Amanda Rose

Amanda rose, illustrator of the 'Color A Creation' series

Help our followers get to know you. What does a typical day in the life of Amanda Rose involve?
Well first off there has to be coffee, and lots of it. But on a typical day I make sure the house is picked up and errands are run before I sit down to work. Drawing is something I take pleasure in, I like to make sure I can do it without interruption. So I will turn on some awesome music and set out to create a piece from just ink and paper.

When did you first become interested in illustrating?
I have been drawing since I was a little girl, my favourite toys were pencils and ‘books’ that I made by stapling together blank paper. So pretty much forever.

What are your favourite things to draw?
Roses, and Faces, but I love just abstract things. Jumbles of circles and twists that make your eye dance around the page.

Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere, but often in nature, the sunshine on the trees, or a Blue Jay. However more often than not inspiration will find me.

If you weren't an illustrator what would you be?
I would still do art, like I have most of my life but I would be involved with kids. That is what I love next to art, being with children and listening to them and being able to pour into them means the world to me.

Why do you think adult colouring books have become so huge?
Because our society tells us that being busy and connected on the phone, internet, or what have you ALL the time is how to live your life. But truth be told taking a break and enjoying the quiet of your own head is not only good for you, it can be fun. So with the demand of constant interaction people are finding colouring to be that haven of quiet and loving it.

What does your working environment look like?
Like chaos, I have a small work desk and everything kind of strewn about me in colourful boxes. My little boxes are the only thing that I keep organized. With all black pens and drawing implements in one, watercolours in another, and colours in another.. it goes on and on.

Do you listen to music when you work? If so, who/what?
Yes absolutely. However what, depends on my mood. I can listen to anything from hard rock, to Taylor Swift, to classical, and then some techno. But if I don’t really have a mood I will default to techno, a good beat is really all I need.

What are your favourite things in life?
Well my god Yehovah, the god of the Bible. My husband, who is the most amazing man in the world. I never dreamed I could be lucky enough to be his wife. And my art, when I am down, getting lost in a painting for a while can breathe life into me.

Finally, please give 3 words that describe your work.
​Unique, beautiful, and I don’t know of one word that means ‘brings happiness’ but if there is one I would use it.

​You can find Amanda's work over on her Etsy page.