Katie Holmes may be one of the most talked-about women in the world right now, but despite all the excessive press and attention, the former Mrs. Tom Cruise admits that she tries to keep her life in “perspective.”

“ I have a lot of feelings about the press. But there are a lot of people with much bigger problems and who are less fortunate,” said Katie. “I try to keep it all in perspective.”

Though she and daughter Suri may be used to a lavish lifestyle, the Holmes & Yang designer (who is set to showcase her collection during Fashion Week) dished to WWD that she is doing her best to keep her mini fashionista grounded.

“I spray-paint shoe racks, because, why not? I think, ‘Oh, I’m a great mom’ – and then it doesn’t really pan out the way I think it’s going to. But the intention’s there. I’ve always painted and done crafts at home – I have to stay creative in every aspect [of my life]. My sister teaches art, and she gives me a lot of ideas.”

Even though their lives have been highly-publicized in the tabloids, at the end of the day, all Katie wants to be is the best mom she can be to Suri.

Photos by Stefan Jeremiah/LIFE/WENN