As with many who are working full time in the creative economy, Kayden Avery Fitzgerald has a very round about path the he has explored to get to where he is today. The story felt familiar to me in that there were so many stops along the way, each informing a different aspect that led to their ultimate destination. I was especially surprised to find out Kayden had worked with a couple of companies I had in the past including Industrial Safety Supply Company Protective Industrial Products where I managed a large sales territory for a couple of years and previous Professional Dominatrix and Boudoir Photography Studio Owner Mistress Couple who brought me on for a guest room interior design project.
Please state your name, job title(s) and share a bit about past work history and education. Are you a full-time creative?
My name is Kayden Avery Fitzgerald. I am an independent artist and craftsman; making hardwood furniture, indoor and outdoor signs, homewares, and cabinetry. Additionally, my current job titles include Woodworker and Historic Window Restoration Assistant with Flow Historic Windows, and Woodworking Instructor with the Arts Center of the Capital Region.
My past work history is vast and a bit all over the place. I was accepted to The College of Saint Rose but I deferred for a year because I enlisted in the Army National Guard at age 17 and served six years as a Motor Transport Operator. I was doing that and also working as a yard jockey with a CDL, working in the food industry and getting my BFA in Graphic Design. I interned at Engine7Design and Discover Albany, and worked as a Graphic Designer at the Albany Business Review. These were all incredible opportunities that fueled the energy and love I have for the Capital Region. I left ABR to work on rustic flooring production at a company formerly known as Square Nail Rustics in Glens Falls. That’s where I realized I liked working with wood, and wanted to learn more.
Can you tell us a bit more about how you transitioned from a graphic designer to a woodworking craftsperson / window restoration professional?
I took a job in Chatham at a custom woodworking shop but that was unsustainable, so I returned to the graphic design field when I was hired as a Graphic Designer for Protective Industrial Products, a global PPE company based out of Latham. Learning about the products I was designing marketing collateral for and prepping logos for placement on things like hardhats, safety vests and gloves was a cool segway into OSHA and safety ratings for various PPE. Prepping the logos for embroidery, screen printing, heat transfer, and other processes gave me a strong foundation in asset preparation that I was able to carry into my own CNC (computer numerical control) and laser engraving work.
After that, I was an HVLP (high volume, low pressure) spray finisher and production assistant at Alexander Butcher Block. I left Alexander Butcher Block to focus on my small business while I worked part-time at the Troy Public Library, Lansingburgh Branch. The library was fulfilling while allowing me the time to focus on custom woodwork and design like outdoor signs for local clients and businesses. I also participated in a handful of curated maker’s markets and pop-ups across the Capital Region, including A Big Gay Market, LARAC 40U40, and OpenBaar Market. These markets were actually where I met Leon of Flow Historic Windows. Leon eventually offered me the opportunity to apprentice under him, learning the trade of historic window preservation. I absolutely love it! It’s fun to bring my existing woodworking skillset into historic restoration, and gain more trade knowledge while bringing windows back to back life and comfort back into people’s homes. Seeing previous repairs that have been done over the years and knowing that my repairs and restoration will be part of what helps it keep on doing its job for another 100 years is a very cool thing.
I noticed you also are teaching as well…can you share a little bit about your motivation to pursue that that?
Yes! I am going to be teaching woodworking courses at the Arts Center of the Capital Region in 2025! As a trans man, navigating the trade environments and finding spaces to learn and grow has been an interesting experience. If I can foster a place where I can share the knowledge, skills, empowerment, and joy that woodworking brings, to those who don’t feel safe in traditional trade environments, then I’ll be doing something right.
With the advent of AI design tools, there is a lot of concern about the future for graphic design, in fact design in general as a profession. Can you share some of your thoughts on that?
I think AI is a risk to the future of a lot careers. Whether it be design, administrative, manufacturing, etc. AI analyzes data and regurgitates; it can’t empathize the way humans can, and I think that’s a downfall. In terms of woodworking, I see how AI could be a helpful tool for streamlining design and production processes. I personally don’t use it because of the environmental impact it has, and the fact it takes the human touch out of it. I use technology where it makes sense for me and my craft. I design and make things because I enjoy the steps and interacting with the material on a personal level, and that’s where I find the joy. I use a combination of hand tools, power tools, a CNC and/or laser machine, depending on the task and goal.
What advice would you give someone just graduating to help guide them to find a way to sustain themselves with their creative practice?
This is going to sound cliche, but my past experiences have taught me that following my curiosities, staying open, and being willing to step toward my dreams is worth it. It has taken five years to get to where I am today. Consistency, being flexible, and staying willing to change trajectory when I need to have been massively helpful in my success. Remaining endlessly curious, finding mentors, and connecting with folks in the creative industry has also been invaluable; providing me with opportunities I never would have found otherwise.
Anything coming up we should know about?
This year I’m focusing on an exploratory box series, as well as some personal projects to fuel my inspiration. The box series has been a lot of fun because it is going to be my first full body of work. I’m working on ways to incorporate more free artistic exploration into my practice moving forward.
I also have a handful of classes coming up at the Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy, starting in the Spring of 2025! Make a set of coasters, a joiners mallet, or a luminary style wooden lantern with me! If you want to stay updated on class opportunities, check out what I’m making, and see all my goofy antics, give me a follow on Instagram!
WEB: www.kaydenfitzgerald.com | IG: @KF.woodwork