Today we’d like to introduce you to Rosa Kichline
Hi Rosa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been someone who loves crafts and creative projects, but never considered myself to be artistic. I remember taking an art class in high school and I loved the studio and the feeling of being around people creating, but when it came to the drawing….I was so discouraged and embarrassed because I couldn’t make anything look realistic. That’s when I came across graphic design and digital media, and absolutely fell in love. I would spend hours learning all of the Adobe programs.
I got my first graphic design job out of college at a corporate company in central Pennsylvania. I’m so grateful for that first opportunity….but that doesn’t mean I liked it. It was literally the cubicle in a room with no windows, churning out work that I really had no passion for. I lasted a little over a year before I needed to create something for myself.
Now I live in Denver with my husband and two rescue pups. I create illustrations and designs for branding, goods, tattoos, art prints and more! I work with any range of clients – from individuals to large brands. I think that’s my favorite part, getting to meet some really great people and feeling so honored that my artwork connects with them.
I actually have a full-time job in addition to the design work I do – which is so perfect for me right now. I think that’s something that’s important to talk about. The perception is sometimes that you have to be full-time or it’s not legit. But I love working with a team at my “job” and then getting to take on the creative projects that I truly want to work on through my own art practice.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not smooth at all! I’m a creative person in general, so I have tons of different interests and ideas…the hard part can be finding the focus to pick a road and follow it. There was a brief stint where I thought I wanted to be a calligrapher. I still love the art form and break out my ink every once and a while.
Also, I constantly struggle with self doubt. And it’s not something I talk about often at all – so forgive me if I’m a little clunky with my words here. I’ve been so blessed to have beautiful and supportive souls around me throughout my life. But as anyone who struggles with anxiety and any levels of depression may understand, the self deprecating things we say to ourselves can sometimes be the loudest. It’s a constant battle, every day is a little different.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an illustrator and designer! I’m known for my hand drawn modern meets minimal line art style with monochrome color pallets. Many people may know me for my pattern design. I love the way pattern can transform just about anything – the wallpaper in a room, the packaging on a bag, and even the case on your phone! It impacts how we feel every single day!
I’m most proud of some of the work I’ve done for small businesses. I truly believe that small businesses bring a community together, create connection, and foster a sense of pride in where we live. And being able to play a small role in building that up makes my heart so happy.
What sets me apart is I’m truly a one woman show. When you work with me, you work with me. Everything I put out is hand drawn by me specifically for you. I love listening to people’s stories and using that to inform the artwork I make for them! Everything is made with love and intention.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Finding that one moment of connection is the most important thing to me.
I love to create, and I do in large part for myself and because I love it. But nothing compares to when I can create something and give it away. When something I make can make someone smile, even if just for a moment.
I am most definitely an introvert, and I find I recharge and grow when I’m by myself. But it’s what comes out of those solo times of work, when I can give the product of that work to someone else that fuels me to keep creating.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rosakichline.com
- Instagram: rosa.kichline.design
- Facebook: rosa.kichline.design
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosaveliky
Image Credits
My headshot photo was shot by Catia Conde – https://catiaconde.com/
