Introducing Emma Eubanks, an illustrator and designer from Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Introducing Emma Eubanks, an illustrator and designer from Minneapolis, Minnesota.  We spotted her unique pieces across many exciting mediums such as packaging, posters, and in publishing.  She’s a hard grafter and also cleverly articulates her thoughts and worldview through her art, and in her own way.

Clients include the Fulton Brewing Company, the Nassauischer Kunstverein in Wiesbaden, Germany, the Children’s Theatre Company, MN Women for Political Change, the Minneapolis Farmers’ Market, Flip Phone Events, and Target.

When did you start illustrating?

I've been drawing since before I could walk! I began illustrating professionally when I was in college - I studied animation, but would spend all of my free time on illustration, and eventually realized I should start paying attention to which path I was really gravitating to. I switched majors, starting calling myself a professional in true fake it til you make it style, and I've been focusing on a freelance career ever since!

Who has been the most supportive in your illustration career, perhaps your teacher, family, friends?

I've had nothing but support and encouragement in my life - I come from a highly creative family and even though I’m the first person in my family who gets to claim art as their day job, I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by artists and creative thinkers since I was born. My most important support system is my parents, who encouraged my passion so much from Day 1 that I've never had to consider a life outside the arts. I'm keenly aware that not everyone gets to have that, so I'm eternally grateful to them for helping me realise my life path, and more importantly, giving me the tools to follow it.

What is your favourite subject matter to illustrate?

My favorite subject matter to illustrate is PEOPLE! I looove crowds, fashion, faces, and bodies in movement. My favorite part of the body to draw is probably hands- weird looking, expressive hands that have wacky little personalities of their own. Random little details that always seem to make an appearance in my work are polka dots, drips, light flashes, and birds (probably in that order).

How would you describe your style?

My style is unapologetic, often chaotic, and bold. I like to think of it as Children's Book Soup with a little splash of hot sauce thrown in. Exaggerated proportions and unexpected colour combos are my specialty!

What is your favourite collaboration to date?

My favourite collaboration to date would probably be my ongoing Beer Can Design collab with the Clutch Brewing Company! A design internship at a Brewery a couple years back has led to a lot of cherished work in the local industry, but this one is special because I get to work with friends. Some work AT the brewery, and gave me not just the job but an amazing outer space theme to work with as well as total creative freedom, but I also get to work with Tanner Groehler, an amazing Graphic Designer that I went to college with. It's pretty cool to feel like I've come full circle and "made it" with people that I studied with.

What interested you about being represented by Illo Agency?

I was interested in Illo because of the celebration of global talent and commitment to uplifting artists who aren't always prioritized in the art world. I feel really honored to be joining the ranks of illustrators from all over the world. I'm also excited about the focus on Publishing and Editorial work, which are two passions of mine!

Do you have a favourite author, film director, or designer?

I'm fascinated with any piece of art that is whimsical with a mysterious or ominous edge, so I pull a lot of inspiration from artists like the film director Jean Pierre Jeunet, who's cinematography has a surrealist quality that is great at walking the line between whimsy and brutality.  My favorite author (other than my dad, whose stories instilled in me a lifelong love of Children's Lit) is Douglas Adams. He throws you fastballs of wit so clever you can't help but to be immediately sucked into his bizarre, hilarious world. I love kitsch, camp and bold aesthetic choices, so I'm also a big fan of the designer Thierry Mugler and the brilliant coffin designer Paa Joe.

Are you working on any personal projects you can share with us?

I'm in between personal projects right now, but last winter a completed an intense 3-month themed Care Package project that included hand designed and handmade apparel, home goods, and other illustrated goodies. That project was amazing because it allowed me to branch out and explore new mediums in a way that I don't often give myself time for, like soap and candle making. I'm also in the planning stages of a calendar for 2022 that I'm very excited about!

Do you listen to podcasts? If so, do you have a favourite?

I looooove podcasts. I cannot sit in silence, EVER, so podcasts have become a big part of my life! I listen to pods about science, politics, pop culture, crime, aliens, cryptids, history... I'm all over the map. My absolute favorite is Radiolab, but I spend a ton of time with LeVar Burton Reads, More Perfect, Keep It, and shows from the Last Podcast Network like No Dogs in Space. Essentially, if someone is talking, I'll be there tuning in.

If you have any questions or a specific project in mind, please do get in touch: [email protected]
at illo agency, we pride ourselves in representing a collation of global illustrators, distinctly diverse in creativity and uniquely celebrated by like-minded clients across a range of commercial markets.