PORTFOLIO
Kat Marks Ventures Inc.
I have always lived to create in honest abandon.
Everything I do serves as a beacon to inspire others and illuminate new ideas. I do this by following the natural flow of creativity and bringing together those who share my vision.
I believe in creating rebellious fashion without boundaries.
Keynote + Lecturing
Kat Marks is a creative leader, keynote speaker and fashion designer. As an expert on the creative process, Marks provides tailored keynote presentations that inspire her audience on a visceral level. She is an ideas person with focus on creativity and design thinking. Her fresh perspectives on design innovation are sought after by industry leaders.
Marks' approach is conversational, motivating and professional. She engages audiences to:
Foster their own creativity
Rethink and reprogram their approach to the creative process
Gain insight into the design industry
Design expertise and material methodology includes pattern cutting, leather craft, fabrics and acrylics. Marks is a serial entrepreneur with widespread expertise across disciplines including design and e-commerce. Kat Marks Ventures Inc. and its operating affiliates, specialize in the business of wholesale distribution, B2B + B2C operations, retail, niche markets, fashion luxury, strategic marketing/branding and website development.
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FICP: Financial + Insurance Conference Planners
Montreal, QC | 2015 | 400+ attendees | keynote + workshopILEA: International Live Events Association
Seattle, WA, USA | 2014 | 500+ attendees | keynoteILEA: International Live Events Association
Nassau, Bahamas | 2013 | 500+ attendees | keynote + workshopPrevious Presentation Topics:
Our Ideas Are Not Our Own
Visceral Design and the Creative Process
Creative and Professional Practice in the Fashion Industry
The Practice and Principles of Traditional Leather Craft
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2020 Michael Cerbelli The Hot List: LETHRBAR
2019 ILEA Esprit Award: Industry Innovation: Lethrbar in a Box
2014 Shortlist: Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards: Emerging Accessory Designer, Toronto, ON
2012 Shortlist: Creative Enterprise Awards: Freelancer Category, London, UK
2011 Shortlist: International Talent Support: Accessories, The Karass, Trieste, Italy
2009 International Design Awards, 1st Place: Women’s Avant Garde, LA, California -
Mount Royal University, 2015
Maker in Residence - ‘Makers Arc’
Calgary, ABDe Montfort University, 2012
Artist in Residence - ‘The Red Project’
Leicester, UK -
Contract Faculty
Mount Royal University | Calgary, AB | 2014-2017
ENTR 2301: Innovation and the Entrepreneurial Experience
ENTR 3730: The Language of Scent
De Montfort University | Leicester, UK | 2011-2013
Guest lecturer: 'Fashion and the Creative Process'
Director of summer program: Introduction to Traditional Leathercraft WorkshopCoventry University | Coventry, UK | 2012-2013
Contract Faculty: One to one and group tutoring for fashion and fashion accessory students focusing on illustration, pattern cutting, garment construction and technology
Independent Consultant and Faculty Advisor
Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, GA, USA | 2016
Program review of Accessory Design department
Evaluated department strategic direction, engaging students and classrooms, exchange of ideas for continual improvement
Guest Lecturing
UK, Scotland + Ireland | 2011-2013
Visited 13 universities across the UK, Scotland and Ireland from 2011-2013
Guest lectured on creativity, design process, fashion manufacturing, creative direction
PRESS + PUBLICATIONS
Strategic collaboration and partnership with press, magazines and stylists.