stewart to develop 10 cover art concepts for his Blood Red Roses album. ➭ Won International Toastmaster’s recognition 2X for my speech, I Have OI, and That’s OK. ➭ Profiled in articles across 15+ regional media outlets. ➭ Earned national veterinary medicine journal cover placements 3X for wildlife watercolors. I welcome your invitation to connect and the opportunity to discuss art, animals, music or what keeps you striving for more. To view my work visit: Website: kakartnola.com Instagram and Facebook: @kakartnola.com