We are back with another designer appreciation! This time we wanted to focus on a non badged designer, and I have been lucky enough to be able to interview the talented River.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Ronja, I’m 19 years old, and I was born and raised in Norway. My favorite pastimes include, but are not limited to: drawing, painting, reading, watching movies and tv-shows, spending time with my dog, and playing video games (mostly the sims 4). I am also big into music.

Why/How did you start designing for VP? And how long have you been doing it?

I started designing probably the same day I joined, which was in 2015. I designed on gsm as well back in the days, and the opportunity to design here as well is ultimately what made me stay.

How long do you approximately spend on designing one set?

I start new sets all the time, but I rarely actually finish them. That said, the ones I do finish, I spend about a week on.

How long do you spend on designing on a weekly / monthly basis? Since you're not badged, are you doing it regularly or in periods when you're inspired and have motivation?

I have irregular on and off periods, and the length of those vary quite considerably. But lately I’ve been on a designing kick. I’d say for the past few months, I’ve spent about 3-6 hours weekly designing.

Do you have a set / item that means something special to you or that had aspecial story behind it when you created it? Can you tell us why / what that story is?

The character design for this design was really fun to do. I was sketching down my ideas for it during class and on the bus. And the ideas felt like they were just pouring out of me. That entire design was created from my own imagination. However, the design is really underwhelming compared to my original paper sketch, as it was a commission for ET, and I didn’t have time to add everything I wanted.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Everywhere. But to be more specific: most my inspiration comes from pinterest, my surroundings, and the fandoms I am part of.

What program do you use for designing? And do you use a mouse or a drawing tablet?

I use PaintTool SAI 2, and a Wacom intuos pen & touch in small.

Do you wish to be a badged designer in the future?

That’s a tricky question. And my answer is both yes and no. I have had multiple opportunities before, but I turned them all down. I really enjoy designing, but I don’t feel like I deserve the badge when there are so many others who are much more passionate about it than me.

Do you know how many sets / collabs / items you have ig?

Other than my two collabs (with Kieren and Rowan), I believe I currently have 5 sets ig. Although I do have a finished collab with Songbird I still haven’t sent in.

Show us your first design and your latest design!

My first: | … and my last: