![]() |

[ May 26, 2009 ]
After receiving an MFA degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Kim Rosen has been busy working as a Freelance Illustrator for a variety of clients throughout the world.
Some of Kim's clients include, American Express, The New Yorker, The Boston Globe, TIME, Philadelphia Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Scholastic, The Globe and Mail, TimeOut, Billabong, Today's Parent, Storey Publishing, Runner's World, Femina, Seattle Magazine and many more.
For several years before pursuing illustration, you were a graphic designer. What led you to the realization that you were meant to be an illustrator? Do you feel your background in design effects your illustrations?
I think working as a designer has had an effect on my illustration work, not so much aesthetically, but more in terms of the business side of Illustration. Generally, I had an idea of what companies expected when it came to marketing and the competitive nature of commercial art, because of that I felt like I had a bit of a head start.
I love color and working with a variety of palettes. I am inspired by so many things that I see on a daily basis. Mostly though, I read the stories or articles that I'll be illustrating and I try to sum them up with a feeling or mood. I tend to associate different moods with color and those associations lead to most of my color palette choices.
You live in Northampton, MA, which seems to be a lovely, beautiful place with a strong sense of community. What are the advantages of working as an illustrator from a smaller city up North? Do you think there are any drawbacks?
I live less then three hours away from NYC and while I can make it to certain Illustration events, I can't make it to nearly as many as I would like to attend, that would be the main drawback to living up here.
Do you feel that personal work is important?
Everyone is always asked this, which must mean everyone else is curious about it: what is your dream project?
You have to spend money to make money! Advertising and marketing is a key factor in getting your name out there. After sending out your first promo, don't get discouraged if you don't get any jobs, just keep at it. You must develop thick skin as an illustrator. Don't give up!
What is your favorite aspect of being an illustrator?
There is nothing more rewarding than making a living doing what you love.
I also really like to meet other illustrators who can relate to the solitary life we lead on a daily basis.
What inspires you? What keeps you going?
I feel really lucky that I am an illustrator and I hope to continue working as an illustrator for many more years to come.
>> See more work from Kim Rosen >> See other member spotlights on the member spotlight index >> Find out more on how to become an altpick.com member |