Hi everyone - my name is Caiti Rose aka Sharktopia!

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• I created Sharktopia in September 2014, right after my 30th birthday. I sold my first official Sharktopia art on November 14, 2014 via Etsy.
   

• Sharktopia has been trademarked since September 14, 2021. Regardless, my art is still occasionally stolen. Please support artists directly and not through third-party websites that have taken their creations.
   

• Through my art, I raise awareness about harsh topics such as: shark finning, plastic pollution, bycatch, overfishing, etc.  There are 200+ FREE coloring pages and booklets on my site to help spread the awareness even further. I love collaborating with amazing nonprofit shark conservation organizations. Most of the free downloads consist of educational information from a non-profit alongside my illustrations.
   

• I've been drawing since I was 1 year old - with the help of someone holding a crayon or marker in my hand as part of physical therapy sessions. I was born with Erb's Duchenne Palsy. My right hand, arm, and shoulder didn't function when I was born due to nerve damage in the 5th and 6th vertebra (Erb's Duchenne is an injury caused during birth). Since my arm didn't work at birth, it was unfortunately kept in a sling. For that reason (during a crucial growing stage) my arm doesn't bend straight and I have limited mobility. When I wiggled my fingers for the first time at 1 year old, my parents did what they could to find options for me (like helping me hold a marker). I was placed in a couple of physical therapy sessions for kids with cerebral palsy and discovered that I love swimming. Regardless of the obstacles, it feels like fate to go from having help with holding crayons and markers to becoming a full-time artist. I've always loved drawing. Perhaps that spark came from the circumstances I was born with. Or maybe I was just born to draw. I wouldn't have it any other way. :)
   

• I'm primarily right-handed with writing and drawing on a small scale. I can also paint and draw left-handed - which I usually do for larger-scale creations. I'm left-handed for everything else (throwing, catching, reaching, lifting, mini-golfing, waving, etc. etc.)
   

• I live in southeast Wisconsin with my other half - my biggest supporter and best friend. We balance each other in many ways. Ironically, we both grew up in the same city, not far from each other, and share some of the same friends. Our paths may have crossed many times in the past, but we never knew it. I'm forever grateful that we met when the timing was finally right.
   

• I've been vegan since 2011. My fella cooks amazing plant-based meals and I clean up the kitchen afterward! We're a great team. :-D
   

• I'm a huge Vincent Price fan. I love old movies, cheesy B-movies, and various cult classics. I usually have a movie playing in the background while creating art (something I've done since I was a little kid). I also love coffee, being outside, hiking, kayaking, swimming, snowboarding, looking for cool rocks and fossils, supporting local shops and friends, etc.
   

Past Interviews:

• April 10, 2019 - Written Interview: www.sharks4kids.com/post/2019/04/10/meet-artist-and-creator-of-sharkopia-caiti-rose

• August 31, 2021 - Interview on YouTube with Food Empowerment Projet: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DGfCqhcd5E

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If you have additional questions, please check out my FAQ.