Blush and Gold x Rosie Caitlin
Welcome back for our second instalment of our newly re-launched blog!
This time we want to introduce you to Rosie Caitlin, the wonderful illustrator behind the new Dino Pregnancy Journals and Baby Journals. Without further a-do, let's find out more about her work and design process...
Tell me a little bit about yourself and your business, when did your passion for illustration start and how did it develop into a career?
I’ve loved drawing for as long as I can remember. I’d copy all the characters from ‘Bang On The Door’ – Groovy Chick being a firm favourite. Then throughout school, art was always my favourite subject, so after A-Levels I went on to do an Art Foundation course, then studied Graphic Design at Nottingham Trent. I’ve now been a Graphic Designer for almost 12 years, but I started my little stationery business, Rosie Caitlin, as a passion project alongside my full-time design job in 2015. Fast forward a few years, I now juggle the shop, freelance illustration, freelance design work and being a mum to two little monkeys. It’s a lot, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
How would you describe your signature style?
I’ve been trying to refine it over the years, but I’m trying to achieve a style that’s simple, but playful.
What is the most fun part of your job?
Getting to work with wonderful brands like yourselves! And seeing projects and products come to life. It never gets old seeing something you’ve designed or illustrated, in real life.
Where did you get the inspiration for your Dino illustration?
My two dinosaur obsessed kids! A TV programme called ‘Dinosaur Train’ is on in our house what feels like 80% of the time, and the songs are stuck in my head all day long, so when coming up with ideas for the patterns, it had to be dinosaurs!
What does a typical day look like for you?
It starts with the school run, maybe some exercise (every Spring I tell myself I’m going to exercise more, but normally only last a couple of months until the next Spring comes around…), a coffee (can’t live without), checking emails, making a plan for the day and writing my ‘to do’ list, getting on with whatever jobs I have on, then picking the kids up after school/nursery. My work varies from doing lovely illustration jobs like this one, freelance design work (usually branding), packing orders from Etsy and Not On The Highstreet and wholesale orders, designing wedding stationery, illustrating personal projects and creating new products/designs for my shop.
Do you have a self-care ritual?
To be honest, I don’t really! I know I should. I guess starting to exercise more is definitely helping my mind. I’ve started walking the school run most days (when it’s not pouring with rain) – it’s only 15/20 minutes each way, but I’ve really noticed how much better I feel for it, both mentally and physically. As I’m spinning so many plates at the same time, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by it all and not know where to start, so starting the day with a little headspace is so helpful.
What’s your favourite book or film?
I’m definitely more of a series person than films, and in particular, crime dramas. Currently loving Kin on BBC and The Gentlemen series on Netflix. Also recently watched One Day on Netflix and oh my god what an emotional rollercoaster. Loved it.
What projects are you working on at the moment?
I’ve been working on a couple of branding projects which have been lovely. One of them is for a new start up who make sustainable baby baskets – it’s been so much fun to work on and I can’t wait to share.
Then I’ve also been doing some new designs for one my wholesalers and working on a couple of personal projects.
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