Katherine Barnette Pinillos

I'm an innovative designer, educator, and entrepreneur passionate about blending creativity with purpose. With a background in visual design and a commitment to impactful teaching, I bring ideas to life through thoughtful design, engaging learning experiences. 

Designer | Entrepreneur | Educator

Welcome! 

I'm Katherine Barnette Pinillos - an experienced designer with an entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for visual storytelling. My career has spanned multiple industries—magazine publishing, sporting goods, higher education, and K-12 education—each providing opportunities to expand my expertise as both a creative professional and businesswoman.

With a Bachelor's degree in Visual Communications + Art History and a Master’s in Business Administration + Management from Francis Marion University, I’ve cultivated a unique blend of design and business acumen. Recognizing the evolving relationship between creativity and strategy, I pursued my MBA to deepen my understanding of the business side of design—allowing me to elevate my career and impact.


In 2014, my MBA journey led me to the desire to launch my first business - an organic, holistic bath and body company - Southern Fields Soap Company.

In 2021, I transitioned into K-12 education, joining Colleton County School District as a Visual Art teacher while earning my teaching certification. Passing the Praxis and becoming certified in 2023 marked a new chapter where I could integrate my skills in design, marketing, and business to inspire and educate the next generation of creatives.

In 2025, I took my second leap into entrepreneurship and founded Lowcountry Quilt & Embroidery Co., combining my love for design with the art of quilting and embroidery. This venture allows me to merge creativity with craftsmanship, offering custom textile designs that bring personal stories to life. Building this business has been an exciting challenge—one that blends my background in design, marketing, and business strategy with my passion for creating meaningful, high-quality pieces and storytelling. I’m excited to grow Lowcountry Quilt & Embroidery Co. and connect with others who appreciate the artistry of visual storytelling.


When I'm not busy brainstorming, you can find me exploring the Lowcountry of South Carolina with my husband, quilting or bird watching. 

Our Brands

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Von Diesel Design

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Southern Fields Soap Co.

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Lowcountry Quilt Co.

My Experience

Visual Arts Instructor & Art Dept Chair

Colleton County Middle School • August 2022 - May 2025

  • Curriculum design and development for Visual Arts program
  • Engaging students through interactive lessons 
  • Art Club advisor 
  • School Improvement Council Member 
  • Anti-Bullying Committee
  • 21st Century Gap Instructor 


Wedding & Event Planner / Office Manager

Classic Planning & Design Co. • February 2021 - October 2022

  • Event planning for bespoke wedding in Charleston, SC 


Social Media & Marketing Manager

Grand Forest Inc. • February 2021 - April 2022

  • Develops advertising plans for multi-brand distributor
  • Crafts Digital Marketing Campaigns
  • Manages e-commerce and social experiences  
  • Communicates project requirements to relevant departments and employees to keep progress on track.



Project Manager

Francis Marion University • University Communications • April 2017 - January 2021

  • Develops advertising plans for internal & external University communications
  • Crafts Digital Marketing Campaigns
  • Tracks Project budgets 
  • Prepares financial and progress reports and communicates information about these to relevant staff.
  • Manages graphic designers and student interns 
  • Communicates project requirements to relevant departments and employees to keep progress on track.
  • Managed financial cycle including bidding & proposals, purchase orders, and approval of vendor invoices


Saboni & Owner

Southern Fields Soap Company • April 2017 - Present

  • Multi-sales channel bath and body company
  • Designed and created seasonal recipes 
  • Managed inventory and wholesale customers  



Designer, Event Planner & Owner

Von Diesel Design, LLC • April 2013 - Present

  • Freelance graphic and web design services
  • Branding 
  • Wedding & Event Planning


Senior Graphic Designer

FRANCIS MARION UNIVERSITY • UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS • AUGUST 2015 - APRIL 2017


Junior Graphic Designer

FRANCIS MARION UNIVERSITY • UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS • NOVEMBER 2012 - AUGUST 2015


Junior Designer & Layout Assistant

SHE MAGAZINE • FLORENCE, SC • AUGUST 2010 - NOVEMBER 2012


Pre-Production Designer

ALL STAR SPORTING GOODS STORE • FLORENCE, SC • AUGUST 2010 - NOVEMBER 2012


Head Lifeguard + Swim Teach Coach

McLeod Health & Fitness Center • FLORENCE, SC • December 2010 - May 2012


Design Lab Assistant

Francis Marion University • FLORENCE, SC • January 2009 - May 2012


Assistant Aquatics Director & Swim Team Coach

Florence Family YMCA • FLORENCE, SC • August 2008 - December 2010

Quilt Designer

Let's Connect!


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