Describe yourself like an Instagram/Twitter bio:

I’m nineteen and English, a big fan of live music and irresponsible decisions. I always describe myself as an artist, but “I do bartending to make rent”.

What do you do?

I work both digitally and traditionally, using a Wacom Intuos Pro tablet and biro ink respectively. I go from semi-realistic portraiture to little flash tattoo designs, but the most important thing for me is to have fun with it and try new shit whenever I can.

How and why did you start?

I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. I do remember how I started seriously drawing in ballpoint pen. Y’know how when you start secondary school, you bring absolutely everything that’s on the equipment list? All the fineliners, the coloured pencils, the protractor and set of different pens, the whole shebang. And then about two weeks in, you’re lucky to have a single bic biro in your bag. I always wanted to doodle in the back of class, so I had to teach myself to do it in biro. So now it’s been around nine or ten years of working in ink and it’s sort of become my trademark thing. I don’t mind that too much – and I reckon it’s pretty funny that it began because I was a lay and overly distracted ten year old.

What are you currently working on/what should we be looking forward to?

I’ve just finished a series of flash tattoo pieces that I’m now selling as patterned products on my Society6 store, and will shortly be releasing as individual prints and shirts for those who want them. I’m also starting a new series of portraits based on one of my favourite performers and artists, Ms Gaga. It’s gonna be a big one and a long haul but I’m looking forward to it. And so should you.

What’s your advice for people who want to get started?

Honestly the best thing I can say is that you need to be aware that you’re GOING to fuck up. The way I managed to get to where I am now in terms of confidence and motivation for my work is through self discipline and not through beating myself up for doing a terrible job every once in a while. I told myself that I would draw every day, and I stuck to it. Wouldn’t let myself give up on it. For a long time I said to myself that I would be an artist eventually and that I’d get better in time, but I eventually had to proverbially slap myself in the face and admit to myself that time wasn’t going to do jack shit if I didn’t use it productively. So my advice is – as harsh as it sounds – suck it up and work. You’ll get better if you keep working at it.

Lastly, shamelessly plug yourself!

Contact me on social media or email me at charlotterose@rocketqueened.com if you want custom commissioned work done.

Cheers!