Q: Originally from south Georgia what are some of your favorite things about living and working in New York? 

A: The community of fellow creatives where projects and ideas are constantly happening and sustained by the people you meet. Friends become collaborators, collaborators become friends. 

Q: How and when did you first become interested in art and illustration?

A: I don't remember a time when I wasn't drawing. But I didn't know Illustration was a profession until my first year at Pratt when I was faced with the decision to pick a major. I quickly became immersed, pulling all-nighters to finish and re-work my illustrations for class. I'm glad to have a work approach that is looser, balanced and, in general, more fun. But I wouldn't be there without the blood, sweat and tears of those early days. 

Q: Do you keep a sketchbook? What is the balance between the art you create on paper versus In the computer? 

A: I always tear out the page from a notebook or sketchbook before drawing or use loose leaf.  Most of my illustrations start with pencil and end with the computer. Photoshop brings freedom to play with color, which I love. Lately, I have stared to make more work that is completed on the page and then scanned in for small adjustments.

Left: Drawings featured in Believer Magazine and on Bazazas. (Right: For the article Cured in Diner Journal. 

Q: What do you like best about your workspace? 

A: My studio is in my apartment which has its pros and cons. I like that I can wake up and immediately get to work. It's a more frugal option for me right now plus it’s easier to figure out lunch.

Q: Do you think it needs improvement, if so, what would you change? 

A: As my drawings have gotten bigger, they are taking over my whole apartment so I will need to consider moving to a studio space soon. 

Q: What is the most important item in your studio? 

A" Prismacolor Ebony Jet Black Pencil is the best!

Q: Your art practice covers many different disciplines, from illustration to artist books and on -- what would be your dream assignment? 

A: I love assignments that cross the border of illustration and art so anything that allows me to solve a design problem with the imagery I'm passionate about is exciting. I would like to do more book covers and textiles for clothing or home goods. Hopefully, there will more of this in the coming months :)

Q: What was the strangest or most unusual assignment you’ve taken? What made it a success or a failure?  

A: Earlier this year, I took at trip to Cameroon, Africa, where I volunteered at an embroidery shop in a local hospital. I created illustrations to be made into stamps, which are then stamped on cloth as a template to be embroidered by patients. The finished designs are later sold in the shop, which gives the patients a chance to earn a living while they wait to heal. It felt good giving my time and drawing skills in such a useful way.  

Left: For a Refinery29 Halloween article. Right: Graphic for Teach for America shirt with J.Crew.

Q: What was your favorite book as a child? 

A: The wacky world and escapism of Sideways Stories from Wayside School, by Louis Sachar, stands out in my mind still. As for illustrated books, the millions of details and scenes in Richard Scarry's books provided endless things to look at.

Q: What is the best book you’ve recently read? 

A: The book Daily Rituals: How Artists Work is a recent and very inspiring discovery. The author, Mason Currey, collected anecdotes and excerpts about creatives (from Jackson Pollock to Simone de Beauvoir) on their work habits. Some common threads I found among them is talking breaks for walks and dividing the day into sections that are the most productive for the individual. I have been trying to incorporate both of those things into my day. But of course, there were artists in the book whose creativity was fueled by long nights, lots of booze and lots of coffee. Everyone has their own method!

Q: Who and what are some of your strongest influences? 

A: For a start: old craft books, instructional books, traveling, all the weird finds and sights you see at fairs and markets, woven objects, rugs and textiles from the Middle East and Asia, illustrated posters from the 60s and 70s, and ceramics.

Q: What was your first professional assignment and how did you get it? 

A: It was for Time Out New York while I was a junior at Pratt. I knew someone who was writing a story for them so I made an illustration for his article. I sent it to him and asked if he could show the editor or get me in touch with the art director. Fortunately for me, they liked the illustration and they published it. Sometimes the back channels are the way to make a break. The most exciting projects have happened for me when I have been brazen enough to ask for it. It can be a struggle. Particularly as a woman, you're taught or expected to wait until someone asks you or to be indirect. But it can pay off to be bold and upfront.

Left: Pineapples illustration for Luckybrand marketing email. Right: RUGS series (personal project).

Q: What was the last art exhibition you saw and what did you take away from it? 

A: I went to White Columns for a show with images from Primary Information's upcoming publication: an anthology of ALBUM magazine, by Eline Mugaas and Elise Storsveen. It's an artist periodical consisting of found images collected under a theme. Their picks and collages were amazing and included some images of rugs and textures that got me thinking of new ideas. 

Q: What is/would be your karaoke song—and why?  

A: I'm not a big karaoke fan so my role is more of an observer and cheerleader than a participant. 

Q: What is your hobby?  

A: I try to do yoga almost everyday and lately I have been taking weekly French lessons. Traveling is always great when possible and I am prone to occasionally (okay, frequently) binge-watching a TV series. 

Q: What would be your last supper? 

A: My grandmother's baked macaroni & cheese.

Rachel Domm is an artist, illustrator and designer living in Brooklyn. Her illustrations have appeared in Believer Magazine, The New Yorker, Diner Journal, The New York Times, and in campaigns for J.Crew, Teach for America, Luckybrand and many others. In 2013, her book of drawings RUGS was published by Miniature Garden along with a show and installation at Printed Matter. Her work is selected for the upcoming American Illustration 33. Past annuals include AI31 (chosen), AI25 (selected) and AI24 (chosen).

She is the upcoming featured artist for Picture Room. WIth them, she has created an exclusive print edition and will be displaying new drawings and prints. Picture Room is located at 236 Mulberry St. The work will be on view from July 1st until August 31. A reception will be held July 17th from 6-8. Blog.