Artist Profile: Kaja Hort
Painting, pottery, and pattern design.
When we first met Kaja through mutual friends in West Algarve, we had no idea she had so many hidden talents. Being somewhat of an introvert, she didn’t share much about her work at first. But when we finally saw it, we were completely blown away.
Not only is she an incredibly talented designer, she’s also a multidisciplinary artist who excels across a range of creative skills, painting and pottery being just two of them. She has great vision and knows how to fully apply herself to create meaningful, thoughtful results.
Her work is underappreciated, not just by the world but, like many artists, by herself as well. Self-doubt is common among creatives, and perhaps that’s why she hasn’t shared much of her work on social media or put it out into the world just yet. It’s a shame, really. She’d be doing the world a favor.
When we started talking about our project, Volpe Golf, Kaja was genuinely excited to get involved. At first, we figured golf clothing might be the last thing she expected to be working on. But not only is her boyfriend an avid golfer, she also really understood the message behind the brand and what we were trying to build. On top of that, she actually got her start in graphic design at a German streetwear brand, where she handled everything from design to production. It couldn’t have been a better fit. We knew she could help bring our vision to life and give it the attention it deserved.
Some of Kaja's moodboards for Volpe Golf
While Kaja is a visual designer by trade, she’s very much an artist at heart, and that side of her really came through during our collaboration. She actually goes out and explores the subjects of our designs firsthand, in the case of this collection, the West Algarve coast.
Up close and personal
A conversation with Kaja
We had a chat with Kaja to learn more about her journey, inspirations, and the creative mind behind our first collection.
How long have you lived in Portugal for, and what do you love most about living here?
I came to Portugal in 2018. Despite moving frequently and making several plans to leave the country, the Algarve has a certain magnetism that’s kept me here.
What makes this place truly magical is its stunning landscape. It has a wild, untamed feel, with an endless coastline where each beach seems more beautiful than the last. The fact that you can wander through valleys without encountering a single person feels incredibly rare in today’s world.
And then there’s the ocean! Something that never loses its wonder for me, especially since I grew up far from it. The vast horizon, the constant breeze carried from distant places, and the way the beaches change with the tides and swells, it is simply magical.
Where did your journey with art and design begin? Was there a moment, person, or place that got you started?
It might sound like a cliché, but I feel that art and design have always been a part of me. I grew up with very creative parents, and painting, drawing, crafting, and building were not only joyful activities but also became tools for emotional expression.
Rather than a single defining moment, it was simply the way I grew up. Having parents who always supported the idea of pursuing a creative path, not just as a hobby or lifestyle, but as a career, strengthened my connection to art and design even more.
What makes you want to keep going as an artist, where do you draw inspiration from, and what keeps you coming back to it?
There’s something so poetic and beautiful about giving form to the invisible, only for it to touch or inspire someone else and become something intangible again. Using nature and ancient art as an example, it is the simple, yet complex forms of expression that speak across time and connect us with something deeply human.
I am so fascinated by the power visuals can have.
How would you describe your style to someone who’s never seen your work before?
I’d say my style is where analogue artistry meets digital graphics.
What themes, materials, or ideas do you find yourself returning to again and again?
I’m constantly drawn to nature, its shapes, textures, and colors. I’m always exploring ways to translate those organic elements into the digital space.
What is your favorite piece/design from this first collection?
I’d have to say it’s the agave plant pattern. It’s so representative of this region, and I love how such a resilient plant with its thick leaves and sharp thorns can create a pattern that feels so soft and floral. To me, it’s the perfect balance of masculine and feminine.
But what makes it truly special is the memory behind it: walking in nature, spotting a plant that caught my eye, and sitting in the sun to draw it by hand. That moment of being outside, disconnected from daily life but still with a sense of purpose can be compared to the experience of golfing as well I guess.
The agave drawing session
What do you enjoy most about the creative process? Is there a part that feels the most “you”?
I love that moment when the idea is already there and I dive into the process of bringing it into visual form. When I enter a state where time doesn’t exist. I get obsessed with small details and feel completely absorbed by the artwork.
I sometimes have to remember to take a break and eat something. Even though this might sound very intense, it is the time where I feel just truly connected and alive in a way.
And then there’s the moment when the work isn’t just done, but physically exists in front of me, like holding the first sample of a Volpe Polo. Goosebumbs!
Check out the collection designed by Kaja on our online store.
It’s about being present. Not living on autopilot, but pausing regularly to reconnect with the body, mind, and emotions.
Our brand is built on the idea of slowing down, tuning in, and doing things with intention. What does “intentional living” look like for you?
For me, it’s about being present. Not living on autopilot, but pausing regularly to reconnect with my body, mind, and emotions. It’s asking myself who I really want to be, how I want to spend my time, who I want to share it with, and how I can be of service to this life.
Outside of your work, what are you passionate about or inspired by?
I love spending time in nature. Whether it’s a relaxed beach hangout with friends, a long solo walk where ideas come and go, or a sweaty run to clear my head and shift my energy. Nature and movement mean a lot to me.
And while my work as a designer is closely tied to modern technology, I’m deeply passionate about ancient history and the way our ancestors lived.
What’s next for you—any ideas, directions, or dreams you’re excited to explore?
Lately, I’ve been experimenting with clay and taking pottery wheel classes. I love that I can create things that have a functional, physical presence. Pottery is one of the oldest crafts, and it brings together my love for ancient traditions and my connection to nature. Working with clay really feels like working with the elements.
It’s also fascinating to see how my background in graphic design shapes and influences the forms I create.
What is your favorite place to catch a sunrise/sunset (in the world)?
That’s a tough one! I can’t choose a specific place, but it would definitely be somewhere along the coast where you can fully watch the sun travel all the way to the horizon.
Here are some links to Kaja's site and socials, make sure to check it out:
