The sheer volume of digital memories captured on modern smartphones can be staggering. For Brandi Saxton, a former publisher and editor, this reality is amplified by a passion for her former pets: rats. Her personal digital archives are replete with thousands of photographs, a testament to a decade-long endeavor that transcended mere hobby and evolved into a professional pursuit. This extensive collection, spanning over a decade, provides a unique window into the world of pet rat ownership and the creative challenges of producing a niche publication dedicated to these often-misunderstood animals.
Saxton’s journey into rat photography began with the founding of "It’s a Rat’s World" (IARW) magazine. For 13 years, this monthly publication served as a vibrant hub for rat enthusiasts, and photography was a critical component of its identity. Beyond the functional needs of social media, article illustrations, and cover imagery, Saxton developed a creative vision that transformed ordinary pet moments into compelling visual narratives. This commitment to high-quality imagery, particularly for the magazine’s cover and its dedicated reader submission section, "The PapRATzi Page(s)," led to the establishment of themed months. These themes, ranging from simple observations of rats grooming, sleeping, or eating, to more elaborate concepts like "rats and their friends" or "rats traveling," encouraged reader participation and fostered a sense of community.
The evolution of Saxton’s photographic skills is a narrative in itself. While admitting to a less-than-professional start, she notes a marked improvement in the quality and artistic merit of the magazine’s covers over time. This dedication to visual storytelling culminated in the creation of a vast portfolio of rat imagery, some of which she now shares, offering a glimpse into the creative process and the endearing personalities of her rat companions.
Capturing the Serenity of Sleeping Rats
The vulnerability and peacefulness of a sleeping animal often evoke a profound emotional response. For rat owners, witnessing their pets in deep slumber, particularly in unusual or endearing positions, becomes a cherished memory. Saxton highlights this universal appeal by dedicating a significant portion of her photographic collection to images of rats at rest.
One particularly poignant example is a candid shot of "Preacher," taken on Saxton’s birthday during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Isolated at home with her immediate family, Saxton found solace and joy in observing Preacher’s deep sleep. The photograph captures the rat on his back, legs extended, a picture of absolute trust and relaxation. This image, taken amidst global uncertainty, served as a powerful reminder of the simple pleasures and the unwavering companionship that pets offer. The accompanying narrative emphasizes the emotional impact of such moments, providing a context that resonates with the shared experiences of pet owners navigating challenging times.
Another notable photograph features "Brinley," a young rat adopted with his brother, Moffett. Saxton recounts their shared propensity for "back sleeping," a characteristic she has documented in previous writings. This particular image, which has even served as a rotating home screen on her iPhone, encapsulates the unique sleeping habits of rats and the affection they inspire. The challenge, Saxton notes wryly, is that the moment one attempts to capture such a perfect sleeping pose for a professional cover, the rats invariably become fully alert and uncooperative. This lighthearted observation underscores the unpredictable nature of animal photography.
The image of "Brockton," a senior rat, sleeping soundly for the May 2012 "It’s a Rat’s World" cover, speaks to the deep bond between owner and pet. To accommodate Brockton’s arthritic legs and patchy fur, Saxton used a blanket to conceal any signs of age, focusing instead on his peaceful repose. This photograph, taken on Saxton’s bed, remains a personal favorite, illustrating how even with advancing age, the essence of a beloved pet can be beautifully preserved through imagery. The juxtaposition of a senior rat’s quiet rest with the magazine’s editorial needs highlights the practical and emotional considerations that went into each cover’s creation.
Finally, a charming image of "Castiel" nestled among pink feathers offers a whimsical take on rat slumber. Originally intended as a prop for a Valentine’s Day shoot, Castiel found the feathers too comfortable to resist. While this particular shot didn’t make the February 2016 cover, it exemplifies the spontaneous moments that often define pet photography and contribute to a rich visual archive.
The Art of Rat Dress-Up: Creative Costumes and Themed Shoots
Beyond capturing natural behaviors, Saxton embraced the more whimsical aspect of pet ownership by dressing her rats in costumes. This practice, a staple of "It’s a Rat’s World" covers, required considerable creativity and resourcefulness. Saxton often found herself hand-sewing garments or repurposing everyday items to create unique ensembles for her furry models.
