Working from her coastal studio in Cornwall, Karen Lowes is a freelance print designer and jewellery maker with eight years’ experience focusing on homeware, fashion, and heritage. She’s also the designer behind the artwork for our new cat range available exclusively in PDSA charity shops and the PDSA Pet Store.
Inspired by her love of cats and her passion for print design, Karen has designed a stylish and quirky collection of artwork that's sure to delight cat owners and art enthusiasts alike. We caught up with Karen to chat about the new Cosy Cat range, her inspiration behind it, and her impressive career so far.
Tell us about your career as an artist
After studying Surface Pattern Design, my first job was designing prints for a UK-based conservation charity’s homeware and gifts. After this, I dipped my toe into the fashion industry for a few years designing prints for a popular clothing brand.
I learnt so much from working in the fashion industry and charity sector, and it helped me realise that I wanted to challenge myself even more by going solo and making my own unique designs. I am now a freelance print designer, artist and maker. It was a big scary step, but I don’t regret it!
What inspired the designs of the range?
Cats bring me so much joy, especially when you see the peace in their relaxed faces as they stretch out before curling up on a cosy rug nearby. I wanted to capture this in a simplistic way that would work well as a repeat design and individual motifs.
What is the process of designing like? Take us through it.
Everyone has a slightly different process in print design, whether it be solely designing on the computer, fully hand drawn or a mixture of both. I always start off my designs by hand with initial sketches of ideas.
Then, I mix the colours and decide on the main palette I want to use before painting individual motifs in my sketchbook. Once I’m happy with most of the motifs, I scan these in and start creating a composition using photo editing software. This is when I can see if there’s something missing or if I have enough to play with to create a print design.
Then it’s just getting the composition and balance of colour right, which can take some time! I usually find walking away from it and looking at it again after a good night’s sleep helps, as you can look at a print for too long to be able to spot any alterations needed sometimes.
How would you describe your style?
Loosely hand-painted, inky and dreamlike.
How did you strike a balance between being visually appealing and featuring cats in a way that resonates with cat owners?
I wanted to keep their faces simple and representative of all cats rather than just painting from a photograph of one cat’s characteristics. All cats have different personalities so I hope that this will appeal to many cat owners and remind them of their own furry friends.
What’s your favourite part of the range and why?
I enjoyed designing the individual relaxed cat motifs with more detail. It meant that I could add in some more detail on the fur as well as the quirky cushions and rugs.
Do you have any pets?
Not yet but I’m hoping to get a puppy next year. Me and my partner do adore his family dog, Bella, who loves swimming with us and has frequent holidays in Cornwall when her owners are away.
Have you always been an animal lover?
I’ve always loved animals and have a keen interest in wildlife. I grew up with cats and dogs at home and understand how they can play a huge part in a family.
How did you feel when you were approached to contribute to PDSA’s new range?
I was excited as it felt good to be working with another charity. Knowing that the money from the products sold is going to a good cause is such a drive for me.
Interested in purchasing something from the range? The Cosy Cat collection will start from 99p, find your local PDSA charity shop here.