Can you tell us more about you and what you do?

I am a self-taught illustrator based in the Midwest United States. I am very passionate about creating cozy illustrations that directly reflect how I am feeling at the moment. Oftentimes this means that my art includes little sayings and quotes that I hear from my therapist, my friends, and my family. There is a big focus on rest, self-care, and looking out for your community. I am also very passionate about cats, so they make an appearance a lot.

Every artwork tells a story. What inspired your cover design, what narrative or message are you conveying through your cover design, and can you share the creative process that led to its final form?

My cover is inspired by cats who wear hats. I think that there is nothing cuter than the little hats and outfits that you can dress your pet in. Even if they only wear it for a second before shaking it off.I want my cover to convey joy, whimsy, playfulness, and humour. This design started off a simple doodle, and I just truly could not stop drawing more and more cats. It’s such a fun exercise to see what my brain could come up with.I hope that when people see this cover, they feel even a little bit of joy.

How does creativity connect to self-expression for you?

Creativity and self-expression feel like almost the same thing to me. Although sometimes my creativity feels like it's at a zero, I still want to express myself through art. So, I will create something just to create. It can feel really scary when the ideas aren't flowing, when I feel low energy, and like I have no artistic ability. It is so important to express those feelings in one way or another. Usually I express them in therapy, and other times I express them in my art.

How do you define your individuality as an artist, and in what ways does this uniqueness manifest in your creations?

I think a big part of my art is that it is ever changing and evolving. I make the idea of growing, learning, and getting better a huge part of my messaging. I never want to get to the point with my art where I am stagnant. I want to keep getting better. Not just to be a better artist, but a better person too. So while the people who follow my art can expect cute art featuring cats and encouraging messaging, I want them to also know that my art grows with me.

In your perspective, what role does creativity play in empowering individuals and communities, and how have you witnessed this power in action?

As someone who lives in the United States, the past few years have seemed like a never-ending cycle of terrible news. As a result, I have seen an influx of small businesses and artists coming together to help their communities in big and small ways. I see so many of my fellow artists organising and donating funds to disaster relief, food banks, and local charities. I personally have felt so powerless this past year seeing all of the atrocities that seem to never end. But that feeling of powerlessness isn’t forever. Taking one step towards action, no matter how small, is a hundred times better than isolating yourself with bad feelings. Being creative about how you show up is essential. Small creative actions can make big changes in the world.

Have you faced any challenges in maintaining your individuality in your work, especially in the face of trends or external expectations? How did you overcome them?

I think one of the biggest challenges as an artist is imposter syndrome. Some days I feel really great about my art and my style. Other days it can feel like I have no idea what I am doing, like I don’t have a strong style, like I don’t need to be making art; here’s millions of artists better than me. There’s a ton of ways I pull myself out of that. I think about the people who have messaged me saying my art has helped them through hard times. I think about how my own art is telling people to give themselves grace, to be okay with changing, to rest when they need it. For some reason I don’t often take my own advice.

What advice would you give to emerging artists who are trying to find and express their individuality through their work?

I would tell them to just keep making stuff. My art style has been through many phases, and it is ever evolving. It likely will never stop evolving, and I don’t want it to. As long as you like what you make, that is all that matters. Just keep making bad art. We need bad art right now.

What’s the one thing you want to accomplish this year?

I would really love to do an art market. I have never done one before, and I think it would be so special to meet other artists and have people see my art in person.

Where can we see more of your work?

My main social media is on Instagram at @carolinefriendart and my website is www.carolinefriendart.com :-)