Project Spotlight: Katrina Frye + Mischief Managed
KATRINA FRYE believes in supporting other artists and creatives by sharing with them the tools, structures, and perspective to thrive as self-empowered, self-employed professionals. She is also keeping a close eye on the economic conditions that artists must work in, and common pitfalls that make it harder for all of us to do well. She says: “If we aren't careful we will suffer if more people offer below market rates for subpar work. I am working alongside younger people right now to educate them on their market value. I am hoping we enter this next chapter offering our best and improving the reputation of the arts sector.”
Katrina Frye (image by Kenzie Kate Photography)
Katrina, tell us about how you support artists.
My professional practice for the last four years has been working alongside artists, creatives, and creative companies to better articulate and actualize where their work can thrive. I have found success in translating business techniques and organizing structures for people to find priorities and tasks manageable. With my company, Mischief Managed, I meet people one on one in my office in Pasadena, or you can find me teaching workshops and guest lecturing around Los Angeles.
I graduated with a visual arts degree without any business knowledge, no freelancing techniques, and zero ideas on how to move beyond my circle. I've been developing these skills in the last ten years and now have a passion for sharing my findings since, sadly, these necessary skills still aren't taught in the classroom.
I truly believe artists and creatives can thrive with the right system, structure, and motivation. It's about finding what gets you out of bed, into the studio, and ready to share your work with the world.
As a consultant yourself, how do you collaborate with other artists and creatives?
Collaboration has been essential in my work since I rely on lots of other freelance professionals to fill in my weaknesses. I keep a graphic design, website builder, videographer, photographer, lawyer, accountant all on speed dial so I can quickly connect my clients as they build out their business team. I rely on efficient and affordable people who are willing to work alongside artists and creatives.
Katrina Frye supports artists through her company, Mischief Managed (photo by Sheldon Bolton)
What would a sustainable career look like for you?
A sustainable career for me is working adjunct in the school system, hoping to reshape the way artists and creatives are leaving college, along with individual mischief maker clients. I have also loved seeing my work on the larger scale with corporate and nonprofit clients. I love to keep a mix like in this on my client list so I can learn new skills, test them, apply them, and the recommend them. I look at my career as a research lab and always looking forward to adding more findings that will hopefully inform the next generation.
How do you see your field changing over the next 10 years?
Over the next ten years we are projected to be a 75% freelance job economy nationwide. I am excited and nervous for this future. If we aren't careful we will suffer if more people offer below market rates for subpar work. I am working alongside younger people right now to educate them on their market value. I am hoping we enter this next chapter offering our best and improving the reputation of the arts sector.
What's coming up next for you?
Well, I've been working to get my services more readily available for quick online interaction without contract or hassle. I want to support people where they are at. Also, I will be offering another round of in-person workshops for artists and creatives to apply and put ideas into practice while in the room. I offer branding, marketing, budgeting workshops, and more!
