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

Hi Vincent, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
I will spend weeks, sometimes months thinking about an idea for an art piece. Usually inspired by a feeling I had, something I heard someone say, something I saw on a hike, or a combination of those things. The feeling behind my work is always the most important thing to me, the visual aesthetics are just the language to convey that feeling. It’s all pretty clear in my mind before I even put pen to paper. When I share a piece of artwork, and even one person comments on it, or feels inclined to message me about how they connected with my work, that makes me happy and reminds me why I do what I do.

Two ducks flying over water with reeds and a red sun in the background.

A white cat sleeps on a sofa with a colorful blanket, window showing trees and sky outside, handwritten quote above and below.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Creating art and sharing it with others is easy for me now, but the sharing it with others part was definitely the biggest obstacle to overcome initially. I have been drawing all my life, but right around the pandemic I decided it to share some of my work on TikTok, as I saw a lot of other artists doing it. I didn’t think anything would come of it, and getting past the weird and unhinged things people would comment on my work was tough at first. But then I started getting a lot of really great positive feedback, and people started asking me over and over again if I would sell prints or comics online. I saw people were asking and I figured, hell why not give them what they’re asking for. I printed my first comic, “NERVES: The Basement Show” in 2020 and sold a couple hundred copies just on TikTok. It might sound like a small thing, but just listening to the people who love your work and ignoring the people who don’t, along with my own self-doubt, has gotten me a long way. I just try to keep moving forward, do what I love and not worry about it too much.

Young man with glasses and dark hair standing behind a display table at an event, with photographs and signs in the background.

Two women sitting on benches outdoors, with children playing on a blanket in the background, under a tree.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If we’re hanging out in Denver, I would not miss Watercourse Foods for brunch. If they happened to be in town in September I would definitely take them by Denver Zine Fest, as I personally cannot get enough of self published media and local art. Being a huge bird nerd in addition to an artist, the Denver Audubon Center would definitely by on my list. And for dinner and drinks Cuba Cuba is my favorite place to grab some comfort food that reminds me of home! And if they were up for a little road trip while they’re out here, the Great Sand Dunes just may be my favorite spot in the world to explore, reset and feel connected to nature. It’s absolutely magical and worth taking a day or two to experience.

Two people in a room with wooden floor and white walls, one hanging a picture, window showing trees outside

Books displayed on a wooden shelf against a green wall, with titles and illustrations visible.

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?
My family, including my chosen family too, have always been my biggest supporters. To my parents and friends who have helped me pack and ship comics and prints, to my wife who has always been willing to be flexible to make room for me to create, and all of my friends who support and encourage me to keep doing this.

Website: https://www.vincentrose.art

Instagram: @vincentrose_art

Other: https://patreon.com/vincentrose

Two black eagles with detailed feathers stand in front of a large white moon and desert cacti against a red background.

Three illustrated postcards with animals and text, placed on a yellow cutting mat with a metal ruler and pen nearby.

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