Designer Interview: Emily Cromwell

Today we are delighted to bring you an interview with artist and illustrator Emily Cromwell who is based in Massachusetts and we graduate from Framingham State University later this year.

When did your interest in design first start and how did that come about?

My interest in design first started at a very young age. I found myself constantly being drawn to anything that had lots of color and a whimsical and quirky look to it. I was the kid that was begging my parents to take me to Michaels every week so that I could get a new craft project to work on. In addition, I was always around my mom and her sewing machine and I loved looking at all of the pretty fabric designs and I think that really got me into loving colorful and pretty designs.

What steps did you take to get to where you are now as a designer?

I wouldn’t be where I am today if it hadn’t been for my supportive parents, my drive and self-motivation to achieve my dreams, and my love for designing. I was born and raised in Virginia and was always taking extra art classes on the side because I couldn’t get enough of it at school. Around age 9, I had moved up to Massachusetts and was saddened to find that the public school system did not have any art classes. In a way, it motivated me to teach myself art and to keep going despite art not being offered for students. I’ve grown up constantly creating art and being creative and there is not one day that goes by that I don’t do something that involves art.

As I went through high school I realized that I wanted to be doing more than just hanging out at the mall like every other high school student on a weekend or coming home and just watching tv during the week. I wanted to be my own boss and do what I love and make a living doing so. It was at that moment at age 16 that I started up a business selling artwork that I had painted. I stuck with that for a year or two until I realized my style was shifting and I switched over to hand lettering and illustration, in which I taught myself everything I know. I take business courses online and read as much as possible to always keep up with the latest business news for entrepreneurs, tips for selling products, and tutorials for expanding your business.

How would you describe your style?

I would definitely say that my style is colorful, whimsical, and that is has a very distinct hand drawn feel to it. I try not to worry about being perfectly accurate when I’m lettering or illustrating, and I just have fun with it and I enjoy any unique and quirky parts that come out of that.

What kind of designer do you want to be known as?

I would love to be known as a designer that draws and letters what she is passionate about and wants to make the world a better place with her designs. I always make my designs personal by lettering things that I find myself saying in real life, because I find that people can relate to the quirky and funny things that come up in real life situations and I also love to letter phrases that I personally find inspiring and encouraging, because we all can use a bit of encouragement for when life gets tough.

What are you working on currently?

I’m currently working on a ton of things right now, it’s hard to even keep them all straight! I’m working on a special tote bag design for a lovely retailer of mine, a very special custom holiday card that I was asked to do, two Skillshare classes, a coloring book that I’m designing, a new art print line, and getting my products together for two very special subscription boxes that my work will be a part of.

What advice would you give emerging designers wanting to build their portfolios?

My advice would be to never ever give up on your dreams of being a designer and doing what you love, no matter how scary it may seem. If you have a real passion for what you’re doing and you love it, then you will go far and you will make it in this industry. I always like to say that there is room for any designer that wants a place in this industry because we are all unique and there is only one of you, don’t be afraid to show it to the world!

What would be your dream design gig?

I would absolutely love to see my work in stores that I love such as Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, or Pier 1. I’ve always had this dream of wanting to do lettering for a magazine cover, it doesn’t even matter which magazine, I would just love the opportunity to be able to do that and be able to say “hey, I did that!”.

Looking ahead what are your major goals for the next couple of years?

I plan to keep growing my hand lettering and illustration business and I hope to exhibit at The National Stationery Show within the next year or two and I also hope to possibly exhibit at Surtex as well since I love designing patterns too.

All I know is I just want to keep designing and making people happy with my designs, and I’m going to keep working hard at expanding and reaching more and more people, to hopefully make their lives a bit brighter and happier!

If you were a pattern what kind of a pattern would you be and why?

Oh this is tough…I’d say that if I was a pattern I would definitely be one that was super colorful with cats on it, in a hand drawn and whimsical looking style. I love cats. Seriously, I’m one of those people that has the paw print “I love my cat” and “Cat mom” magnets on the back of my car. I’d want it to be a bright, uplifting, and a fun to look at pattern because that’s how I want my life to be!

Emily Cromwell is a hand lettering and illustration artist. Currently a senior in college at Framingham State University studying Illustration while running her own business in which she designs and sell cards, art prints, gift tags, notepads, and various other products. “I’ve always had the mind and heart of an entrepreneur and I have been drawing since a very young age. All of my designs feature witty, inspirational, and happy sayings that make people smile and laugh. I love to design things that will bring joy to people because there’s nothing better than knowing I can make people happy with my designs”.