How long have you lived on the Beaches?
My whole life!
What’s your favourite beach and why?
Manly Beach on a beautiful summer’s day. There’s always something to see or enjoy, whether it be a surf competition, volleyballers on the sand, walkers with their dogs, markets and the many hip cafes and eateries. The sense of community in Manly is awesome!
If you had to live anywhere else in the world, where would that second-best place to live be?
I really love the South Island of NZ, but I honestly don’t think I could live anywhere else! Absolutely blessed to call the Beaches my home.
What inspired your cover?
Our beautiful Northern Beaches icons.
What inspires your work in general?
I think as an artist, you become attuned to noticing designs everywhere. Whether it be nature’s colour palette, an interesting plant or flower, a tile pattern, or the transition between seasons, inspiration comes in all forms.
How would you describe your art?
I am a surface pattern designer, so I create hand-painted and digital designs for brands and businesses to print onto their products. I think my art style is so broad. I love creating anything from feminine florals and detailed illustrations to abstract shapes and classic designs.
What is your favourite part of the process?
I love the painting process in my little studio space, with a tea and some good music!
Which artists or other inspiring people, dead or alive, would you most like to have dinner with and why?
I’d love to have dinner with my two beautiful grandmothers who are no longer here. There have been so many times I’ve thought “I wish I could ask them this” or “I’d love to tell them that”. I’d also save two seats for my favourite Aussie brother music duo, For King and Country! Their music is so uplifting and inspirational.
How did you discover you had a gift for art?
From a young age, I loved to draw and paint! I discovered surface design in high school and a few years ago completed a course in it, loved it and no longer wanted my art to remain a hobby, so I started my business Emily Kiara Designs.
Did you study art?
I studied visual art at school, took art lessons for eight years and I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Visual Arts.
What are you currently working on?
A collaboration with local sustainable swimwear brand Avaly, creating some designs for their new swimwear and wetsuit range, coming soon! I’ve also just finished working on a bespoke wedding venue illustration for a wedding in Tuscany, a new service I’ll be offering on my website soon.
What’s your favourite thing about what you do?
Getting to work with gorgeous brands and seeing my designs come to life on products.
How can people buy and support your artwork?
If you’re a brand or business on the lookout for bespoke designs for your products or packaging, I would love to collab! I also have designs ready for instant licensing in my exclusive and non-exclusive pattern library shops on my website.
What would you like to see in the future of the Beaches art scene?
More opportunities for artist collaborations with local brands and businesses. Anything from murals and merchandise to product designs and packaging.
What advice do you have for young or aspiring artists?
Continually challenge yourself, step out of your creative comfort zone and try new things. And, of course, practise!
Are there any words of wisdom you’re often guided by?
Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire – Jennifer Lee.
Follow Emily on socials @emilykiaradesigns and check out all her designs and projects at www.emilykiaradesigns.com.au
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