Hello, I’m Emily…

…and I am here to help you overcome your fear of the blank page and live the creative life you’ve been longing for! Using sketchbook journaling, I can navigate with you through the barriers of feeling like you just don’t have the time, or believing you cannot draw a straight line to save your life.

How?

Because I’ve been there in the trenches where you are now. I didn’t grow up in the fancy world of expensive art and famous artists. I do not have an art degree - in fact - I didn’t even finish the degree I started (music education, in case you were wondering)!

What I DO know, though?

How to embrace a creative life even though I’m in the middle of raising a family, working a part-time job, and volunteering at the local church. I’ve fought through making terrible art, being stumped for days on what to draw, and coming out alive and better for it.

The best part?

I am happier, more creative, and a better wife, mother, and human because I am able to thrive creatively. And I truly believe you can experience this, too.

The Fun Facts:

Home Base: Beautiful Southwest Michigan, USA

Beverage of Choice: Coffee. Always. It’s my emotional support drink.

Favorite Color: Pink

Studio Assistants: Lola, a Basenji/GSD mix (featured in my logo), and Leo aka. Leonardo DaVinci, a tabby cat that the Cat Distribution System dropped off at my house one day.

Biggest Cheerleader: My husband, Phill.

The Photography

I’ve been a professional photographer since 2009 and I absolutely love it! My favorite thing about photography is capturing memories and moments to last a lifetime.

I try to embrace the subject matter and invoke raw feeling. I love shooting candid editorial-style photos where every genuine detail of that moment can be preserved. I especially love showing the connection between people.

The Art

Ever since I was little, I was drawing and painting. My first studio was in my bedroom, experimenting with drawing and mixed media. Then, it moved into the garage, where I spent time dabbling in oils and acrylics.

Now, I have a home office and studio where I spend my time painting with watercolors and experimenting with mixed media, mostly in my sketchbooks, documenting everyday life.