Behind the Scenes: Real Projects, Real Results. Explore how Rosie Brooks’ distinctive illustrations bring stories, brands, and events to life for clients across publishing, music, hospitality and much more.
- Classic FM,
- Sir Paul McCartney
- Holy Mackerel
- Oxford University Press
- The Club at the Ivy
- Hilton London Bankside
Classic FM – Bringing Music to Life Through Illustration
Client – Classic FM
A leading UK radio station and brand dedicated to classical music, owned by Global.
Project Overview
Classic FM collaborated with Rosie to create a suite of bespoke illustrations to support their flagship social media campaigns and merchandise. The collaboration spanned several high-profile projects, each designed to engage classical music lovers and drive fundraising for charity.
Objectives
- Visually celebrate the annual Classic FM Hall of Fame countdown.
- Develop exclusive merchandise to deepen listener engagement and raise funds for charity.
- Bring a playful, recognisable hand-drawn style to Classic FM’s Christmas campaigns and digital content.
- Create a strong, memorable link between Classic FM’s brand and the world of classical music.
Scope of Work
- Hall of Fame Illustrated Countdown:
Created Classic FM’s first-ever illustrated Hall of Fame countdown, featuring original artwork for the top pieces in the annual poll. - Charitable Merchandise:
Designed a 1,000-piece limited edition jigsaw puzzle (2020), Christmas cards, and a calendar. All proceeds from the puzzle supported Global’s Make Some Noise charity. - Christmas Campaigns:
Produced illustrations for Classic FM’s Christmas Day social media takeover and a microsite counting down the Nation’s Favourite Carols (2025). - Ongoing Collaborations:
Provided artwork for additional campaigns, including product development and licensing discussions for future Classic FM merchandise.
Creative Process
- Briefing & Concept Development:
Collaborated with Classic FM’s social media teams to capture the spirit of each campaign, ensuring the artwork reflected both the grandeur and accessibility of classical music. - Sketching & Approvals:
Presented pencil sketches for feedback; up to three rounds of revisions included to ensure alignment with Classic FM’s vision. - Final Artwork:
Created hand-drawn pen and ink illustrations, finished with watercolour washes to achieve a vibrant, timeless look. - Digital Delivery:
Supplied high-resolution digital files via Dropbox, formatted for print, web, and social media use. - Coordination & Credits:
Ensured images were credited across all platforms, with links to Rosie’s portfolio and social channels.
Results & Impact
- Charity Fundraising:
The Hall of Fame jigsaw puzzle and Christmas cards raised significant funds for Global’s Make Some Noise, supporting vital community projects. - Audience Engagement:
The illustrated countdown and Christmas campaigns generated high engagement on Classic FM’s social media, with positive feedback from listeners and presenters. - Brand Differentiation:
Rosie’s distinctive style gave Classic FM’s campaigns a warm, approachable, and instantly recognisable visual identity, reinforcing their reputation as the home of classical music for all.
Key Takeaways
- Traditional illustration can transform digital and physical campaigns, creating emotional connections with audiences.
- Strategic partnerships between artists and brands drive both engagement and results—especially when supporting a charitable cause.
- Consistency in visual style helps build long-term brand equity and audience loyalty.
Interested in a similar collaboration?
Contact Rosie Brooks to discuss bespoke illustration projects for your brand.
Custom Guitar Artwork for Sir Paul McCartney
Client – Sir Paul McCartney
Legendary musician, songwriter, and founding member of The Beatles
Sector
Music, Fine Art, Charity, Luxury Brands
Project Overview
In 2007, following the success of my Ten Foot Illustrated Guitar statue for the London Guitar Town project—which raised $160,000 for charity and garnered significant media attention—I was personally invited by Sir Paul McCartney to create a bespoke painting on his iconic Gibson Les Paul guitar.
The guitar, famously played by Sir Paul at major events including Glastonbury 2022, became a unique, functional work of art that has featured in live performances and album imagery.
Objectives
- Create a one-of-a-kind, hand-painted guitar design reflecting both Sir Paul’s musical legacy and my signature pen-and-ink with watercolour style.
- Enhance the visual identity of an instrument already rich in history, making it both stage-ready and gallery-worthy.
