Emily Knox
Brand Illustrator
Chicago, IL
www.emilykatherinecreative.com
instagram @emilykatherinecreative
pinterest
dribble
Q What do you do?
“I specialize in hand-drawn illustration for e-commerce brands and events. My illustrations bring meaning and beauty to your brand’s visual identity, product line and event aesthetic. I like to say I’m an illustrator of all things pretty :)”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I started my business in 2020, and for the past 4 years I’ve experienced all the highs and lows that come with being a creative entrepreneur. If it was easy, everyone would do it right? I wouldn’t trade my job for anything because I get to use my talents to create hand-drawn illustrations, branding, patterns and event stationery for incredible people and clients. I’m where I am now because of hard work and my gut telling me to never give up.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I don’t think there are many “brand illustrator” titles out there! There's brand designers, designers, graphic designers, illustrators, etc. My creative talents revolve around 100% hand-drawn icons and illustrations for brands and special events. I work with e-commerce brands, female founders, startups, content creators and event planners!
Q What are you working on right now?
I just wrapped up a project creating the cutest summer illustrations for a t-shirt design for a dog outfitter company in rosemary beach called Huck and Harlowe.
Q What’s your style?
I like to say I’m a designer of all things pretty! I love utilizing color and creating work that is modern, effortless and soft. I always gravitate towards soft lines and textures with pops of color.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I wish I could focus on creating more illustration work for fortune 500 companies. The big guys partnering with the little guy (me). How cool would it be to create work that so many people could interact with. I want my design work to always make other people happy and smile.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
I think the ebbs and flows that come with being an entrepreneur have felt harder this year. More slower periods allow doubt to creep in, but I always tell myself to keep pushing forward and never give up on my daydreams!
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Oh please help me with excel sheets and monthly expenses!! My brain literally shuts down when I have to look at an excel spreadsheet ;)
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I wish I would have told myself in 2020 not to be scared to start my own business. The best thing I can do is just start and the rest will fall into place.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I wish I could talk to some of the world's most experienced illustrators to see how they get the opportunities to work with some of the best brands and businesses in the world. It would also be nice to pick their brain on how to really sell yourself and your worth as someone in the creative field.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I would love opportunities to work with e-commerce brands to create hand-drawn illustrations for their branding and product designs. I also love creating event stationery, so being able to connect with event and wedding planners would also be incredible.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My ideal client would be to create hand-drawn illustrations for Daily Drills that can be used in their marketing materials and apparel product line. What a dream that would be :)
Q: What is your rate?
My pricing is custom for each project, but a good range for my brand illustration pricing is $250-$1,000+
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Email is the best way to communicate with me on new projects, budget, details, etc. I check my email way too often… I’m working on that haha.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
I love Bri Summer of Brighten Made, she slaysssss in the brand design space!
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Pay attention to lifes little moments
This member profile was originally published in July 2024.