For our anniversary year, we decided it was important to have a special logo to help us celebrate, and we have worked in collaboration with the fantastic Rosalie Bloy to make this happen. Read on to find out more about Rosalie and her work.
1.Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your background as an illustrator?
I am Rosalie, a multi-disciplinary artist, designer and illustrator from South - East London who specialises in analogue drawing and printmaking. From an early age, I have always been interested in stories, the environment and people, as well as ‘making’ in many different forms. Studying Illustration at Brighton University has helped me consolidate and express these interests into a visual language of my own. Brighton’s music scene became a part of my life while studying, and I have been commissioned by musicians, as well as making a coaster for the Rossi Bar. My style has been inspired by the surreal, and playful works of John Vernon Lord and Edward Gorey, the mark making and characters of Quentin Blake, and the storybook films of Wes Anderson. I am often drawn to history, folklore, humour and nature in my work. I have just completed my Undergraduate illustration degree, and I can't wait to see what comes next!
2. What was your first reaction when you were invited to design the logo for the Thames Path’s 30th anniversary?
I was very excited, but also slightly apprehensive! I have never designed a logo before, and so it was fun being able to test out different ways of making; the project taught me a lot about how I can practice as a designer, not just an illustrator.
3. Can you talk us through your creative process for this logo?
I knew from the start that I really wanted to capture the beauty of the nature along the Thames Path. I tested out the famous kingfisher, having it playfully reach up and bite the acorn of the National Trust Logo. I also explored different flowers found along the Thames, such as the incredible marsh marigolds and fritillaries before finally settling on the line of the river itself.
4. You’re early in your creative career and already working on a major public project. What does this opportunity mean to you?
It has been such an incredible opportunity to work on this project and has given me so much confidence and skills to feel more comfortable working as an illustrator in the future. Also, I have grown up my whole life right by the Thames Barrier at Woolwich, and so it feels like a cyclical moment for me!
5. Where can people see more of your work or follow your illustration journey?
https://rosaliebloy.cargo.site/
Instagram: @rozartzz
