Katie Rose Johnston is a London-based illustrator, designer and watercolour painter.

Using traditional media to tackle subjects both classic and modern, her often playful designs are informed by a characteristic sense of humour and a love of bold mark-making.  

Her illustrations often have a focus on lifestyle & travel and have been used across advertising, publication and music by international clients, including Penguin and Universal Music.

Alongside her illustration work, Katie teaches a regular programme of watercolour classes and workshops. An ethos of play and inclusivity is at the heart of her approach, which is centred on using painting as a means of mental well-being.

Her hand crafted imagery and working process lends a sense of energy and honestly to commercial projects in a landscape often dominated by digital solutions

Clients include…

Penguin Books
The Guardian
Virgin Records
Weleda Skincare
Piccolo Baby Food
Octopus Books
Universal Music
Wonderbly Books
Cocktail Lovers Magazine
Donna Magazine
Sonos
Nammos Hotels

Exhibitions/Events…

Mapping the Mile, Barbican 2019
Dis-connected: Royal Academy Late, 2015
Whitstable Biennale, 2016
Royal College of Art Show, 2016
Sound Object, supported by SONOS, 2015
Day Job Summer Arts Club, 2013
V&A Friday Late Peckham Takeover, 2013
DayJob at Pick Me Up, Somerset House, 2013,
Mixed Special, Red Gallery, 2012

Press/Talks…

Moo: A modern approach to Watercolour. 2019

Its Nice That, Nicer Tuesdays
Talking with Day Job, Crowd Talks. The Book Club, 2012.
Day Job at Elcaf, 2016