Katie Willoughby ·Feb 11, 2026

Meet The Maker: Katie Willoughby

When I first met Katie, she had come to Veer with her two daughters and a selection of pieces for me to choose from for the shop. My first thought was, "this woman is adorable." She has an infectious way about her and a smile was instantly plastered to my face. I found her energetic, giggly and full of humor as she playfully bopped around the shop with her girls. Katie is a CREATOR and as I sorted through the varied media in which she creates, I knew I was about to take on way more product than I actually had room for at the time...because her pieces were all wonderful...each possessing the same joyful quality that the artist so palpably exudes.

Are you a native Floridian? Where did you grow up?

I as born in Birmingham, Alabama & grew up in Jacksonville, FL. I lived in NYC 5 years after college. I’ve been in Orlando for 10 years and I love it!

Tell us a little about yourself. What do you make? What led you to working with ceramics?

I have art degrees from Auburn, UAB and The School of Visual Arts all concentrating in 2D- painting & printmaking. I got a job teaching high school art (yay!) and they told me I was to be the 3D teacher (boo!). So under duress I learned how to sculpt. What a gift that was. I’ve been at it ever since. I started making the heads because I wanted to hang one on the front of my rather bland house. The first one was awful so I kept going. Then other people started buying them. It’s been 5 years now.

What do you like most about what you do?

Sinking in and not judging myself. Having fun creating art I think is funny and cool and sharing it.

How many hours a week do you spend in production? How would you describe your work style?

I usually spend 30 hours a week making. When I go to make art I turn on music and I get into the flow. Consistency is key. If go more than a few days without making art I feel unmoored.

What inspires you in your day to day?

Nature, animals, 20 hidden Pinterest boards.

What other hobbies, interests or day jobs keep you busy when you’re not illustrating or writing?

I am grateful to have a husband, 2 daughters, a dog & 4 chickens that I like. So I spend a lot of time with them. I have several different art projects going- the clay heads, art vending machines, tea towels and painting. I also teach art.

Are there any artistic mediums that you have not worked with but would like to try and why?

Bronze and welding. Although I’ve tried welding and felt rather claustrophobic in the welder’s mask. I didn’t feel like Flashdance at all. So somehow I’d like to make a large giraffe sculpture for my yard. Some rabbits too.

What have you learned about yourself from creating your pottery?

I think humans are happiest when being creative- whether it’s art, cooking, gardening, or curating your space with shopping and decorating. It doesn’t matter the medium- just keep evolving.