027- Rosa Kammermeier
In the latest episode of “The 13th Hour,” we are excited to feature Rosa Kammermeier, an illustrator and lettering artist based in Berlin. Rosa’s work reflects a unique fusion of classic graphic design, illustration, and hand-drawn typography, brought to life with her keen eye for composition and an evolving creative style. Having studied Communication Design with a focus on typography, Rosa has developed a versatile approach that allows her to create visually striking pieces across multiple mediums, capturing a blend of traditional and contemporary art.
In this episode, Rosa takes us through her creative process, starting from mood boards and raw sketches to refined concepts and finalised designs. She shares insights into her inspirations—from museums and art books to her painter grandfather—and her journey from a Bavarian village to Berlin. Rosa also discusses some of her standout projects, like her collaboration with Dr. Martens, which she considers a career highlight. Her ability to merge different creative disciplines and her commitment to continuously learning make Rosa a powerful voice in the fields of illustration and design. Join us as we dive into her world and discover the influences behind her bold and dynamic work.
1 - At 13AM, we aim to celebrate and showcase a broad range of creative roles, disciplines and skillsets. How would you describe yourself and your role within the creative world to those unfamiliar with your work?
I am an Illustrator and Lettering Artist – I also do classic Graphic Design.
2 - Another aspect that sets 13AM apart is our commitment to diversity and representation among our artists. Could you share a bit about your background and where you call home?
I grew up in a small village in Lower Bavaria and studied Communication Design with a focus on Typography in Augsburg. After that, I lived in Munich for seven years and moved to Berlin two years ago.
3 - How would you define your creative style? Has it evolved or undergone any changes over time?
My creative style has evolved a lot! I don’t want to stand still; I aim to make progress and continuously learn new skills. I always thought I had to focus on illustration, lettering, or graphic design individually. These days, I think it’s a strength that I can do all of them and try to combine these skills.
4 - Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you transform an idea into a tangible piece of work?
I always start my creative process with a mood board on Pinterest. While doing that, my vision becomes clearer, and I get a sense of the overall mood; ideas start to spark in my mind. After that, I draw many very small, raw sketches. In the next step, I choose the best three or four ideas and refine them to send to the customer. After receiving the first round of feedback, I refine the drafts and finalize them.
5 - In terms of inspiration, where do you go to find this? Who were your main influencers and inspirations as you were growing up?
I find inspiration in museums, art books, and posters on the streets. But also, of course, Pinterest and Instagram! My main influence while growing up was my granddad, who is a painter – he always supplied me with new paint and art books.
6 - What advice would you offer aspiring creatives looking to establish themselves in the industry?
If you don’t have new projects, create your own tasks and just keep creating!
7 - Creative roadblocks affect many individuals in our field. How do you unwind and revitalize your creative energy? Are there any hobbies or passions you pursue outside of your work?
I am also a music producer and a DJ. I play bass and love to practice DJing on vinyl. I also enjoy running!
8 - Reflecting on your career, could you share a standout project or collaboration that you consider a highlight? How did the opportunity come about?
One standout project was creating an illustration for Dr. Martens. I’ve always loved their boots and was thrilled when they contacted me!
9 - Can you provide a little insight into your current projects and any upcoming plans you have in the pipeline? Is there anything we should be looking out for in the not too distant future?
Besides some pretty cool jobs, I am working a lot on personal illustrations. Stay tuned :)
10 - What has your experience been like collaborating with 13AM thus far, and what motivated you to join forces with us?
I’m looking forward to collaborating with 13AM in the future! I love the great roster of artists and am happy to be a part of it.
11 - Looking ahead, what would be your dream project or client to tackle in the future?
I would love to create more illustrations for fashion brands – and maybe work on large-scale projects and murals!
12 - To conclude on a lighter note, imagine hosting a dinner party where you could invite four individuals, living or deceased, who would they be and why?
I would invite Frida Kahlo, Blondie, Vivienne Westwood, and Kim Gordon. All are amazing artists and inspiring women.
13 - If you were granted the power of time travel, which historical event would you choose to witness firsthand, and what intrigues you about it?
I would have loved to witness the ’90s in Berlin – it must have been a super exciting time, both musically and artistically!