Meet Kat Reeder | Peruvian-American Portrait Artist and Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kat Reeder and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kat, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success is my unwillingness to be limited by lack of technical training, financial resources or gender conventions. As an immigrant from a working class family and female, I found myself the only girl among the artsy kids. I was competitive and found ways to teach myself drawing and storytelling through free resources like school books, libraries, passed down comic books, magazines and television.

I observed, practiced, and absorbed inspiration from everything around me, resulting in experimentation with digital and traditional drawing leading to a vibrant and unique illustration voice in a crowded industry.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a child of an immigrant family I learned early of the power of ingenuity and personal connection. My parents taught me that a bit of charisma with a never-say-die attitude can open doors in all areas of life. I haven’t always been the most privileged or the most experienced artist but I always said yes even when it meant extra hours of self-teaching and figuring out how to design in my own time. As a result of my enthusiasm and competitiveness, I’ve been able to carve room for myself in spaces where my art would not be represented.

Having a natural curiosity for world culture and people also helped in shaping the visual language of my work, which is infused with not just American but Latin influences in a way that speaks to the way we are becoming one culture. I’m proud that my unique style of illustration is attracting collectors that love bold, sensual and joyful design.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A perfect week in LA with a friend would incorporate a whole lot of vintage vibes!

I would start with a bougie breakfast at Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel (because who doesn’t love running into a celeb or two), followed by a grungy afternoon of thrifting around Melrose. A stop at the Museum of Motion Pictures to check out original vintage movie posters is a must.

Other must-dos include a stop for authentic Peruvian ceviche at Mario’s Peruvian and Seafood, a night of tiki drinks at Tiki-Ti on Sunset and a lazy afternoon perusing lowbrow art at La Luz de Jesus Gallery.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
One particular person that deserves a shout out in my creative journey is my high-school AP art teacher, Mrs. Peggy Falligan. Mrs. Falligan was a passionate art instructor who not only exposed us to real working artists but made sure to address each student as an individual artist. She gave me confidence in my skills and encouraged me to pursue art as a real career. Mrs. Falligan not only taught us art history but expected us to put those lessons in practice right away. We were painting, drawing, collaging and experimenting with traditional media every week, which made art feel like a real expression and real experience that has stayed with me till this day.

Website: https://www.katreeder.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katreederart

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katreederart

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katreederart

Other: https://www.instagram.com/katreederportraits
https://www.instagram.com/lady.paradise.beauty
https://open.spotify.com/user/313iy7cnsvys4iqromheqcjrtztq

Image Credits
All images © 2025 Kat Reeder