Meet Rachel Owens | Mixed-Media Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Owens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
As a military child, I grew up all over the world, and as such was exposed to a diverse array of experiences and people. I was always fascinated with people and storytelling and the way that books and art connected the two in a unique and expressive way. Truly I consider ordinary everyday people and life to contributing the most in my decision to pursue an artistic/creative career. There was no extraordinary moment when I realized that creating art was what I wanted to do with my life; to design pieces that would make people smile and bring them joy – the inspiration to be an illustrator has always been ingrained in my DNA, so to speak. I cannot remember a time when art was not all I wanted to do; some of my earliest memories were those when I was sitting and drawing something – anything – everything! Creating beautiful, colorful places, people, animals, and things – capturing what I saw around me as well as the world of my imagination.

As I grew, I experimented with all sorts of materials and fell deeper in love with the experience of creating. My passion for art in general soon morphed and solidified, channeled towards publication design and children’s books. I wanted to use the gift that the Lord gave me to spread happiness and joy to anyone and everyone I could. To be the cause of someone’s smile, to brighten someone’s day, to inspire their future – even if I could never know if I succeeded, the hope alone continues to make me happy and drive me forward. That is why I do what I do – to help brighten the lives of strangers and friends; to help bring happiness to as many people as I can.

Illustrating children’s books specifically is my passion. From a very young age I can remember excitedly journeying to the library to spend hours flipping through the pages of children’s books; being transported to other worlds through the vibrant, colorful pages and whimsical themes inspired me to illustrate my own stories. The extraordinary worlds that books transport a child’s mind to is something I want to be a part of; bringing words to life and using my abilities to impact and inspire the creative minds of the next generation.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In my illustrations, I take a mixed media approach – utilizing colored ink, colored pencils, acrylic and gouache paint, modeling paste, markers, posca paint pens, Blackwing graphite, scrapbook paper, and digital painting tools to create my vibrant illustrations – choosing whatever combination I believe will best represent the story I wish to tell. Texture plays a large role in my work – as I love incorporating tactile components that reward the viewer both visually and physically when they encounter my originals in person.

In my art, I venture to capture the magic of the world around me through vivid colors and whimsical concepts, creating a stylized realism that blurs the lines between the real and the imagined. I like to utilize my art to share a glimpse of my perspective on the world, hoping to show people that even something small and seemingly insignificant can be impactful, beautiful, and exciting. My art is an expression of who I am, and I’ve always loved spreading happiness and joy. When looking at my art, I hope people find it welcoming, positive, and encouraging!

As a perfectionist, I used to let my fear of failure and the prospect of others seeing my mistakes dictate my decisions. But through a process of self-discovery and personal growth, I have been able to overcome this fear and embrace a more positive mindset. By sketching in public and sharing my work on social media, the good and the bad, I have learned to build confidence in myself and my abilities.

Now, I relish every opportunity to learn, create, and explore, recognizing that mistakes are simply necessary steps on the path to improvement and growth. As someone who loves helping and encouraging others, I have had to learn how to extend that same grace and kindness to myself. After all, the only way to truly succeed is to embrace our imperfections and use them to propel ourselves forward.

As I continue to explore the possibilities of my art, I am excited to delve into projects that will help others. Specifically, I am passionate about using my skills to help children and their families who are coping with disabilities, both visible and invisible. As someone with disabilities myself, I want to create illustrations that educate and encourage, providing a positive and empowering message for those who may be struggling with their own disabilities, or those of their loved ones and friends.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Living in Savannah, Georgia is an absolute dream – the city itself simply exudes inspiration from every corner! With Spanish Moss delicately cascading from the trees, the melodic tunes of live street musicians echoing through the squares, and the captivating Forsyth Park fountain shimmering in the sunlight, the enchantment of strolling the historic streets of Savannah is truly endless.

My perfect day exploring this captivating city with a friend would start with strolling around the delightful Forsyth Park to find the perfect spot to set up a picnic! Here we can sit and sketch, daydream, chat, and savor our picnic delights under the calming shade of a friendly tree. Next, we would head over to the charming E. Shaver Bookstore, not just to browse their beautiful book collection, but also to pet their adorable cats and pick up a “mystery date with a book” from their special selection. With our new books in hand, we would take a drive – venturing out to Tybee Island to sink our toes in the sand and watch the sunset over the peaceful water.

Our adventure would continue in the following days, exploring more of the hidden gems of this beautiful city, like the decorative fish downspouts and vintage storefronts. From people watching and sketching in the various squares, sitting atop the renovated double-decker bus in Art’s Café, to wandering down the cobblestone lanes of River Street – there is so much to discover and experience! But my all-time favorite place to enjoy, is actually a little outside of Savannah, in Richmond Hill. It is a little treasure called “The Green Spork Café & Market”! The Green Spork is the cutest little spot with the nicest people – and it’s a fully dedicated gluten-free and plant-based vegan bakery/kitchen – totally welcoming, totally delicious!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family, most importantly, has been incredibly supportive, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without their love and encouragement. Over the years, so many incredible artists and people have impacted my life and work, and I never tire of discovering new and fantastic artists every day. Of course, I cannot talk about what inspires and encourages me without mentioning the greatest artist of all, and my biggest inspiration, God: the Creator of everything, without Whom there would be no beauty to appreciate, nor would I have the ability to capture it. (Revelation 4:11 ESV)

To dive in more specifically, I will never forget the teachings of my first and only art instructor before college: Mark Lucas from Lucas Studios of Fine Art, located in Columbus, Georgia. His enthusiasm, patience, and love for teaching enabled me to grow in my work, encouraged my passion, and provided me with knowledge beyond what I could truly appreciate as an 11-year-old, but that is invaluable for me today. Although I was only able to learn from him for a short time (about 6 months), his kindness and the lessons he taught me continue to be influential in the way I pursue my creativity.

Then, of course, there are my incredible professors at SCAD! Once I got to the Savannah College of Art and Design, I was opened up to a completely new wave of inspirational artists in the form of my professors! Each and every professor I have had the honor of learning from has completely amazed me – helping me grow and push myself in new and exciting ways. Leading by example, the professors at SCAD are fantastic artists themselves, with their own remarkable portfolios, experience working in the industry, and beyond – I could never have imagined the learning opportunities that would be opened to me through SCAD and its excellent community of creatives.

As I answer this question, I feel that I cannot truly do it justice because there are so many incredible illustrators that come to mind, from long-time professionals to personal friends, I would never be able to capture the names of all who inspire and uplift me! But each illustrator I discover opens new doorways in my own work – some that will influence me for a short time and some that will deeply affect the way I work forever. Inspiration is all around – all you have to do is look for it!

Website: https://www.rachelnowens.art/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smiley.rachelle/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-owens-21aa69213/

Image Credits
Stephanie Owens (Personal Photo) Rachel Owens (All Additional Images)