Rose Hill is a London based designer who was introduced to Wendy by Paul Rutter, a mutual friend in business, who told her there was someone’s work she would like to take a look at.
Safe to say she loved it, and in no time at all she had placed her first order. Rose’s pop art inspired style, with its bright colours and retro feel, makes her work a great fit for Design Essentials, bringing something unique, affordable and quintessentially British to the shop.
In addition, Rose has recently been commissioned by ZSL London Zoo and Harrods to design a range of products. She is also the creator of ‘Make Your Pet Famous’, where owners can send in photos of their pets to be turned into quirky designs for Rose’s cards and notebooks.
Rose’s work has also appeared in magazines & a book soon to be published, plus will feature in a new film called ‘Kids in Love’ starring Cara Delevingne (a model I am completely obsessed with!).
Sounds like a very busy schedule! Let’s get on with the questions, shall we?
What inspires your works?
everything inspires me! I LOVE pop art, especially artists like Roy Lichenstein, Andy Warhol and Peter Blake. My work is influenced by many different eras, the 50s and 60s in particular. People recognise my work instantly because of its distinct style. I’m a born and bred Londoner, and looking at my designa you can see they’re very British and have a retro, Pop Art feel to them.
Is there an element of art you enjoy working with the most?
I love to combine hand drawn images with digital skills, as it gives extra depth to the illustration. Coming from a textiles background, colour and pattern are very important to me, and so is humour!
What is your most important tool? Is there something you can’t live without in your studio?
I couldn’t do what I do without my Wancom tablet. It’s a pen connected to my computer, and all my illustrations are hand drawn using it. Actually, mine has just broken… I don’t know what I’ll do until I get my new one!!
Whats the best and worst thing about being an artist?
Being an artist is AMAZING. I love it, because there’s nothing better than letting people see the world through Rose Hill tinted glasses! The best thing is being able to express yourself and do what you love, and actually get paid for it! The worst thing about it is all the email and admin, as it means you don’t get to do as much of the art itself, which is the thing you started the business for in the first place.
To date what’s been the work you are most proud of?
I’ve just completed a very exciting commission with ZSL London Zoo, which is a brand new collection of illustrations using the animals from the zoo! You can go and see the range in a Pop Up shop on 15 Carnaby Street. It’s their first Pop up shop, and I’m very excited about being one of the chosen artists to design a collection for them. It’s definitely my favourite collection at the moment.
And please just to indulge me your favourite Take That member?
Sorry, I don’t like Take That!! I’m really big into my music, though. I love bands like Steppenwolf, Johnny Cash, The Black Keys and the Rolling Stones.
And your favourite drink?
Mojito for sure, but I really like an espresso Martini too. Yum!
Thanks again to Rose for taking the time to answer our questions. Check out her work, which is available now at Design Essentials. Cards start from £2.50 and notebooks from £3.75.