- Support charitable causes through high-profile art initiatives, raising funds and awareness for organisations including The Prince’s Trust and Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy.
Process
- Initial Brief & Collaboration
- Direct consultation with Sir Paul McCartney and his team to discuss creative direction, musical influences, and desired visual impact.
- Concept Development
- Sketches and mock-ups exploring themes of performance, crowd energy, and musical storytelling.
- Artwork Execution
- Careful surface preparation to ensure compatibility with permanent ink and paint.
- Hand-drawn illustration applied directly to the guitar body, incorporating musical motifs and British humour.
- Sealed and finished for durability under stage lights and touring conditions.
- Delivery & Impact
- The completed guitar debuted in Sir Paul’s concerts and was featured on the album “Memory Almost Full.”
- A ten-foot replica of the design was auctioned alongside works by Brian May, Robert Plant, and Ronnie Wood, raising substantial funds for music charities.
Results & Impact
- Global Visibility: The custom guitar became a centrepiece at major live events, including Glastonbury, and in album artwork.
- Charitable Fundraising: The project contributed to over $200,000 raised for music charities through the London Guitar Town initiative.
- Client Testimonial: Sir Paul McCartney’s ongoing use of the guitar in high-profile performances is a testament to the project’s success and artistic resonance.
- Testimonial from Pat Foley, Gibson Guitars I had the great pleasure of working with Rosie on an amazing project for Sir Paul McCartney. It started with a guitar town display in London. Rosie’s “Beatlemania” artwork was chosen by Paul to grace the display. As I was in charge of artist relations for Gibson Guitars at the time Paul asked if we could create a real guitar with the same artwork. I sent Rosie a red guitar body and she did her amazing artwork on it. We then built out the guitar and sent it to Paul. It was meant to be for a few shows but ten years later Paul is using it as one of his main electrics. Rosie is a joy and I’m happy to say we are still very much in touch.
- Legacy: The collaboration remains a highlight in my portfolio, demonstrating the power of illustration to bridge music, fine art, and philanthropy.
Key Learnings
- Bespoke illustration can elevate functional objects into storytelling pieces for world-class clients.
- Direct artist-client collaboration ensures authenticity and creative alignment.
- High-profile projects create lasting impact, both artistically and philanthropically.
Interested in commissioning a bespoke artwork or learning more about my process?
Contact Rosie Brooks
Holy Mackerel x Rosie Brooks – Bringing Hand-Drawn Charm to the Greeting Card Aisle
Overview
Since 2022, Rosie Brooks has collaborated with leading British card publisher Holy Mackerel to launch a series of greeting cards featuring her signature hand-drawn, pen-and-ink style with watercolour washes. The partnership has resulted in a growing collection of cards for all occasions, distributed online and through UK retail channels.
The Opportunity
Holy Mackerel sought to refresh their card range with a distinctive, authentic illustration style—something playful, witty, and unmistakably British. Rosie’s established reputation for musical and literary illustration, combined with her “Inkfluencer” brand and a knack for visual storytelling, made her a natural fit.
Objectives:
- Develop a versatile, collectable greeting card range with original subject matter, celebrating new and interesting subjects such as music and theatre.
- Maintain a strong, recognisable visual identity
- Expand Holy Mackerel’s appeal to new audiences seeking artisan, artist-designed cards
The Solution
Creative Process:
- Rosie worked closely with Holy Mackerel’s editorial and product teams to brainstorm themes, captions, and seasonal trends.
- Each design began as a pencil sketch, with up to three rounds of feedback before inking and watercolour.
- Artwork was digitised at 600dpi, colour-corrected, and delivered via Dropbox for production.
Collections Launched:
- Con Amore: Music-inspired cards for celebrations and thank-yous
- Rosie Tinted: Humorous takes on everyday moments
- Whole Lotta Rosie: Bold, character-driven designs
- Small Fry: Mini cards for little occasions
- Christmas: Festive, musical, and whimsical
Each collection reflects Rosie’s blend of British humour, musical references, and a warm, approachable aesthetic.
Licensing & Exclusivity
- Exclusivity: Holy Mackerel holds exclusive rights for greeting cards, ensuring no similar work appears with competing publishers during the contract period.
