Welcome to my little world of illustrations!

I’m Caroline, a French illustrator from beautiful Normandy now living in Helsinki, Finland.

And yes, if you have visited my Instagram page you might be wondering: What’s up with the name Aquarolline? Well, it’s pretty simple—it’s a mix of “aquarelle” (French for watercolor) and my name, Caroline. I came up with it when I was brainstorming Instagram handles a few years ago, and it just stuck. It’s catchy, creative, and feels like me.

I love drawing anthropomorphic animals, cute characters, and anything that makes people feel good and warm inside. I love soft colors and cozy vibes. Honestly, I think the world could use a little more kindness and charm. Whether it’s a children’s book, a book cover, or custom artwork, I want to create art that makes you smile. I want it to make you feel something special.

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From Normandy to Finland: The Inspirations Behind My work

MIxing my French Roots and finnish culture

As a French artist living in Finland, I draw inspiration from these two worlds. The rich history of French art and design forms the foundation of my style. Finland’s natural beauty and minimalist aesthetic add a fresh, modern twist to my work. 

I try to bring both parts of my identity in my work. Both the French chaos of little details and the Nordic minimalism of muted colors are found in my artwork. My illustrations are like a little bridge between France and Finland: cozy and colorful, yet simple and peaceful.

I believe that every project has its own story, and it’s my job to uncover it and share it visually.

My Everyday Inspiration

The world around me is a constant source of ideas. Here are a few of my biggest muses:

• Nature: I live in Helsinki which is the best capital in the world to live in if you love nature. With its many parks and seashores, the four seasons of the Finnish weather, my creativity is always stimulated and flowing. 
• Books and Stories: I’m a lifelong bookworm. Illustrators like Beatrix Potter (Peter Rabbit), Jill Barklem (Brambly Hedge), and Cyndy Szekeres shaped my childhood. I have always dreamed to be tiny enough to go and live in their illustrations!
• Everyday moments and life’s little things: In a world of Goliaths, where size, strength, and power rule society, I am team David.I believe in small, cute and kind—helping a snail cross the road, picking wildflowers for my mom (yes, still!), or watching baby geese waddle around in spring. Life’s smallest moments inspire me the most.
• Twiggy, My Dog: Twiggy is my little bichon, and she’s the fluffiest, goofiest muse I could ask for. She makes every day feel like a storybook and joins every single of my adventures. 

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My Artistic Journey

I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid, you’d find me at the living room table for hours, sketching animals, inventing characters, and dreaming up stories with my little sister. My school notebooks were full of doodles in the margins. (and yes, I got in trouble very often for this!)

After years of drawing just for fun—and getting lost in Procreate—I decided to make it official and become a freelance illustrator. Now, I get to work on all kinds of projects: children’s books, book covers, personal commissions, and more.

Here’s a glimpse into what I specialize in:

• Book Cover Design: Transforming your story into a visual masterpiece.
• Children’s Book Illustration: Bringing magical worlds and lovable characters to life.
• Custom Artwork: Tailored illustrations for marketing or branding, or educational projects.

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Fun Facts About Me

• When I’m not working on illustrations, you’ll find me exploring Finland’s breathtaking landscapes and capturing the beauty in my camera or trying to learn Finnish (my life longest journey!)
• I am a hoarder for cute stationery (we live in an apartment and it has become really difficult for me not to fill it with my own little collections).
• I can completely forget to eat or drink because I’m completely absorbed while drawing
• I have a degree in law and work experience in content marketing. As strict and down to earth this might sound, I am actually really happy with it as it allows me to keep my creative process super organized (weird combo, I know, but it works!).

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Work with me: Turning Your Vision into illustration

What Makes My Work Unique?

Every illustrator has their signature style, and mine is all about blending soft colors, intricate details, and cuteness. I believe illustrations should evoke feelings, spark curiosity, and leave a lasting impression.

Here are a few things you can expect when working with me:

1. Collaboration: Your vision is my priority. I work closely with every client to ensure the final piece reflects your unique story.
2. Attention to Detail: From the tiniest brushstroke to the overall composition, every element of my work is thoughtfully crafted.
3. Timely Delivery: Deadlines are sacred for me, so you can count on me to deliver high-quality work on time, every time.

Let’s Talk Tools and Process

For those curious about the behind-the-scenes process, here’s how I bring illustrations to life:

1. Discovery Phase: We’ll start with a conversation to understand your vision, goals, and preferences. This is where I get to know you and your story. I’ll ask you to come up with a mood board to ensure a flawless communication between us from the start.
2. Sketching and Concept Development: Next, I’ll create rough sketches on paper to map out ideas. This step allows us to align on the direction of the project.
3. Final Illustration: Once you’re happy with the concept, I’ll bring it to life using Procreate most of the time. If needed, I use another medium like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or even traditional mediums.
4. Review and Delivery: After a thorough review process, I’ll deliver your final artwork in the desired format.

Why Work With Me?

Choosing an illustrator is about more than just artistic skill. It’s about finding someone who truly understands your vision. Your heart should feel happy, safe, and understood when looking at the illustration. Here’s why my clients trust me:

• I bring passion and professionalism to every project.
• I’m committed to creating artwork that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
• With a global perspective and a personal touch, I create illustrations that resonate with diverse audiences.
• I am also funny and kind and I have the most adorable little dog assistant.

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Let’s Collaborate!

Are you an author looking to give your book the perfect visual introduction? A business needing unique illustrations for your marketing campaign? Or maybe you just have an idea you’d love to see come to life?

Whatever your needs are, I’d love to hear from you!

Here’s how you can contact me:

• Contact form: Just fill in the form and let’s start chatting together!
• Social Media: Follow me on Instagram to see more of my work and get a peek behind the scenes.
• Portfolio: Check out my latest projects.

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