Art by Caro

Artist

“FIND SOMETHING YOU LOVE. KEEP DOING WHAT YOU LOVE. BUILD YOUR LIFE AROUND WHAT YOU LOVE. AND THE MONEY WILL COME EVENTUALLY. “

Hi Caro! How are you?
I'm very good actually! Since I’m a summer child, having this kind of weather already in March and April really lifts my mood. The last two weeks have been a perfect mix of hard work, chilling in the sun, and spending time with friends—exactly how I like it. Happy kiddo over here :)

Can you tell us about your background and how you started with art?
I'm a self-taught artist. Even though I hold two Master’s degrees from university, my creative journey really started after my solo travels to South America. That trip changed everything for me. During the corona lockdown in Ecuador, I suddenly had all the time and freedom to do whatever I wanted—and that’s when I started creating again. It gave me the space to rediscover my creativity and realize this is what I love doing.

You mentioned that storytelling is very important to you. Can you tell us more about that?

Yes! I love linking stories to my paintings. Sometimes they’re based on personal memories or specific moments when the piece was made. I often use shirts as a base for my artwork, and I find it fascinating how much meaning a simple shirt can carry.
With my denim jacket concept, I customize jackets with my art—so every artwork I use on a jacket comes with its own story. People who wear them can also find the story of their piece online, so they know exactly what they’re wearing.

Everyone has a story, and when you take the time to really listen—you can learn so much.

That’s trut. You love using color, do you have a favorite one?
Ohhh that’s a tough one. I don’t really have a favorite color—it totally depends on my mood. But I’m definitely drawn to reds, pinks, and purples, hehe.

I usually add a kind of layer over my colors… they’re vibrant, but in a more vintage, pastel, or deep way. Almost never flashy or neon. It’s hard to explain, but once you see my work, you’ll get it.

I see what you mean. You have spent a lot of time in South America. How has your time there influenced your creativity?
It’s where it all began. I’ve always loved being creative—I truly believe it’s in my genes, since it runs in my family—but in South America, I finally gave myself the freedom to dive fully into it. I started by making small drawings of my daily adventures, and I realized how much joy that brought me.

I also met two amazing tattoo artists who were traveling and working on the road. They lived freely, moving from place to place and creating as they went. It wasn’t always easy, but to me, it felt like the ultimate form of freedom. That lifestyle deeply inspired me—something I also wanted to create for myself. 

That sounds absolutely amazing! How does it feel to see people wearing your artwork, for example, on clothing?
I LOVE IT. I REALLY F*CKING LOVE IT!!! My jackets have been out in the world for just over a year now, and I still get super excited every time I see someone wear one. Denim and art is just such a timeless combo. It’s for everyone—some jackets are more subtle, others more vibrant—so there’s always something that resonates with someone.

During my recent pop-up week, I noticed something beautiful: the jacket chooses the person. And when you really think about that… it’s something so powerful.

Now that spring is here, I see my jackets popping up again on the streets. So far, around 140 people are walking around with my art on their backs—and honestly, without them, none of this would be possible <3

Which social media platform do you love using the most, and which one the least?
Instagram, for sure! I love creating content for it, connecting with people, and building my little world there. But yeah… the algorithm sometimes makes me want to throw my phone out the window. I know I should use TikTok more, but let’s be honest—I’m part of the Instagram generation, LOL.

What are your essentials when you’re working?
For me, working is like me-time. It’s how I unwind, zone in, and reset. When life gets too much, I find peace in my passion. 

So what’s essential? My Sony wireless noise-canceling headset—can’t live without it. I’m always listening to podcasts or audiobooks while I work. And funny enough, now that I’m sewing, my iron and ironing board have become daily tools. I never used them before—now they’re essential parts of my process.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as an independent artist?
To trust life and trust yourself.

Since my time in South America, I’ve been living with an open mind and an open heart. I just live—I follow what crosses my path and most of all, I follow my intuition. That’s why I call myself an intuitive entrepreneur. It really helps me stay grounded and aligned with my journey. I deeply believe that the right people, places, and opportunities come at the right time. I never force anything—I just keep on grinding in the right direction. My boyfriend and I always say: “Keep on grinding, baby.”

That’s really good advice! What are your future plans for "Art by Caro"? Are there any new projects or collaborations coming up?
This summer, my focus is all about spreading the project even more into the world!
I’ve planned some sales moments at festivals, markets, and events—so it’s going to be a summer full of connections, adventures, and hopefully lots of new people rocking my jackets.

I also have a very exciting idea in mind: I want to start doing pop-ups that allow me to move between cities and stay flexible. That concept totally fits my lifestyle, but I can’t reveal too much yet since it’s still in the beginning stage.
But let’s just say… I'm very looking forward 

Tell us something to inspire the culture!
At the beginning of my project (and my relationship), back in December 2021, we were listening to a podcast while creating. It was from a guy who followed his passion by joining snowboarders to film them.

What he said stuck with me ever since:
“Find something you love. Keep doing what you love. Build your life around what you love. And the money will come eventually.”

Now it’s April 2025… and that “eventually” is starting to feel real :)

If you would like to buy some of Caro’s art, check out her store here!