Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Affrime.
Emily, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I have always enjoyed making art. When I was little, I knew I would grow up to be an artist. And I made sure it happened! After graduating high school and attending community college for a year or so, I got accepted into Savannah College of Art and Design. I felt like I was in a dream world while I was there- so many other artists together in one place creating and learning! I graduated with a BFA in illustration, then went back to PA to live with my parents for a year or so. There, I got a job at a custom tee shirt company and learned a ton about production art preparation. Later I moved to Atlanta, GA, and that is where I really began to find my own voice and style. I worked at an advertising agency, then a greeting card company then ended up in a small children’s and family marketing company where I still am working currently.
In addition to all of this, I recently got training to be a yoga instructor and am teaching at two studios in Atlanta. Being an instructor and doing yoga really balances out my art career very nicely. The mental aspect of creating art can be very draining sometimes, but when I take the time to exercise, stretch and meditate, I am able to stay grounded and centered no matter what insecurities I am feeling at the time. I am very grateful to have both yoga and art in my life.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
To put it simply, I like to draw things that are cute, colorful and eye-popping. I always start out by drawing the subject with a pencil on a piece of computer paper, (no fancy and expensive pencils or supplies, just mechanical pencils bought from a convenience store work the best for me) and then I transfer the drawing into the computer to finish it digitally. I love working in Adobe Illustrator the most because the program feels so natural and fits so well with the way my brain works. I am a shape-based illustrator; I understand the world by breaking things down into simple shapes. Adobe Illustrator is a great tool for artists who think in a very decorative and geometric way.
I love illustrating fun little designs of girls wearing cool outfits and repeat patterns with cute objects or animals. I also enjoy working with the type that is whimsical and decorative. Sometimes I use textures to enhance my illustrations, but for the most part, I prefer working with flat shapes and colors. Doing surface design is super fun, and I also do a lot of layouts for activity books and placemats for children at my current job.
I think I secretly want to remain to be a child forever, and that is definitely reflected in my artwork. I want the person looking at my work to go “aw, thats cute!” Life can be stressful, so if I can brighten someone’s day with my artwork, then I am happy and feel like my goal was accomplished.
How can artists connect with other artists?
When I am teaching yoga, I sometimes mention after class that I am an artist. A lot of times after I mention that, I find that students come up to me and tell me that they are artists too! We end up connecting and show each other our work and becoming friends. You just never know where you will meet another artist! Doing any sort of social activity that you enjoy and do often (whether it is art related or not) will probably lead to meeting lots of new people that could guide you in your career or become your friend. Having good communication skills as an artist and staying social is very important. Artists should actively seek out social events for self-promotion and networking any chance they get.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I have been posting doodles on Instagram at @mem1lyyyy, my current website is www.emilyaffrimeillustration.squarespace.com, and you can find me on LinkedIn pretty easily if you search my first and last name. Within my LinkedIn profile is a dropbox link containing two portfolio pdf (one in corporate design, and one in children’s media) along with my current resume.
Please check it out, and look out for new content I put out in the future!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.emilyaffrimeillustration.squarespace.com
- Phone: 908-507-5678
- Email: emaffrime@gmail.com
- Instagram: @mem1lyyyy
Image Credit:
Photo taken by Karie Knight
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