Trilix is excited to welcome motion designer Katie Sailer to the team! As an Ames native and child of Iowa State alums, our new hire decided to carve her own path by pursuing a degree from the University of Iowa and graduating in 2020. The multi-talented Katie will utilize her animation skills to help take Trilix’s video capabilities to new heights.  

This iced coffee-loving, Studio Ghibli fan sat down with us recently to tell us about her work and passions. 

Can you tell me a bit about your professional background?

I graduated from the University of Iowa in the spring of 2020 with a fine arts major and minor in biology. I originally intended on doing something in the realm of biomedical illustration and animation, but I realized that something more creative and design-centric was my passion. I had done a lot of graphic design and some animation work for a nonprofit student organization on campus, as well as a student-run arts and culture magazine. Both experiences definitely set me on the right path.

I eventually landed a graphic design job in the Des Moines area. While there, I was drawn to animation and motion design projects. I love that I can do motion design full-time at Trilix!

What is your favorite aspect of the job?

I love the pace and variety of work, as well as my team! I enjoy being busy with projects that I find interesting, being able to grow and improve as an artist and animator, and learning from my coworkers in the process.

Tell us about your life outside of work! 

I was born and raised a Cyclone in Ames, Iowa. But I had to make it interesting and convert to being a Hawkeye later in life. Both of my parents are Iowa State alums, and my younger brother plays the trumpet for the ISU marching band.

What do you like to do in your free time? Any hobbies or unique talents?

I love cooking, drawing, reading and running. I took a printmaking class in the evenings this summer, and I am working on my own linocut prints from home (silkscreen is next on my list). I ran the Chicago Marathon in 2018. I didn’t train but still finished, and I want to properly train and run it again — maybe in October 2023.

What is your useless talent?

After going through a phase in middle school, I can make friendship bracelets really fast.

Favorite film, food, drink and furry friend?

  • I love Studio Ghibli films. My favorite would have to be “Howl’s Moving Castle.”
  • I love feta cheese and pasta so some type of Greek-inspired pasta salad is the best of both worlds for me.
  • There’s nothing I love more than a slightly-sweet iced coffee.
  • I adopted a cat from the Animal Rescue League almost a year ago. Her name is Daisy.

Describe your perfect day.

I love a slightly warm fall day around 55 degrees in the morning, eventually rising to 70 degrees in the afternoon. It would start with waking up early and going to the farmers market and then making a nice meal with the fresh produce. The day would probably include spending some time outside walking around, relaxing and drawing a bit, maybe going out for a semi-nice dinner.

If you could do any other kind of work, what would it be?

I think teaching art or design would be a lot of fun.

What motivates you at work?

Being able to learn and improve every day so I can contribute my very best work possible.