Sit Down With Our #090 Featured Artist
Kat Lewis
Featured Artist / #120 ScrawlrBox
’m an illustrator and designer with a love for fineliners, paint pens, and adding playful character to every piece I create. I’m always looking for new ways to tell visual stories and spark inspiration. My style leans towards bold mark-making, layered textures, and expressive details. Like many artists, I’ve been creating for as long as I can remember, which led me to study Graphic Design and Illustration at university. Since then, I’ve worked across design, social media, and now channel my creativity as part of ScrawlrBox.
After years of being the creative force behind the scenes, we’ve finally convinced Kat—our very own Creative Designer and Social Guru—to step into the spotlight as this month’s featured artist. Kat brings her unique style, endless creativity, and infectious enthusiasm to everything we do here at ScrawlrBox. I sat down with her to chat about her art, creative inspirations, and what it’s like to be on the other side of the box for a change!
For those who don’t already know, you’re heavily involved in ScrawlrBox as our Creative Designer—living and breathing all things Scrawlr! How does it feel to be on the other side of the box this month?
Daunting. I want this to be a fun box for everyone so I felt more pressure putting this one together.
Have you always been a creative person? When did you first get into art, and what are your earliest memories of being creative?
Yeah for sure, I grew up around creative people so I’ve always had that influence. My earliest memories are probably drawing on the walls up the stairs (sorry Mum). I remember knowing I wanted to do something arty with my life when I first went to my late Aunts house. She was an incredible tapestry weaver, her and her partner lived in a mill that looked like an artists workshop. My little eyes drank it all in and just knew that what I wanted in life
Your work has a really distinct style. How would you describe it in your own words?
Mildly chaotic organised lines.
Your work often features female faces, and you’re great at capturing their expression and emotion. What draws you to illustrating women in particular?
(Starts singing Beyonce) Who runs the world? GIRLS!!
You’ve worked at ScrawlrBox for over four years now (thank you for your service!). Has your art changed or been influenced since starting? What’s evolved in your creative journey?
Yes massively. I used to draw in liner than add colour digitally, I was scared that the more traditional medium outcomes wouldn’t be vivid or smooth enough, and you cant fix mistakes. I now LOVE texture in work and actively find ways to add in bits of visual interest. If a mistake happens (I am naturally messy) then I incorporate it.
What’s been your all-time favourite ScrawlrBox—and why?
#072 ScrawlrBox featuring Caparso. I love his style and I’m a sucker for science fiction and graffiti. The Molotow paint pens are great, plus the Derwent Line Maker is one of my all time favourite pens. For me it was a really fun box.
Every month, you create something amazing with the supplies we send out. What advice would you give to someone who’s struggling to get to grips with new or unfamiliar materials?
If using a new material in the “proper” way isn’t working for you, try something else. Adapt the medium to your style instead of trying to use in the way its traditionally used. It’s nice to learn the rules but its way more fun to break them.
What’s your drink of choice when you’re in the creative zone?
Tea, beer or Redbull. Depends what time of day it is…
Finally, what do you think is the best thing about ScrawlrBox—and why should people subscribe?
It takes you out of your comfort zone. There is a 100% chance of learning something new- whether it’s from a tip in the zine, our incredible Scrawlr Community or a happy accident you made on your own with your new supplies.