Meet the Maker: Rachael Kay

Please introduce yourself and your brand….

Hi, I’m Rachael and I am an artist and illustrator based in Worthing. I am inspired by nature, plants and the landscape around me and produce drawings, paintings and murals based on these themes.

How would you describe your style and your creations?

My illustrations are quirky botanical drawings based on plants that have inspired me, each with a pop of colour. I like to draw from real life plants using a dip pen or sometimes a stick dipped in ink. Once completely dry the drawings are then scanned and colour is added digitally. I tend not to add words to my cards so they are versatile and can be used for a range of occasions. Although I do have Birthday and Christmas cards with words on them too! I also love to paint landscapes and make mural designs.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I love to draw and paint, this is something I try to do every day (I don’t always manage it!) I enjoy the process of looking at something in front of you and working out the puzzle of how to depict it on a piece of paper or on a canvas or a wall. There is something immensely rewarding in getting lost in the drawing process and then seeing your finished artwork and thinking “I made that!”. The process of drawing and painting helps me to see the world in a different way and notice interesting details that I might otherwise miss.

What can we expect to find on your stall at So This is Christmas on Sunday 3rd December at Worthing Charmandean? And are you looking forward to taking part?

I am really excited to be taking part in this event, and this will be my first time having a stall at the “So This is Christmas” event. I live locally and know it’s a great event with a fabulous festive atmosphere. I will be bringing a selection of greetings cards and my 2023 collection of Christmas cards alongside art prints, and some original pieces of artwork.

Do you have a best seller?

Greetings cards are definitely my most popular items, with the floral designs being the best sellers within my card collection.

Do you have any plans or ambitions for the future?

I’d love to expand the range of illustrated products that I can bring to events like this, I have lots of ideas for things I could do in the future (coasters, notebooks, calendars, stickers and lots more). After completing a big mural commission this summer, I would also love to see more murals in my future!

Do you have a motto or inspirational quote?

I love this quote by Paul Klee: “A drawing is simply a line going for a walk” and try to remember that whenever I am starting something new.