Emily Baker is a creative director who works within the mediums of photography, illustration and painting to create designs for wallpaper, event invitations, portraits and more. Over the course of her career, Emily has built an extensive portfolio spanning the realms of fashion, marketing, restaurants, events, beauty and lifestyle. A trained painter and photographer, Emily brings an artist’s eye to each project, first pinpointing the needs and initial vision of the client and then working diligently to bring that vision to life. When working on an event, this approach lends itself to creating original illustrations to tell a story, and provide a feel for the personality of the occasion. Learn more about Emily Baker’s versatile art in today’s Maker Monday.
Porto Covo – Photography Print
Andrew Joseph: Can you describe your design philosophy in three words?
Emily Baker: Whimsical, clean, classic.
AJ: Can you tell us about a design trend you are excited about?
EB: I am excited to see more use of rich color, from kitchens to bathrooms, and texture, from wallpaper to fabrics. When I am designing a pattern for wallpaper, my favorite phase is coming up with multiple colorways, and envisioning how the background color can set the tone of the room.
AJ: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a designer?
EB: Some people don’t know what they want until they see it.
Silver Beach in Sage – Wallpaper
AJ: What is your favorite place to find inspiration?
EB: I currently live in Portugal and am constantly inspired by the breathtaking landscape, colorful architecture, and beautiful light. I cannot get enough of the tiles! There is not a day that passes without taking multiple photographs of my surroundings – to perhaps create fine art prints, or use as references for my illustrations and paintings.
AJ: What is your favorite aspect of your job?
EB: I love using my work to tell a story. Whether I am designing a logo for a restaurant or obsessing about a filter to use on a fine art print, I embrace nostalgia, perhaps taking the viewer to another place entirely.
AJ: How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?
EB: My orders are printed on demand, reducing excess inventory and minimizing waste.
AJ: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
EB: I would love to design for a hotel – creating a branding package that includes originating a custom pattern to be used across multiple channels, such as wallpaper in their rooms, creating merchandise, and imagery incorporated into their marketing.
About the Maker | Growing up between Manhattan and Shelter Island, Emily developed a distinctive style that incorporates the different perspectives of these unique settings. As a result, her work segues seamlessly from a sleek, modern design created for a high fashion brand to a more laid back, rustic approach envisioned for a summer event. As a fine artist, Emily is consistently inspired by beauty found in nature as well as travel. Her work has been shown in galleries across the country, including California, New York, Florida and the Hamptons, and she is regularly commissioned by private collectors.
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