The release of the "Star Wars" saga’s final episodes in December 2015 provided an opportune theme for the January 2016 issue. Saxton, inspired by the resemblance of hairless rats to the character Yoda, crafted a camel-colored cloak for her rat, "Sterling." The accompanying photograph, featuring Sterling alongside "Star Wars" toys, is further contextualized by Saxton’s mention of her son’s "Star Wars"-themed bedroom, underscoring the pervasive influence of popular culture on her creative endeavors.
Another notable costume featured "Crowley," Castiel’s brother, adorned in a miniature knit hat and scarf. This ensemble, originally part of a snowman plushie, was ingeniously adapted by Saxton. Crowley’s charming appearance in this winter wear led to its use on the January 2018 cover, and his natural modeling talent made him a frequent subject for the magazine.
Crowley’s versatility as a model is further showcased in a photograph where he dons a tam o’ shanter and kilt, inspired by a family trip to Scotland. The tam, a miniature replica found atop a whisky liqueur bottle at Stirling Castle, prompted Saxton to create a matching kilt and even non-functional bagpipes, transforming Crowley into a charming Scotsman for the October 2017 cover. This anecdote highlights Saxton’s ability to weave personal experiences and travel into the magazine’s visual narrative.
The world of art was also explored with "Wolfgang," who was styled as a painter for the September 2012 cover. While Saxton’s sewing skills were limited for this particular shoot, she commissioned a talented columnist, Natasha Matherly, to create an artist’s smock and beret. Saxton herself contributed by painting a mini Picasso-esque rat artwork, humorously dubbing Wolfgang "Pablo Racasso."
Celebrating Holidays with Rats: A Calendar of Themed Covers
The cyclical nature of holidays provided a consistent source of inspiration for "It’s a Rat’s World" covers. Saxton prided herself on developing fresh concepts and color palettes for each holiday, year after year, a challenging yet rewarding aspect of her editorial role.
For Valentine’s Day, Wolfgang was captured in a charming pose amidst pink feathers, a scene that held particular significance for Saxton. This photograph, taken for the February 2013 issue, remains a personal favorite, showcasing Wolfgang’s photogenic qualities. The feathers, incidentally, were the same ones Castiel would later sleep in, creating a subtle continuity across different shoots.
Easter was celebrated with "Custer," Preacher’s brother, transformed into the "Easter Ratty." Saxton’s homemade bunny ears, which made multiple cover appearances, added a festive touch to the April 2019 cover. The selection of this image was guided by her husband, reflecting a collaborative effort in curating the magazine’s visual content.
Halloween saw "Sirius" embodying the spooky spirit for the October 2014 cover. Saxton meticulously crafted a candy corn hat for Sirius and noted the enduring impact of this image, evidenced by a follower’s elaborate tattoo of the photograph years later. This anecdote underscores the deep connection fans felt with the magazine’s imagery and the personalities of the featured rats.
Christmas covers offered a particular creative challenge and opportunity. For the December 2015 cover, "Winchester," Crowley and Castiel’s brother, was photographed in a wicker hat prop. Saxton revealed that the hat itself had a history, having been made for her "heart rat," Delphiniums Blue, nine years prior and featured on a December 2008 cover. The serendipitous rediscovery of the wicker hat allowed for a nostalgic revisit and a new cover.
Dissatisfied with the traditional red and green palette for December issues, Saxton embraced softer tones, particularly pink, for later Christmas covers. The December 2018 cover featured "Preacher" nestled within a clear ornament, surrounded by pink and gold baubles. The composition was so effective that Preacher appeared almost plush-like, prompting questions from online viewers about his authenticity.
The final Christmas cover for "It’s a Rat’s World," published in December 2019, before the magazine’s cessation in July 2020, aimed to create a "sugary, pastel wonderland." This elaborate set, featuring an array of candy, cookies, and other festive props, was meticulously assembled. The magic of the set proved so potent that nearly every photograph taken of the adopted baby rats was usable, a rare occurrence in Saxton’s experience. Ultimately, the coveted cover spot went to the nervous baby "Gatwick," chosen for his captivating presence amidst the sweet tableau.
Saxton’s extensive photographic archive, meticulously curated over years of dedication to "It’s a Rat’s World," serves as more than just a collection of pet pictures. It represents a decade of creative endeavor, a testament to the profound bond between humans and their animal companions, and a unique chronicle of a niche publication that brought joy and community to a dedicated readership. The enduring appeal of these images, from the serene repose of sleeping rats to the whimsical charm of costumed critters, speaks volumes about the power of photography to capture fleeting moments and preserve cherished memories.