- Agreement Structure: Ongoing standard licensing agreement, with royalties based on sales. Renewed and renegotiated annually.
- Artist Rights: All artwork remains Rosie’s intellectual property, with licensing strictly for greeting card formats (no AI training permitted).
Results
- Retail Presence: Rosie’s cards are available via Holy Mackerel’s website, Amazon, and select UK retailers.
- Customer Response: The range has received positive feedback for its originality, collectability, and “giftable” quality—often cited as “cards you want to keep.”
- Business Impact: The partnership has provided a steady passive revenue stream, broadened Rosie’s audience, and reinforced her position as a leading British illustrator.
- Brand Synergy: The collaboration has enhanced Holy Mackerel’s portfolio with a recognisable, artist-led collection, supporting their reputation for quality and creativity.
What’s Next?
- New Designs: Ongoing development of new themes and limited editions, including seasonal launches.
- Retail Expansion: Plans for wider UK retail distribution and themed in-store displays.
- Marketing: Joint campaigns around key occasions, with a focus on storytelling and behind-the-scenes content.
Key Takeaways
- A strong, artist-driven partnership can drive both creative innovation and commercial success.
- Consistent visual identity and storytelling are powerful differentiators in the greeting card market.
- Licensing agreements with clear boundaries and mutual respect set the stage for long-term collaboration.
Want to see the full range?
Explore Rosie Brooks x Holy Mackerel Cards
Or get in touch for bespoke commissions and licensing opportunities.
Oxford University Press – Music Education Illustration
Client –Oxford University Press – Music Department
Project Scope
Commissioned to illustrate a series of music education books for young learners, with a focus on bringing musical concepts to life through engaging, age-appropriate artwork.
Objectives
- Visualise complex musical ideas in a way that’s accessible, memorable, and fun for children aged 5–11.
- Maintain brand consistency with Oxford University Press’s established visual identity, while infusing each page with my hand-drawn, characterful style.
- Support learning outcomes by creating clear, accurate depictions of instruments, ensembles, and musical activities.
Process
- Briefing & Research
- Detailed brief received via email; Dropbox folder set up for easy file sharing.
- Reviewed curriculum requirements and music pedagogy guidelines.
- Reference gathering: real instruments, classroom settings, and diverse student groups.
- Sketching & Approvals
- Pencil sketches for all spreads and spot illustrations (up to 3 rounds of feedback per image).
- Collaborative feedback with OUP editors and music consultants to ensure accuracy and age-appropriateness.
- Final Artwork
- Created using Leonardt nibs, Winsor & Newton Black Indian ink, and professional watercolours (with a dash of Schmincke green and Winsor Red for vibrancy).
- Scanned at 600 dpi, minor digital clean-up in Photoshop, and final delivery as high-resolution TIFFs/JPGs via Dropbox.
- Revisions & Delivery
- Minor tweaks handled digitally; major redraws quoted as extra.
- All artwork delivered on schedule, with clear labelling and metadata for OUP’s in-house archiving.
Outcome
- Books Published: Piano Time 1,2 and 3, ‘Fun for Ten Fingers’, ‘Tunes for Ten Fingers’, ‘More Tunes for Ten Fingers’ and ‘Christmas for Ten Fingers’
- Piano Time carols coming soon!
Why It Worked
- Strong communication: Regular check-ins and a clear approvals process kept the project on track.
- Deep subject knowledge: My background in music (BA Hons in Music from Durham University) ensured authentic, accurate illustrations.
- Distinctive style: Consistent hand-drawn look sets OUP’s books apart in a crowded market.
Visual Highlights
Interested in commissioning educational illustrations that sing?
Get in touch to discuss your next project.
Rosie Brooks x The Club at the Ivy
The Collaboration
I’ve had the absolute joy of becoming The Club at the Ivy’s go-to illustrator since 2011. Think: new pen-and-ink artwork for every event, menu, and celebration—each piece bursting with the club’s signature dash of mischief and a generous splash of British humour.
The Club at the Ivy isn’t just a private members’ club—it’s a lively creative hub where artists, actors, musicians, and all sorts of brilliant minds gather. My illustrations help set the tone, turning every menu and invitation into a collector’s item (and, occasionally, a talking point over cocktails).
