Hi there. My name is Katie, and I am the founder and editor of Off Switch Magazine and Blog. I like to think of myself as an all around creative gal with a love for pretty things and people pursuing their dreams. Born and raised in a western suburb of Chicago, Illinois, I hold a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from an Illinois university and spend my days creating and organizing content for Off Switch.
After a couple years of blogging, I launched the first volume of Off Switch Magazine in December 2011. Off Switch Magazine is a quarterly print publication with the goal of inspiring readers young and old to live full lives. We believe in doing what you love, creating and appreciating beautiful things, and living passionately—without an off switch. It’s important to me to push past my comfort zone, hopefully exceeding my expectations of myself and sharing my creative life with others in the process. Here at Off Switch Blog you will get a clearer picture of my daily life and personal interests, as well as more interviews, creative writing, and photography projects that didn’t appear in the print magazine. Consider this your one stop shop to everything Off Switch!
I am always working on new posts and blog series to share with you. Just like you and I, this blog is ever evolving and I welcome its growth as much as I welcome my own personal evolution and growth. Posts of years past may not have the focus of current ones, but I hope you’ll find enjoyment in all the content you find here whether past, present, or future. Take a look around, read a post or two or twenty, and feel free to say ‘hi’ in any of the methods listed on my contact page. Thanks so much for reading!
About photos courtesy of Kate De La Rosa. Magazine photo in right sidebar courtesy of DABITO.
CONTRIBUTORS:
Since relaunching Off Switch Blog in November of 2012, I have asked some friends to help give this space a broader and more unique voice then I could on my own. Please take the time to visit their respective sites and say ‘hello!’ (More contributors — along with bios — coming soon!)
Julia Manchik: Watercolor and Illustrations
Heather Zweig: Photography
Kate De La Rosa: Photography
FAQ:
Where did the name “Off Switch” come from?
The name Off Switch began as a remark my parent’s would make about my never-ending chatter as a child. “She wasn’t born with an off switch,” they would say. The phrase stuck, and I have since evolved the meaning to embrace living a full life, without an off switch. To me this means looking at the big picture. Every day has its ups and downs, but what direction are we choosing to take our lives? Do we choose to look at the positive over the negative? Do we choose creativity and inspiration as the driving force in our lives? Do we choose to go after our dreams despite fear of the unknown? For me Off Switch embodies my journey toward this way of life — this blog is my way to inspire and learn from others along the way.
How long have you been blogging?
I began blogging in 2008 under a different title and with far less conviction. I believe blogging — like life in general — is an evolution meant to form and reshape as a person grows into herself. While my old blog posts make me cringe, I keep many of them up simply because they prove that change is inevitable and everyone starts somewhere.
When is Off Switch Shop opening?
Thank you for your interest! My intention is to launch the online store in late May/early June 2013. The first round of products will feature designs by my friend Julia Manchik, a talented wedding photographer and designer who has been a part of the Off Switch family for a long time. We will start things off with a tote bag, posters, and possibly some greeting cards. Beyond that, we’ll have to wait and see!
Who takes the photos for Off Switch blog?
I take all the photos you see on the website, unless otherwise noted. Photography has been a passion of mine since college and I am slowly developing my style and skills. // Photos of me are often taken by my mom or one of my photographer friends. Many newer photos of myself are from photo shoots for my ‘style’ series and were photographed by Kate De La Rosa. // Because we were previously a print and online magazine, Off Switch Blog is very much focused on producing editorial style pieces. For these, I often collaborate with talented friends across the country. All photos are credited with links when available.
What camera equipment do you use?
I am definitely not a professional photographer. To be honest, conversations about f-stops and white balance confuse the heck out of me. However, I do have a profound love for photography and enjoy being able to use the skills I have on blog content, collaborations with friends, and special projects. // Inside my camera bag: Canon 5d Mark ii | 50 mm lens | 85 mm lens. Soon I hope to add a wide angle (28mm or 35 mm) lens to my collection. // I would definitely recommend starting with a 28 mm, 35 mm, or the full-proof 50 mm lenses before purchasing a “zoom” lens (aka: the 85 mm). I hardly use mine these days and wish I’d purchased a wide angle instead. Oh well!
***Have a question? Visit my contact page and ask away!***
