The first time we came across Roxy’s artwork it stopped us in our tracks! We’d never seen anything like it before and were taken by the boldness and energy emitting from every piece. Her special sense of color alone made it clear that she was an artist we had to get to know. Roxy loves to draw anything that catches her eye -- and that mostly involves people, flowers and plants (like in her Best Friends scarf design!). She uses mixed media to create her art, including colored pencils, acrylics, markers and collage, which when combined create a variety of textures that give her work such a unique, strong feeling. In her DESEDA Artist Collective Interview she shares her path to becoming a fashion illustrator, some of her sources of artistic inspiration, and what she’s scheming up next. Let’s Make Ties and get to know Roxy…Read on!
DESEDA Artist Collective (DearCo) Artist:
Roxy van Bemmel
Current Location:
Utrecht, The Netherlands
Hometown:
Utrecht, The Netherlands
DESEDA Scarf Design:
Best Friends
Please introduce yourself and share what you do!
My name is Roxy van Bemmel and I designed the ‘Best Friends’ scarf. I live in Utrecht, a lovely city in the center of the Netherlands. I’m a fashion illustrator who also does prints, and I am currently working on a new men’s collection as well. So, I’m keeping busy, ha!
What was your path to becoming a creative?
I’ve always known I wanted to be a creative since I was little. I just didn’t know what path to take until I was about 17/18. I did a gap year to focus on my application for a bachelor’s degree in fashion design but was rejected -- and that was the moment I knew for certain I wanted to be in fashion design.
The next year, I applied again and was accepted. What followed was a transforming (and busy!) four years. After graduating with a full collection, I needed a break and slowly found my way back to fashion through illustration. Drawing and painting relaxes me, and I found that I needed and wanted to feel that more than the continuous stress of designing and making clothes.
How do you describe your work? And, what do you hope others take away from your work?
I always hope people get some sort of strength through my designs. If it’s for the bright colors, shapes…or just that it makes them happy by looking at it.
What motivates you to do what you do?
I’m working as a freelancer and what motivates me is that no day is the same. I can decide on my own schedule and work accordingly. Some weeks I constantly work on new designs, some weeks I spend in meetings and doing admin. But I think the diversity is what makes this job great.
Where do you find your most significant inspiration?
Mainly in people I see. I live in a city, so even if I just look out of the window, I see interesting people.
What are the plans for the next phase of your artistic and/or professional journey?
I’d love to work on an exhibition with my large-scale paintings and work together with a gallery to find the right audience for me. I’m also constantly working on my personal style so that it is recognizable through all mediums. Basically, I’d just love to continue doing what I do now but take on bigger projects.
What is/are the signature element(s) of your personal style?
Colour combinations you wouldn’t typically think of.
What music is on heavy rotation for you right now?
Lizzo; It’s so bad that I wake up with the lyrics already in my mind.
What is the favorite place you’ve visited?
Edinburgh, Scotland.
What is the last thing that really caught your eye or got stuck in your head?
I have this feeling constantly, but I try to put everything to paper first time I get the chance! So, at the moment, I’m ready for the next big thing!
What are your favorite websites and/or Instagram profiles?
I currently have a fascination with beauty-instagrammers like @gothwok and @kikopaint. They take makeup to a new level.
What’s on your current wish list? (Can be any things, places or experiences!)
I’d really like to take my backpack to Scotland again this summer and just walk for a few days.
What’s the best nugget of advice you’ve received and would like to share with others?
Rejections aren’t personal.
And, we’d love to wrap up with the two signature questions that we refer to as the “Double Knot” 😊:
Please share an example of a time in your life where you said, “why not” and took on a big risk, challenge or leap of faith!
When I went freelance full time last summer. I had some savings and went, well, my other job doesn’t make me happy, what better way to spend my savings then try this path? Still going strong!
Please share why you “made ties” with DESEDA and teamed up to create an original scarf design with us!
I loved working with Sarah and the creative freedom she gives you. Also working within a theme is great because it lets you research a certain subject and narrow your focus from possibility of literally everything!
Note: all photos courtesy of @whatsaroxy