Meet Emily Kelly | Graphic Designer and Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Kelly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, how do you think about risk?
I think the idea of risk—stepping into foreign territory—is subjective in the sense that said notion of risk is typically fueled by societal constructs rather than personal beliefs. It’s something we’ve all come to know as an intimidating thing to do because of [insert several reasons that usually loop back to societal norms here], when in reality, it can be easier to do than we think.

Our personal beliefs are formed by our lived experiences, making risk relative to the individual. That being said, my version of risk has more to do with gut feeling and a hint of realistic reasoning. Life is short, if I feel compelled to explore, to do, or to say something that may go against the societal grain, I will.

I would’ve never expected to be who I am and where I am today if it weren’t for this thinking I’ve grown into, and continue to learn from everyday. I wasn’t always like this though, I think it takes time to own that you are pretty much in control of what you want to do with your life, and at the end of the day, it’s you who needs to be fulfilled with those decisions—it’s also you who needs to be able to sit back and be open to take another “risk” if said decision no longer feels as right as it did to begin with.

When I know something is no longer working for me, personally and professionally, I will think about it a lot. I don’t get too analytical, but I like to think about the realities of the situation and my internal wants and needs. Despite all this thinking, I typically know deep down what the right move for me is—said moves haven’t steered me wrong ever since. Every experience is an experience, good or bad, so the idea of risk can be as intimidating or simple as you’d like it to be.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m an extremely curious person. I’m never quite sure how to answer this question because my work is always evolving as I do, but I’d consider my work to be conceptually driven and to value the exploration of various narratives/mediums over the expectation that something has to be a certain way based on internal or external standards.

I don’t have a specific stream of steps, I’m pretty fluid because my brain is a bit scattered,
but my process usually always starts with an idea or question. These interchangeable factors
prompt me to research my surroundings—internet, books, conversation, destinations etc.—
and then the magic of making happens!

I like to break my ideas down into who, what, where, why, and how; but the aforementioned consists of continued research/creation, and being okay if an initial idea doesn’t work out because the process of getting to that idea will only aid me in the direction of another.

I’m most excited about the opportunity to communicate ideas that can inspire others to think, and if lucky enough, do.

I’ve gotten to where I am today professionally because of my love for what I do, and ability to adapt and learn from the various opportunities I’ve put myself out there for (research + cold emails galore). I’m pretty fresh in regards to my career, but I think my yearn to connect, learn, and grow with others is what drives me to embark on new opportunities, hence bringing about new connections that typically influence the next opportunity I’m willing to see through.

Biggest thing I’ve learned over the years, in the creative field especially, is that you have to wholeheartedly trust yourself with every idea you have and every path you want to take. External validation and support is always appreciated, but the thing I come back to time and time again is trust in one’s abilities, and the willingness to act on them.

I believe we’re all capable of doing great things, though the willingness to do so is up to the individual.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I just moved to Boulder from Connecticut at the beginning of 2023, so I don’t have TOO many hot spots yet, but some of my favorites places I’ve explored thus far are as follows:

– Art Parts Creative Reuse Center in Boulder—absolutely lovely staff and initiative, the energy and resources in there are really something else. In conjunction with my freelance work, I also seized the opportunity to work with Art Parts fairly recently for said reasons, and am loving it thus far.

– NoBo arts district, especially the First Friday of the Month celebrations! I’ll be honest, I haven’t gotten to go to a First Friday myself yet, but am super excited to when I can—I’ve heard it’s a hoot!

– Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder, Coot Lake in Longmont, Longmont Pavilion when there was ice skating, Greenwood Wildlife Thrift Shop and Consignment Gallery in Boulder, and Akihabara Arcade in Westminster.

– Food and drink thus far, definitely going to Moe’s Bagels, Efrain’s of Boulder Mexican Restaurant, Tacos Ay Ay Ay, and Avery’s Brewery.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To start, I thankfully have extremely supportive parents and family that trust what I do and how I do it, even if they’re not necessarily sure what I do to begin with. This also goes for my partner, my friends, and collaborators I’ve met over the years who’ve supported and inspired me in some way.

From 2016-2020, I studied Communication Design and Graphic Design at The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. During the Communication Design AAS program I completed after my first two years of study, I discovered the power of design, which further unfolded in my Graphic Design BFA program my last two years of college. This program was led by some of the most inspiring and kind professors I’ve ever met—who I am now lucky to call dear friends.

Growing up, I always dabbled in creative endeavors like drawing, baking, styling, making music, dancing, and writing. I always knew I wanted to create with the ideas I had percolating in my mind, so it kind of made sense that I went down the path I did. It’s been a really exciting and thoughtfully challenging process of creating in this field and others, and I am eternally grateful for the people and places who’ve fostered my growth along the way.

Website: https://emilypaigekelly.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilypkelly/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilykelly121/

Other: For commissions and conversation please contact emilypaigekelly@gmail.com