What I Do
- Menus: Bespoke, hand-drawn illustrations for seasonal menus—Christmas, spring, summer soirées, and everything in between.
- Event Invites: Playful, characterful art for everything from literary lunches to jazz nights and festive parties.
- Community Spirit: I’m part of the Club at the Ivy community so my work pops up everywhere—on table cards, in newsletters and every year at the fabulous Christmas singalongs in the form of a song book with new illustrations every year!
- On-the-Spot Creativity: Quick turnaround for last-minute event requests, drawing members’ dogs live at the annual Santa Paws Doggy Brunch.
The Process
- Briefs from the Club Team
I get the lowdown on upcoming events—sometimes with lots of detail, sometimes just a theme and a wink. - Sketches & Approval
Pencil sketches fly back and forth, always with room for a bit of club-style improvisation. - Final Artwork
Everything’s drawn by hand , then finished with watercolour. - Delivery
High-res scans sent straight to the club for print and digital use—menus, invites, table cards, you name it.
Why It Works
- Community Connection: Being a club member myself means I understand the club’s sense of joy and reflect this through my illustration.
- Consistency: My style is instantly recognisable, so even new members feel right at home.
- Collectability: The Christmas songbooks often become hot property before the last singalong is over!
Favourite Moments
- Illustrating the annual Christmas songbooks.
- Seeing my artwork spark conversations and including Joe the Pianist’s Club dog Daisy.
- Being part of a creative community where art is celebrated, not just displayed.
Looking for illustrations that capture the spirit of your community?
Get in touch with Rosie Brooks—I’d love to bring your next event to life, one ink splash at a time.
Hilton London Bankside
Enhancing Guest Experience Through Bespoke Illustration
The Client
Hilton London Bankside is a flagship hotel in the heart of London’s Bankside district, renowned for its blend of modern luxury and rich local heritage. As part of the Splendid Hospitality Group, Hilton Bankside attracts both international travelers and discerning Londoners seeking a unique, memorable stay.
The Challenge
Hilton Bankside wanted to elevate their guest experience with a creative, local touch that would set them apart in the competitive London hospitality scene. The brief: create bespoke, hand-drawn illustrations that celebrate Bankside’s vibrant character and the hotel’s distinctive personality—offering guests a personal connection to both place and brand.
The Solution
Rosie Brooks Illustration was commissioned to deliver a series of captivating, non-digital artworks in her signature pen, ink, and watercolour style. Drawing on her deep knowledge of the area and her background in luxury and heritage projects, Rosie created illustrations that:
- Captured Bankside’s Story: From the iconic Borough Market to the historic Southwark Cathedral, each piece reflected local landmarks and the hotel’s unique atmosphere.
- Enhanced Brand Touchpoints: Artworks were featured across in-room collateral, guest welcome packs, and event materials, adding a distinctive, personal flourish to the Hilton guest journey.
- Live Event Illustration: Rosie provided live drawing sessions at select hotel events, offering guests personalised keepsakes and memorable interactions.
The Process
- Discovery & Briefing: Close collaboration with Hilton’s marketing and guest experience teams to define objectives and identify key brand stories.
- Concept Sketches: Up to three rounds of pencil sketches, incorporating client feedback to ensure alignment with Hilton’s vision.
- Final Artwork: Traditional pen and ink with hand-applied watercolour washes, digitised at 600 dpi for flexible use across print and digital channels.
- Delivery & Implementation: High-res files delivered for immediate use; original artworks archived for future campaigns and events.
The Impact
- Guest Delight: Artworks quickly became a talking point, with guests sharing illustrations on social media and taking home unique mementos of their stay.
- Brand Differentiation: The collaboration set Hilton Bankside apart as a hotel that champions local artists and offers a truly bespoke guest experience.
- Ongoing Partnership: Following the project’s success, Hilton Bankside has continued to commission Rosie for seasonal campaigns and special events, strengthening the hotel’s creative identity.
Project Highlights
- Sector: Luxury hospitality
- Deliverables: Bespoke illustrations, live event drawing, print/digital assets
Interested in adding a creative flourish to your brand?
Do get in touch to discuss your next bespoke illustration project.
Rosie Brooks | London Illustrator – Pen & Ink, Watercolour, Live Events 