I'm Emma.
I am a practicing graphic designer, illustrator, and educator; I want to be a force for social change and equity as a designer. Even though I work mainly digitally, I am enchanted by the charm of handmade creations, drawn to their intricate textures and unique character. My work is often imbued with a sense of nostalgia, evoking joy and comfort. I am inspired by mid-century modern design with its geometric shapes, clean lines, bright hues, and often whimsical subject matter.
I believe in the power of design to solve creative challenges. I find inspiration in the process of problem-solving. Curiosity is at the core of my approach, driving me to ask questions and deeply understand the needs of each project. Known for my enthusiasm, curiosity, and infectious laughter, I approach my work with positivity and energy.
In pursuit of my goal to be a designer for social change, I explore co-design as a method to amplify diverse voices and create more inclusive, impactful solutions. By collaborating closely with communities and stakeholders, I aim to create work that authentically represents and serves their needs, harnessing the collective creativity of shared experiences.
I consider the broader impact of my work. I am conscious of the power I hold as I produce
representations of society and help create access to information and ideas. I strive to wield that power with great intention, ensuring that my designs are both purposeful and compassionate.

currently

I am available for freelance work graphic design and illustration work and I also have work available for art licensing! I work out of Lightbox Collective in Goshen, Indiana, and with clients from many industries. 

In the fall of 2024 I am beginning my academic journey to pursue a Masters of Fine Arts in Design at the University of Notre Dame!

ambition

I want to learn and grow and experience new adventures. I am up for challenge and like to stretch myself - not just at yoga class. 

I want my work to be meaningful and help to make the world a more equitable, healthy, safe, and inclusive place. 

how I work

  • I am an avid user of creative suite best practices like defining and using text styles always, labelling my layers and sticking to a grid
  • I ​over-communicate project status
  • ​I say this a lot to my fellow designers: "can you come look at my screen and see if you think this looks balanced?"
  • ​I read every word of copy or the entire creative brief before I start designing
  • I care therefore I kern
  • I take care of the small, menial tasks first so I can get in the flow for creative work
  • ​I prefer to talk with clients in person, ask my questions before a project and present my work
  • I am punctual
  • I love to learn new things and challenge myself
  • I am friendly and enjoy finding ways to connect​

values

  • ​Ownership - when in doubt, I google it (or take a SkillShare course)
  • Direct, honest communication, transparency is always best
  • Consensus and finding compromise
  • Meeting each project with the same enthusiasm and professionalism - no matter how small
  • Inclusivity and diversity 
  • Creative new approaches, disrupting the status quo and not doing things the way they've always been done
  • Quality over quantity
  • Working smart and hard but also creating healthy boundaries between home and work
  • Curiosity and creativity
  • Collective focus on mission
  • Kindness

weekend passions

  • chasing my toddler around, making up weird little songs for him and reading lots of board books
  • my animals - I'm mom to two cats and two dogs
  • embroidery
  • yoga
  • feminist non-fiction
  • ​biking whilst listening to Maggie Rogers
  • self study (I'm enneagram 7w8, ENFP, pisces, hufflepuff)
  • watching Parks and Rec over and over again​
  • podcasts and audible