Meet Camila Rosa | Illustrator and Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Camila Rosa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Camila, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started my own business from a desire for independence and a deep urge to follow my dream of working with art and illustration. It became a natural extension of my creative practice, allowing me to shape my own path and collaborate with people and brands that align with my values.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is deeply connected to community and everyday life, especially from a female perspective. I love working with bold colors, graphic shapes, and characters that feel strong but still approachable. What really sets my work apart is how personal it is. A lot of it comes from my own experiences, my cultural background, and the communities I’ve been part of, like the underground and punk/hardcore scene. I’m most proud when people tell me they see themselves in my work.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy or straightforward. I graduated in Industrial Design and worked in that field for a few years, but at some point I decided to leave it all behind, move to São Paulo, and start from scratch as an illustrator. I didn’t have a clear plan. I just knew I wanted to work with art and illustration, and that meant changing everything in my life and fully committing to that path. I built my career slowly, project by project, learning as I went. There were moments of doubt, financial stress, and uncertainty, but I kept going by staying consistent, adapting, and trusting my voice.

Along the way, I learned how unhelpful comparison can be, and that building a creative career really takes time. Community has always been a huge part of my journey, having people around who support you, inspire you, and remind you why you started. I still remember how my friends supported me in the beginning, inviting me into collaborations and creating opportunities together. Those connections continue to shape how I work and grow.

I want people to know that my work is very personal and truly means a lot to me. Through my art, I was able to create new possibilities for myself and my family, and that’s something I’m incredibly grateful for. I’ll always appreciate everyone who continues to support me and everything I create.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting NYC for a week, I’d want to show them the city the way I actually experience it. We’d probably spend most of our time in Brooklyn. I’d start by taking them for coffee at Villager, my favorite neighborhood spot, then we’d head to the Brooklyn Museum and take a long walk through Prospect Park. It’s one of my favorite ways to slow down, hang out, and just enjoy the city.

Another day would be all about wandering around the LES. I love taking my time there, going into vintage and record shops, stopping for vegan food at Orchard Grocer, checking out galleries like Hashimoto, and browsing bookstores like Sweet Pickle Books. I’m especially drawn to the LES because of its history and its strong connection to the punk and hardcore scene, which has always influenced my work and the way I experience the city. It’s one of those places where you don’t really need a plan. You just walk around, explore, and see where the day takes you.

One of my favorite things about NYC is simply walking and discovering new galleries, exhibitions, bookstores, coffee shops, and independent stores. Art is everywhere here, and that constant feeling of discovery is what I love most about the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my friends from the art and underground punk/hardcore scene in my hometown. That community gave me early support, inspiration, and the confidence to believe in my creative path. It played a huge role in shaping who I am as an artist today.

Website: https://www.camilarosa.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camixvx/

Image Credits
STU Open Rio 2023 by Pablo Vaz
Rua Walls 2021 by Beatriz Gimenes
Redley by Gabriel Klein