Kate Allan

Kate Allan is an author and illustrator from Washington State. She writes and draws about painful things but aims to make it okay with bright colors and sparkles.

Under the handle The Latest Kate, she has a social media following of more than 400,000 people. Her work has been featured in The Huffington Post, The Mighty, My Modern Met, Wear Your Voice Mag, The Patreon Blog, Sparklife, and more.

In “You’re Smart, Strong, and You Got This!” she shares drawings, affirmations and Comfort to Help with Anxiety and Depression. It’s not easy to discuss mental health, even though it affects everyone. We want to believe we can handle anything that comes at us, but the reality is we all have good days and bad days. Because of this, it is important to check in with our mental health. Through guided illustrations, author Kate Allan opens the door to discussion about mental health in an approachable and unassuming manner. Whether you deal with social anxiety, depression, or are simply going through a rough patch, Allan is here with her friendly animals to help. Negative thoughts can keep us from reaching our full potential, not to mention hold us back from attaining happiness. This book is a source of validation and encouragement for those moments when we need a reminder of our worth.

The focus of this book is personal growth, both the reader’s and the author’s. With her beautiful illustrations, Allan guides us through how she went from rock bottom to managing her mental health quite well. By zooming in on mindfulness and prioritizing self-care, Allan expresses how we can get through the hardships we face and come out stronger.

I’m so excited for you to connect with Kate, check out her book and illustrations, and follow along as she continues to share beautiful messages of hope for all ages, coming from a place of understanding and empathy.

I'd love it if you'd introduce yourself, what you do, and what you're working on.

My name is Kate Allan, I am an author and illustrator that draws kind, colorful animals to help combat anxiety and depression.

How did you get started?

To be honest, it started with a breakdown! I went through a severe bout of depression in college, and my therapist instructed me to argue against my negative thoughts and perceptions through journaling. I found the resulting affirmations to be very helpful in dealing with day-to-day stress. I then paired them with cute animals because sometimes arguments can feel more legitimate when coming from a colorful little friend.

What inspired the work that you're doing?

I’ve never felt “cured” of anxiety or depression, it’s always been about daily management. Writing affirmations helps me cope with the negativity my mind continually sends my way.

What is your biggest passion? Do you feel like you're living your passion and purpose?

I am passionate about a better quality of life for everyone. I hope my work helps others cope through the same mental distresses I’ve dealt with. I feel really lucky that I have an income creating artwork, it’s pretty wonderful.

What is your joy blueprint? What lights you up, brings you joy, and makes you feel the most alive?

To be completely honest, it can be difficult for me to find joy sometimes. I love spending time with good people. I also find satisfaction in learning new things, exploring the outdoors, and in improving my illustration and design skills.

How do you live intentionally? Are there tools/resources/practices that you rely on to help you stay mindful and grounded?

I’ve been making monthly self-care calendars for myself! It may sound silly, but literally highlighting every time I take a walk, cook a meal, or do laundry feels rewarding and helps me keep it together.

What would your younger self think about what you're doing now?

Oh dude, she would be so excited. Drawing cute animals and then having them published as books, cards, pillows, and mugs? She would be over-the-moon about it.

Do you have a go-to mantra or affirmation?

Lately it has been, “just do your best; it will be enough.”

What is your biggest dream?

I feel really fortunate in my life, so I wish for everyone to live long, healthy lives.

To learn more about Kate and her new book visit her website www.thelatestkate.tumblr.com and on Facebook @thelatestkate Twitter @tlkateart Instagram @thelatestkate and you can find her book on Amazon here

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Kate Allan - Author, You're Smart, Strong, and You Got This!