Katie Tomlinson • A closer look at the artist behind the Florescence Collection

When we spotted Katie wearing a pair of our Georgia Denim on Instagram, we couldn’t help but reach out. What started as a simple invitation to collaborate on a journal entry quickly evolved into something even more inspiring. Instead of a traditional q&a in her studio, Katie proposed working together on a custom collection. This idea sparked our interest, leading us to source unique deadstock denim pieces and create a fresh, limited-edition white version of our Zoe pants especially for this project.

To kick things off, we met on a sunny summer day in Brussels, where Katie shared insights into her creative process and daily inspirations. Join us in this Journal entry as we dive into Katie’s world and the journey behind this exclusive collaboration.

Without overthinking it, who is Katie Tomlinson? How do you see yourself in this world? 
“Without overthinking it” made me smile, as I’m a natural over-thinker, so here goes.

As an artist, I work primarily within visual art and illustration. My creative practice is deeply rooted in intuition, curiosity, and play, and I prioritize collaborations with people and brands that resonate with these values.

Personally, I’m sensitive and empathetic. Connection and inclusivity mean everything to me. Compassion and the desire to support others have guided me since childhood, and I’m grateful to explore these traits in my art and my life. Life is precious and everyone has vulnerabilities; kindness, especially toward minorities, is crucial for collective growth.

I strive to live a life free of judgment, knowing that conventional pathways aren’t for everyone. I admire those who forge their own paths outside societal norms, and I learn so much by listening to people’s unique stories.

What made you pick up a pen and start drawing? 
It’s hard to pinpoint when I started drawing; it’s something I’ve done for as long as I can remember. Coming from a creative family definitely played a role. My mother is a sculptor and poet; my father a psychologist and creative thinker; my grandfather an incredible draftsman.

Summers were spent touring places like Cornwall and France in a motorhome with my family. To keep my sister and me entertained, my parents would give us colouring books and paper to draw on. Drawing soon became my obsession. My school reports were filled with notes about my nonstop doodling.

As I grew older, I spent time sketching with my Papa (grandfather); we’d draw people in cafés, using biro pens and napkins if we didn’t have pencils and sketchbooks. He’d point out my mistakes, which annoyed the hell out of me at the time, but I’ve come to treasure those lessons and his encouragement.

Did you go to art school? And what is one thing you learned there that will stick with you the rest of your life? 
I studied Fine Art at Birmingham’s Margaret Street School of Art. Initially, I felt disconnected and frustrated with the course, so I transferred to Visual Communication, where I found a fresh start and inspiring mentors.

One standout lesson came from my tutor, Ian Dodds, who stressed “perseverance” for young creatives. His no-nonsense style helped me face my self-doubt and take professional risks. This has been essential as I navigate freelancing, reminding me that resilience is key to success as a creative.

Where did you grow up? And how did you end up living in Antwerp/Belgium? 
I grew up on a farm outside Bristol, in southwest England. After traveling across Sri Lanka, India, and Nepal, I moved to Antwerp with an ex-partner, drawn by the city’s vibrant creative scene and the simplicity of life in a smaller city.

You worked with multiple brands creating custom collections, illustrated books, … what is one thing you still want to achieve professionally?
There’s so much I’m excited to explore. Next year, I’ll be doing my first Artist Residency at Rancho Dos Bravos in Portugal, and I’m hoping to hold another solo exhibition in 2025. This year has been my busiest yet, with projects for brands like Girls of Dust and Serax, and my first fully illustrated book.

I’d love to delve more into fashion, designing prints for high-end fashion houses. Seeing my illustrations on a catwalk would be a dream come true.

Besides creating art. What makes you feel alive? 
Movement is essential to me; I do yoga, pilates, and power class every week, and I love projects that require physicality, like the collection I created for Girls of Dust.

Music also fuels me. Growing up in the UK, I was constantly at gigs. My parents have broad music tastes, and I was introduced to punk rock at an early age. I went to my first festival (Reading & Leeds) with my Dad and sister when I was eleven years old. I remember having a wobbly tooth and teasing it out of my mouth whilst sitting on the grass and watching The Darkness.

My early teenage years were shaped by bands like Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, Greenday, Blink 182, The Pixies, The Libertines… most of which my older sister introduced me to. My mum is a huge (David) Bowie fan, and my Dad is into more classic rock, like Deep Purple. Today, I listen to everything—from post-punk to jazz—and love going to underground parties in Antwerp, Brussels, and beyond, where there’s a real sense of community.

Reading also recharges me. Right now, I’m reading 69 Exhibition Road, which captures the life of a young queer person in the late '70s punk scene.

Finally, nature is where I go to reset. When I feel disconnected, I find balance by spending time outdoors.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I don’t know where I will be in six months, let alone 5 years! I’m not really a ‘planner’ in this respect as I don’t like to feel penned down. From my experience, life tends to makes other plans for me anyway, so I prefer to go off feeling.

What is one piece of advice you would give 16-year-old Katie? 
Believe in yourself. You are enough.

 Katie's full collaborative collection, Florescence, is available online and at our Antwerp and Amsterdam Stores.