MISSION STATEMENT
Rachel Brooks Art was founded as a platform for me to share my passion for the natural world, through my best form of communication which is art. My hope is that by showcasing the beauty and intricacies of nature I can inspire the same amazement and joy that I felt in seeing these animals first hand, and introduce these wonders to others. If we are to protect our natural world we must first learn to know it and love it. My creative process is to Educate, Inspire and Protect.
SUSTAINABILITY POLICY
As a freelance artist and illustrator my business is very small, but I am in no doubt that I have a responsibility both environmentally and socially in my operations. This ensures my ethos is reflected through all aspects of my business from creating to production and distributing globally.
CLOTHING PRODUCTION
I believe art should be all around, printing on to clothing is an incredible way to spread a message and celebrate unique ocean art every day. I wanted to make sure my clothing was 'slow-fashion', something you will love forever with a gentle footprint.
REDUCING WASTE - All of my clothing is made to order. By choosing print-on-demand, you choose apparel that's created only as the order is placed, creating less fabric and resource waste than conventional manufacturing. My chosen production partners also have innovative ways of reducing waste, such as creating new product lines from fabric offcuts.
ETHICAL SUPPLY CHAIN - Clothing items are produced in WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) certified factories so the whole production line can be traced and monitored. Printing partners within the UK are accredited Living Wage employers, and overseas partners follow local salary laws as a minimum. All production partners have a zero tolerance on modern day slavery and child labour.
NON-TOXIC PRINTING - Inks are both vegan and eco-friendly, for t-shirts, sweaters and hoodies. They are OEKO-TEX® approved - meaning they don't contain any regulated or unregulated chemicals harmful to the environment. All swim and sportswear are made using CPSIA certified inks.
GIVING BACK
The natural world has been a constant source of inspiration for my art, and it is important for me to give back. Over the years I have worked with and donated to a number of leading conservation charities on artivism projects and collaborations, such as the RSPB, The Shark Trust, Shark Guardian, Explorers Against Extinction and Saving The Blue.
My on going collaboration with Saving the Blue donates 20% of all proceeds to supporting shark conservation and research in the Bahamas.
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
The aim of my art is to share the wonders of the natural world with others, art is a powerful story telling tool, and is a creative way of reaching new audiences and starting new conversations. As a zoology graduate my background has largely been in the field of marine biology, I like to incorporate scientific communication in to my posts as a way to engage a wide audience with conservation and research news. I volunteer my time for a number of podcast appearances and live talks discussing both science, art and artivism, you can read more about my publications and media appearances here.
PACKAGING & DELIVERY
Items dispatched directly from me are packaged in 100% paper, with the exception of protective end caps on larger postal tubes. Art prints are shipped in paper hardbacked envelopes, in a protective waterproof paper and Kraft paper tape - all of which can be recycled in your home paper recycling collection. When I need to use larger boxes and protective padding I reuse packaging from my supply deliveries.
Items which are dispatched directly to you from printing are packaged in either 100% paper or post consumer recycled packaging. Recycled materials save virgin resources and require less energy to produce. Clothing will be shipped to you from your closest printing facility which reduces the carbon footprint of the journey of your delivery. Items dispatched from my studio are posted with Royal Mail, who have the lowest carbon emissions for deliveries in the UK, they are also working for a net zero carbon business by 2040.