Artist Spotlight Series: Project M

Emeline, you’re originally from England, but in 2005 you moved to California and became a full-time artist. What prompted the transition?

I was living in London and working in the fashion business as a Technical Designer for Ted Baker. In my spare time I created art and had fun exhibiting my paintings at many different venues across London. Then I met my husband and we decided we would set up home in California in 2005. Due to immigration rules I could not work until I got my green card. So I had a very nice excuse to paint and create full time.

What was it like making the transition to becoming a full-time artist?

It was pretty easy. A bit weird at first. Instead of working between 9am-6pm I found myself working all hours of the day and night. Being an artist and designer doesn't just mean you are painting or drawing all day long, which would be nice. You have to promote and sell yourself too. It is very important to get yourself out there. There is a lot of competition. I have always thought there is no point creating artwork and not show anyone.

What is your favorite thing about being an artist? What about your least favorite thing?

I love seeing my art on different products. It makes me smile when someone buys something by me. The thought that someone is either wearing my art or living with it in their home is very special.

My least favorite thing is there are a lot of people who think it is ok to take my work and change it a little bit, straighten my lines, add more lines, disguise it a little thinking I wouldn't notice. Which is such a shame. Art is like a finger print. It should be unique.

This month our featured wallpaper collection is Black and White. Many of your designs that we feature on WallsNeedLove are Black and White. Why do you tend to design with black and white? What draws you to these colors?

I used to paint with very bright and bold colors. I would mathematically choose colors so that the painting would work as a whole. Unfortunately we had a family tragedy in 2014 and I subconsciously started doing black and white prints. It wasn't something I chose. Recently I've been introducing color back into my palette. Which I think is a good thing.

What is your favorite WallsNeedLove product?

I love all of them. But I do love the idea of removable wallpaper - wallpaper is definitely coming back into vogue. I'd love to try out the duvet cover one day and we can never have enough throw pillows in our home.

How do companies like ours, which support artists, make it possible to live your dream as an artist?

Recently I have had to deal with copyright infringement. There are a lot of companies and people that think its ok to take from artists. So I really appreciate companies like WallsNeedLove, who support original artists. It helps me get my artwork seen by a larger audience, helps me earn a living and also provide for my family.

What is one thing in your home or studio you can’t live without?

I used to say I would never do digital art. But today it is a must if you want to sell your art and designs online. So I'd have to say I could not live without my Mac. I bought my Mac three years ago. I proudly bought it with the money I received for a large commissioned art piece for a local corporate company. It was a triptych graphic map painting of the area and probably the last large painting I painted with a paint brush. Hopefully I will get a chance to paint a large painting soon.

What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a full-time artist or launching a career in a creative field?

Do what you love. Do not copy others. Be yourself. Network with likeminded people. Use social media. It takes time to be successful. So don’t give up.

How do you spread love in your community? Or what’s your favorite way to spread the love?

I am in a few secret artist groups on social media. We share ideas and help each other. I have always been a team player. When I am able, I like to I help other artists by giving constructive criticism and helping them by using my knowledge that I have gained in the fashion and art business.

Describe your artistic style in 140 characters:

I have a modern clean style. I love to re-work my paintings and push them into new directions using Photoshop. My paintings morph over time into graphic print designs.  

Finally, choose 3 words to describe yourself:

Creative, modern, fun.

Thanks, Emeline, for sharing your thoughts with WallsNeedLove! 

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