Rosie Bowker
Rosie Bowker
Visual Artist / Stylist
Los Angeles, CA
www.rosiebowker.com
instagram @rosiebowker
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I develop visual content for brands—mainly fashion and lifestyle brands—for multi-platform digital usage.”
I work with a vast library of paper and textile media and use old school cut and paste techniques to create unique custom collages by hand. If you want your Instagram feed to feature impactful, one-of-a-kind images, let’s connect.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I began my career at 23 in the fashion industry as a wardrobe stylist, working my way up from assistant to lead. I still style for select clients, but a few years ago I began to experience more creative fulfillment through fashion collages, something that I had been doing in my spare time for years. I began to undertake custom projects for brands that wanted something new for IG, and discovered there was a small niche market for my work. I recently moved to Los Angeles to expand my horizons and for the ability to work with more brands whose aesthetic I admire.
How do you stand out in your field?
Most individuals who make digital content come from a graphic design background and use all-digital techniques. I approach the process from a visual arts perspective and create every image by hand.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I’m currently working with a small fashion brand to create a selection of custom collages for their social media feeds. We’re mixing images of their own textiles with pieces from my print library.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Looking at the Collage portion of my website is probably the best way to understand my perspective.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Collaborating on visual collages is incredibly fulfilling to me, something that I approach with curiosity at every level. They’re a joy from start to finish. I want to do more of those.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Connecting with others in the industry in a new city. Most of my work is done solitary, in my studio. I would love the chance for more exposure to other’s creative work.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
All my business expense and tax filings. Nearly every freelancer I’ve ever met finds that as excruciating as I do.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
After college, I wasn’t admitted to my dream grad school, and it was shattering. It was the first experience I had in life with what felt like complete failure. I thought my life was over and I was destined to be a loser. I would go back and say to not be so tough on myself; not to be afraid to take more risks and make mistakes. That’s how we learn to pick ourselves back up, and even build our lives back up in a more meaningful way. That’s certainly what happened to me. The concept of failure isn’t so scary to me after going through that.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Sourcing and roasting coffee. I would love to apprentice with a master roaster and learn how to perfect the dark roast. Most coffee is too light for my taste. If you know of a place in LA that does a good dark roast, PLEASE DM me.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I love to work with fashion brands to develop distinctive, beautiful, and engaging content for social media and web campaigns.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I have a sick addiction to print magazines and would be beyond excited for the chance to work with any of my favorites--The Gentlewoman, Cabana, L’Officiel, GQ Style, Selvedge.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
I work on a sliding scale depending on who my clients are. I have a standard rate for corporate clients, but if you’re a small business, I will always work with you.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
A quick email is probably easiest. Even if you don’t have a project in mind but feel like our styles might vibe together, I would love to connect.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Be process oriented, not results oriented.
This member profile was originally published in May 2018.