It's Time for an Updated "Meet the Artist" Blog Post

Hey there—I’m Emily, the artist and designer behind InkPenInk. Whether you’ve just joined my newsletter, found me on social media, or met me at an art festival, I’m so glad you’re here.

I don’t often talk about myself, but with some big life changes recently, it felt like the right time to share a bit more of my story.

 

From Designing to Directing

My creative journey began back in 2011, when I was a high schooler with no idea what I wanted to do—until I stumbled into a graphic design class. It was love at first sight. As someone with dyslexia, discovering a space where things finally clicked was a huge moment for me.

That spark grew into a passion that carried me through a BFA in Digital Arts, and straight into the fast-paced world of advertising agencies. It was a dog-eat-dog environment, but I learned a ton about creativity, collaboration, and communication under pressure.

After that, I moved into museum fabrication, where I developed a love for large-format printing and three-dimensional design.

In 2020, I took the leap and launched Pelagos Design Company, my own design business, working with some truly inspiring clients.

Later that year, I joined The Experience as Communications Director and eventually moved into the role of Creative Director. Over five years, I had the privilege of leading and mentoring a team that grew from five to thirteen incredibly talented creatives. Watching that team thrive has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career.

Now, I’m taking all of those lessons, skills, and experiences into my next adventure. I am returning to the wild west of freelancing. I couldn’t be more excited to dive back into being a full-time creative.

From Pen to Printmaking

My Instagram account, @inkpenink, actually started back in college as a place to share daily drawings for my Drawing 101 class. The name comes from my tool of choice, an ink pen (specifically a 0.3mm Pentel Arts Hybrid Technica, which I still swear by!).

A few years after graduating, I found myself frustrated that my drawings kept getting darker and heavier. I decided to try a medium that forced me to think differently, something that made me work in reverse. Enter: linocut printmaking.

Spoiler alert: this changed everything.

Not only did it help me with my technical drawing skills, but it introduced me to a new love. Now I’m completely hooked. Carving, printing, and experimenting with every spare minute I have.

InkPenInk Studio

All of these experiences have shaped who I am as a creative. I’m endlessly grateful for every opportunity that’s helped me grow as an artist, a designer, a leader, and most importantly as a human.

Launching InkPenInk Studio is the realization of a lifelong dream: to create a space that blends my art and design practice into one. I’m so excited to use it to collaborate, create, and serve others through thoughtful, handcrafted work.

A Few Fun Facts

• I’ve been designing professionally since I was 16. That is basically half my life spent covered in ink, pixels, or paint.
• I have a very enthusiastic obsession with birds.
• My coffee is always black and never optional.
• My dog, Bert, looks suspiciously like a tiger, though please don’t tell him that. He has strong opinions about cats.
• My husband is my biggest supporter, from bringing me snacks during long mural nights to letting my projects take over the house. I couldn’t do any of this without him.

 

Thanks for being here and for supporting this journey. Whether you’re into birds, printmaking, design, or just curious to see what comes next… I’m so glad you’re here!