Hi Roxanne, how would you describe your work?
I would say my work is an extension of myself and what I am creatively leaning into at the time of design. Some designs are muted and neutral and most recently they have textured pops of contrasting colour combinations, but the one thing that is consistent is I always pair my card designs with kind words and quotes. Something a bit more than ‘happy birthday’ that I hope will mean something special to the recipient.
What inspired the idea of setting up your business – how did I Am Roxanne come to be?
I started the business officially in 2018 around the same time I found out I was pregnant. I guess you could say pregnancy was a motivation for me to start –Â but I had been working towards this for more than a decade. I used to make handmade cards as a kid and sell them at Filipino fiestas, then when I turned 16 I started working in a stationery store and I guess that lit a fire in me. I always had a passion for greeting cards and paper goods in general, so this felt like a natural progression.
What did you do before setting up your business?Â
I’ve been a multi-disciplinary artist my whole life, working with paint, textile, photography, digital art and most recently murals. Before setting up the business, I worked on private commissions/projects and event photography whilst managing a job at a cat cafe.
Where do you find creative inspiration?
It might sound cliché but I do find inspiration everywhere. I usually start with colour combinations which I see in everyday life – a textured wall with broken off bits of paint, an old photograph from an archive, or tiles in random bathrooms. The best way for me to be inspired is generally not to look for it – but when it pops up I’ll either note it down, make a quick sketch, or take a photo.
Could you describe a typical working day?
On a typical working day I drop my daughter to school then head to the studio. I always start with a few minutes of cleaning with music – it helps get me in the zone. My work days are usually not that structured – I prioritise the most important tasks throughout the week and always block out some time to paint/design. I enjoy the spontaneity of each day. After the afternoon school run, I usually draw on the iPad or my daughter and I will paint after dinner.
What’s the ethos behind your business?
The ethos behind the business is ‘kind words always’ and ‘planet and soul conscious’. I try hard to ensure best practices when it comes to caring for our planet and every day I am still learning.
Tell us about the space and location you work in…Â
I started working out of my home office and very quickly (within a year) outgrew that. By chance, a small studio space was available, up the road, and now I work from there during the day. It’s not a huge space – let’s be realistic, this is London after all. It is great though. I have everything I need in one space, it’s light, airy, and the mezzanine is a bonus! As a parent it is ideal to have the studio, school and home all close to each other.
Can you tell us a little about your making process?
I start by looking through my inspo shots. These are just images I’ve snapped on my phone whenever I see a wall texture, ceramic pot, plant or person. I then play around with colours – usually acrylics or watercolours, until I’ve put together a colour combination I like. My most recent designs ‘Painterly Love’ are painted/drawn on large sheets of paper using acrylic markers, oil pastels, pencil and crayon. I then scan these and digitally cut out parts I like.
Are there themes or influences which are the foundation of your work?
Each collection tends to have a new theme and constantly evolves depending on where I am at with my life. Same goes for the style. I have been working on drawing the human figure lately, so I hope to incorporate this in a new collection soon. I am consistent with the messaging and try to put together kind phrases that people can relate to.
Is there an element of your work that you love the most?
The designing part is always the most fun, but since I’m an independent I end up doing admin 60% of the time. Drawing and painting has to be the part I love most.
Is the online community important to your work?
The online community is great. To be honest, I met most of my stockists this way and of course it is lovely to have met greeting card friends turned coworking buddies.
Working as an independent – what are the joys, and what are the challenges?
I enjoy working as an independent, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I think I would make a terrible employee!
I enjoy designing for a living and making my own schedule. It’s definitely challenging to juggle work whilst looking after my daughter, but as she is also an artist she is very happy to paint along with me. Most of the time it’s just me in the studio, so I do sometimes miss having a coworker to talk to but it’s ok, I’ll usually just talk my husband’s ear off when he comes home.
What have been your business highlights so far?
My highlights so far are my growth as an artist. I no longer have imposter syndrome and it feels great to embrace it. Finally moving into a studio space has been the highlight this year, and also a few new stockists recently that I can’t share yet!
What’s one thing people would be surprised you do in your job?
I do my own photography. It probably helps that I am also a product photographer!Â
Do you have any creative hobbies?
Not sure if it is a hobby, but I also do wall mural commissions. I particularly enjoy poetry/artist nights and find it is a great way to connect with like-minded people.
Any good advice for makers who are just starting out?
Show up everyday. It doesn’t have to be a whole lot, but it helps. Research and more research – this helps you put together a realistic plan.
I would also say believe in yourself but what does this actually look like? Surround yourself with a community that uplifts each other, work at your craft, and be kind.
What does the next year hold for you?
I am currently working on some large-scale paintings and still in the drawing stages of a potential children’s book. It would be a dream to get published. I am also putting together a series of accessible art workshops for children/teens.
QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS
Describe your work in three words: Spontaneous, uplifting and artistic.
What are your creating rituals? Homemade chai tea, community and music.
Tea or coffee? Coffee.
Mountains or sea? Sea, always.
Night owl or early bird? Night owl.
