Kata is the first-ever graphic design specialist for the OHNS SBU.
Where were you before Cook Medical and what made you decide to pursue Cook?
I was at Author Solutions, a self-publishing company here in Bloomington. I designed book covers that covered all genres. Self-help books, text books, fiction, non-fiction, biographies, you name it. I did that for almost four years.
It was a really wonderful place to start, learn, grow, and develop a style, but ultimately, I left because I felt like I outgrew it. At Author Solutions, I felt like I was only helping one person at a time. I got an overwhelming sense that I could do more with my life’s work, as silly as it sounds. We all want to contribute to something bigger than ourselves, and as an artist, it’s challenging to find that niche where you can make pretty things, but still effect change.
So, a friend and a graphic design specialist in Cook’s Healthcare Business Solutions recommended that I apply to Cook.
What do you like about your job?
The people I get to work with. Every company you work for has a different vibe, and not every environment is always positive and helps to nurture creativity and this one certainly does. It’s completely different than what I’m used to in the best possible way. Everyone is always friendly and helpful.
What does a typical work day look like for you?
When I come in, I start by doing some housekeeping; I check emails and make sure I don’t have any upcoming meetings. Then, I start making a list of all the tasks I need to get done. I crank out the easier ones that I can get finished quickly, then I prioritize from there, finding a balance between what needs to go out first, what I can get done quickly, and what I need to focus on and take my time with. Because I’m the first and only designer for OHNS, I get to define my role, so I get a little more freedom than in larger SBUs.
What’s been your favorite project to work on for OHNS so far?
Definitely the infographics for Twitter during Dysphagia Awareness Month. It wasn’t as restrictive as some of the other stuff I work on, and it was fun to get outside of the Cook brand for a bit. It was also exciting how successful they were. We had over 22,000 organic impressions for the month of June on Twitter, and each time we tweeted one of my infographics, it got a lot of really great responses. It goes back to my work and wanting to make a difference through it. Those infographics reached a large number of people; I feel like I’ve made a difference in someone’s life just by being able to get the information to them.
What’s an interesting fact about you?
Eventually, I want to live in a tiny house. It’s going to be about 250 square feet and they’re going to start putting in the septic tank and the well by this October, hopefully. When you downsize your life, not just the material possessions, you find out what’s really important. To me, it wasn’t owning a big home, it was about experiences. That’s where I want to focus my time and energy, not on my house.