Katie Rodgers—formerly known as Paper Fashion—joins Dina for a rich conversation about creative evolution, digital beginnings, and the ongoing dance between art, audience, and authenticity. From posting fashion illustrations on WordPress to collaborating with brands like Coach and Christian Louboutin, Katie was an early pioneer of the art on Instagram movement.

Now based in Santa Fe, she shares how stepping away from social media—and New York City—helped her reconnect with herself and her work. Together, they explore the changing nature of brand partnerships, the artist-gallery dynamic in a post-Instagram world, and why Katie believes fear is often a compass for growth.

In this episode, Katie and Dina discuss:

• Katie’s digital origin story and the rise of Paper Fashion
• Early brand collaborations and navigating partnerships without a playbook
• Why she walked away from New York—and social media
• The tension between commercial work and personal expression
• How artists can use AI as a creative tool (without losing their soul)
• Advice for emerging artists and for marketers working with creatives

Whether you're a founder, marketer, or artist rethinking your next chapter, this conversation will leave you inspired to embrace change—and trust your gut.

Discover Katie's work here

Follow Katie on Instagram: @katierodgers

Recommended by Katie in this episode: Ignasi, Jenny Walton

About Origins of Influence

Hosted by longtime fashion and beauty marketer Dina Fierro, Origins of Influence is a limited series exploring the past, present and future of the creator economy through intimate conversations with pioneering influencers, creators and founders. From the days of LiveJournal and Tumblr to the dawn of Instagram, each episode revisits the platforms, posts, and pivotal moments that shaped digital culture — long before the algorithm. New episodes drop weekly. Show notes and exclusive content on Substack.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.