Here at Slowdown Studio we love collaborating with emerging and established artists from across the globe. We recently had the opportunity to chat with Roisin O'Donnell, the artist behind the new Jellyphant Mini Blanket and much-loved Dumont Throw. Roisin is based in Norwich, England and known for her playful characters that bring a sense of nostalgia and humour to her art.
1. Who do you think is the most exciting emerging creative in Norwich?
At the moment I am feeling really inspired and having great creative conversations with @willlowjadehall I absolutely love her drawings and animations and her really organic approach to making. 
2. Where are your favourite places to go in Norwich?
I am pretty spoilt living in Norwich (UK) with such a plethora of independent businesses within walking distance from my home. I love the Garnet pub for an after work pint, sweet briar marshes for a lovely walk in nature and a bookshop called the Holloway which host really interesting and unique events.
3. What advice would you give to a younger version of yourself when you were starting out in art?
I think I would suggest that I study Illustration as opposed to a Fine Art Degree as it is more relevant to what I do now!
Dumont Throw designed by Roisin O'Donnell
4. What are you listening to in your studio at the moment?
I have been playing the new Brown Horse album ‘All The Right Weaknesses’ on repeat. They are a local Norwich band who are also amazing live!
5. What inspired your design for this latest blanket design?
I have been digging around in second hand shops for old illustrated books, and I have a great collection of Folk and Naive Art which I often flick through to spark ideas.
Jellyphant Mini Blanket designed by Roisin O'Donnell
6. What's your favorite way to slow down?
If I’m feeling overwhelmed or like I need to really relax, I like to put on a Spanish classical guitar playlist - grab a book and some essential oils and run a bath!
7. What's the most memorable book you've read in the last few years?
I really enjoyed Milk Fed by Melissa Broder, it was funny and poignant and just a really fun read!
8. What has been the happiest/most rewarding moment of your art career?
I was pretty chuffed once when a friend sent me a photo of one of my prints in a charity shop far from home - which was on sale for about 3 times the price I had originally sold it at. Seems pretty silly but for some reason that made me feel like I had made it! It is really hard to pick just one moment though, as I always feel so happy and privileged when I see something I helped make out in the world.
9. How does living in Norwich influence your work? Is there anything about it that has defined how or what you create?
I definitely think Norwich has helped to shape me as an artist. I am surrounded by so many talented friends and there is such a special community spirit here. It is an incredibly creative city so there is endless sources of inspiration wherever you look!
10. What are you most excited/looking forward to this year?
I have a couple of commissions lined up that I am really excited to start. I also want to experiment more with animation and I am looking forward to seeing how that may inform and develop my practice.
Follow @roisinodonnelldraws to see more of her work.
https://www.roisinodonnelldraws.co.uk
