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Kate Worum’s artwork is woven into the daily lives of millions. As a pattern designer, she’s seen her buoyant prints and colorful patterns transformed into everything from bedspreads and dinner plates, to wallpaper and pajamas. “Creating art work at such a scale that you see your patterns out in the world is really exciting,” she says. “It’s really fun to share art on such an accessible level.”

Worum studied illustration at 51���Ϲ���, but it wasn’t until she used her alumni discount on a continuing education class that she discovered the world of print and pattern-making. “It’s kind of funny that that class set the tone for the rest of my career, and learning how to use my illustration skills to think about surface design and patterning.” That passion helped her get hired at Target, where she worked as an in-house illustrator, creating vibrant and eclectic housewares for the store’s Opalhouse brand. It also inspired her to start She She, a custom wallpaper company launched with creative partner Jennifer Jorgensen, known for their bespoke installations and cheeky designs. “When COVID hit, we worried we were done,” Worum remembers. “But instead it turned into a great time to collaborate with people who were trapped at home and fixating on all of the things they wanted to change about their spaces. We bonded hard with our clients on those Zoom meetings.”

When she’s not creating custom wallpapers, Worum takes assignments from retailers like Garnet Hill, while also taking full advantage of 51���Ϲ���’s Continuing Education catalog, where alumni like her can take any class they like for just $25. “No matter what your profession or your area of focus is, carve out time to create for yourself to stay connected to what inspires you,” she says. “I think this is the year I’m going to sign up for portrait painting.”