Drawing Sharks Forever
- Sharks4Kids
- Jul 25
- 3 min read
Q&A with Caiti Rose - Illustrator for Sharks4Kids and creator/artist of Sharktopia
1. What is your favorite species of shark and why?
Out of the 500+ species of sharks that we know exist, the Basking shark is my all-time favorite. This large filter feeder can be found near the water's surface when feeding and (as some might say) basking in the sun. I love imagining these sharks enjoying a bit of good weather and a sunny day, even if that's not what they're actually thinking about. My favorite feature of this gentle giant is how much it reminds me of a muppet. This shark is definitely something Jim Henson would create with the large snout and silly curves for greater emphasis. Many, many years ago, Sharktopia and Sharks4Kids collaborated on an individual coloring sheet about the Basking shark. Although I often judge my older works with a critical eye, it still gets the general vibe correct (and of course the information written by Sharks4Kids is accurate!). The bottom line is this... Basking sharks = perfect muppets! I adore them and hope you enjoy learning more about them as well!
2. If you could snorkel/dive with one species of shark right now, what would it be?
I would love to snorkel with the Nurse and Lemon sharks of The Bahamas and/or Turks and Caicos. I've had the pleasure of seeing so many photos/videos of these incredible sharks taken by Jillian, Duncan, and other members of Sharks4Kids. Drawing both species for our coloring sheets and published books is always fun. I think the Nurse shark gets overlooked far too often and I would love to experience their mustache/whiskers in the wild!
Sharks and Stingrays Share a Space - coloring booklet Project Lemon Aid coloring booklet Lemon shark coloring page Nurse shark cut outs Nurse shark coloring page Coloring and Activity book series
3. How did you get interested in sharks?
When I was 6 or 7, I saw JAWS for the first time. As a child of the 80s, I loved monster movies. When the credits rolled and JAWS was over, I had so many questions. "What do you mean there are big sharks?! Where are they?! Can I see one??" For some reason (as a child) I thought all sharks were small. The movie opened my eyes to an incredible underwater world and I promptly acquired a lot of shark books from the library.
4. When did you start drawing sharks?
I learned about so many species from the books I checked out and started drawing them at that time as well. My first shark drawing (age 6 or 7) probably happened the same day I saw the movie. I was completely fascinated. One of my creations from that age consists of a few sharks with an additional shark head stapled to the page with the word "Jaws" with an arrow - I thought that was the shark's name. The poem (with shark doodles) was from age 9. Perhaps I missed my calling as a dramatic author as well? I'm nearly 42 and continue to draw sharks almost every single day. My childhood art is next to my desk to remind me of where I started and how far I've come.
Collage of Childhood Art Collage of Childhood Art Wild are the Waves (poem)
5. Why do you think art is important for conservation?
I believe art helps share the message of conservation without the requirement of words. A sculpture can be seen from various angles, each providing insight to the observer. A painting or illustration can reveal more detail the longer you look at it. A single creation can invoke numerous emotions and everyone has their own interpretation and reaction to the piece. When words falter in conversation or written articles, art continues to speak. To me, artwork can broaden the message of conservation and awareness in a way that's beneficial (and priceless) to those viewing it.
Beach Clean-up + Art Lucy the Great White Shark Sharks are VITAL!
6. Do you have a favorite shark to draw/paint?
These days I love drawing all sharks and I frequently look for a challenge. For example, I just started drawing the Ornate Wobbegong shark, a species I've only draw a couple times in my life. I draw Blue sharks and Lemon sharks most often, but sometimes I'll create a random shark that doesn't appear to be a specific species. It exists just to be a happy shark. Artwork doesn't always need a set plan or destination!
Begining sketch of Ornate Wobbegong shark Work in Progress - Ornate Wobbegong Shark Shark Illustrations Lemon shark watercolor painting Blue shark watercolor painting
7. What message do you hope people take from your artwork?
My sharks are usually smiling, so I hope people smile when seeing them. If someone is fearful of sharks and sees my art, I hope it helps them look beyond the fear and learn about the species. Sharks are incredibly fascinating and there are HUNDREDS of species! The ocean isn't filled with mindless monsters. Inspiring people to learn more about sharks is the best possible outcome.
Follow my art journey here:
