Artist in residence
Rover’s return After years on the move, the Australian illustrator has settled down in a Melbourne studio filled with books and curios
Rovina Cai’s Melbourne studio is filled with books and curios.
Over the past few years I’ve moved around a lot, and have only recently returned to Melbourne and set up a studio. It’s nice to have a dedicated space to work in, instead of painting on a kitchen bench or on my bed!
I wanted to fill the space with things that inspire me: from books and images to curios I’ve picked up from my travels. I like to be surrounded by things that I find beautiful, because it helps me get in the zone when I’m working. A space doesn’t feel right to me unless there’s a bit of clutter. I tend to be a hoarder and like to keep things. You never know when a piece of cardboard or some ribbon might come in handy, whether it’s for a reference photo or a crazy craft project.
My work process involves drawing traditionally and colouring digitally in Photoshop. As such, I have two work spaces: one desk for computer work and general tasks, and another desk for drawing. I’m often distracted by shiny things on the internet, so it helps to work in a separate, computer-free zone when I need to concentrate on a drawing.
I’m still trying to figure out a good schedule to stick to. I love getting up early and knowing that there’s a long day
stretched out before me. But I’m also a night owl, and love working when I know that no one is around to bother me. That’s why I work late nights and on weekends. I tend to switch between getting up very early and staying up so late that it’s early. Rovina is an illustrator creating evocative images rooted in conceptual ideas. Her clients include Tor.com, Riot Games and The Folio Society. See more at www.rovinacai.com.