Lovely to meet you!

Hi there! I'm Carolyn Rouse, the illustrator and designer behind Paperpaintpixels, living in the beautiful Somerset countryside with my family. When I'm not chasing after my trusty dog, Florence, you'll likely find me lost in my studio, surrounded by a vibrant array of colours, patterns and illustrations.

I founded Paperpaintpixels with the hope of creating art that not only brightens walls but also sparks curiosity and imagination. My designs are a blend of my unique illustration style, patterns, and textures, making each piece distinctive. I use high-quality, sustainable materials to ensure that my prints are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly.

My goal is to create artwork that people love, whether it’s for its aesthetic appeal or its ability to inspire learning. I want my prints to be a source of joy, a conversation starter, and a gateway to discovering the wonders of our world.

Becoming a parent deepened my appreciation for the power of education. The joy of watching my child learn to read and explore the world around them was truly inspiring. I believe that fostering a love of learning from a young age can set children on a path to a fulfilling life.

As a child, I spent countless hours exploring the countryside, marveling at the beauty of nature. From autumn walks to wild family vacations, I was always drawn to the natural world. Museums, especially those focused on natural history, were my favorite destinations. I’d often beg my parents to visit them again and again, my curiosity insatiable.

My love for art began early. I was constantly drawing, sketching, and doodling everything I saw. I was particularly fascinated by animation, the way drawings could bring stories to life and create entirely new worlds.

My love of animals and the natural world drives my work and business and is at the heart of everything I do. I'm working towards using only recyclable, compostable and biodegradable packaging where possible and I'm dedicated to improving the sustainability of my business as I grow.

• The fine art cotton rag paper used is part of the Woodland Trust Carbon Capture Scheme. A percetange of the cost is used to plant trees.
• I use FSC Certified, acid free tissue paper to wrap all of my prints. 
• I use Kraft tape which is fully recyclable and free from animal products. 
• I use Biodegradable and Compostable cello bags which are made from vegetable starch.
•  The orders are packed in 100% recycled cardboard envelopes and boxes.
•  I try to repurpose packaging from our supplier deliveries and encourage our suppliers to go plastic free where possible.
• The only single use plastic I use in the packaging is the recycled plastic end caps of the tubes I package the prints in. I'm looking for a solution!

My creative journey begins with a sketch, often captured in my sketchbook or digitally on Procreate. Once I've refined the composition, I bring the design to life with vibrant colors using a combination of traditional gouache and digital tools on my iPad.

To finalize the layout, I carefully scan or import my initial sketches into Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Here, I add intricate patterns and textures to enhance the visual appeal and depth of each design.

Finally, I print my creations using high-quality, sustainable materials, ensuring that each piece is a true work of art.

Where I am now!

Originally from just North of London, I have been trained in Textile Design, and have a MSC in Computer Science! I’ve worked in the design industry as a web & graphic designer and now as an illustrator. I now live in a quiet and rural and beautiful part of South Somerset, UK with my husband and our three not so little ones ( My eldest are now at university- where did the time go!) and our lovely dog Florence.