Her illustration and design work spans a variety of creative media - from murals to street art, editorial illustration, graphic design, and more. Inspired by fashion, pop culture and everyday life, Emily strives to create eye-catching and visually bold images with a dash of humor!
For Yellowpop, Emily Eldridge created a series of sketches - later transformed into illuminated signs. The result is a collection of 6 brightly colored LED neon signs!
Learn more about the artist in the interview below.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Emily Eldridge. I am originally from the United States, but have lived in many different countries over the past 17 years! I spent 11 years in Hong Kong, 2 years in Barcelona, 2 ½ years in Berlin! And now I'm back in Barcelona.
What is your job?
I am an illustrator, muralist and designer.
Did you always want to be an artist?
Yes, I have been drawing since I was 3 years old. I have always been obsessed with art, cartoons, books and illustration.
How did you get started in art?
I studied illustration at the Savannah College of Art & Design in the United States. When I moved to Hong Kong in 2005, I started doing small exhibitions there and, in my spare time, working as a freelance illustrator with clients - gradually building up my client base. In 2016, I finally decided to quit my job in Hong Kong and move to Barcelona to do a master's degree in illustration. In Barcelona, I focused on mural painting and street art. And I started to get more and more freelance work. At the beginning of 2019, I finally took the plunge, and thus dedicate myself 100% to my career as an artist. Today, I create murals, illustrations and many other works for a multitude of clients around the world.
You have lived in several cities, which one has a significant influence on your art?
I think living in Hong Kong has had a big influence on me. It's a place where I feel comfortable, always at home. This city has so much energy, movement and life. The colors, the food and the culture are incredible! There are also a lot of international influences and you really get to be exposed to people from all over the world, art, innovation, ... Being surrounded by that kind of energy is exciting and inspiring.
What does creativity mean to you?
It is the ability to express myself without words - a personal language.
Can you describe your art in 3 words ?
Colorful, graphic and fun!
Where does your inspiration come from?
Honestly, everywhere. I look at Instagram a lot, but I also like to read magazines, go to art bookstores, walk around town, travel, shop, etc. I'm also a huge fan of street art and graffiti. Everything can be a source of inspiration!
When are you the most inspired?
When I visit a museum, an art gallery! As soon as I leave this type of place, I usually want to go home and paint!
What do you think about when you create?
Haha - Life! My next project! Or what I'm going to cook for dinner!
What was your first creation?
I remember my mother had a big book on how to draw dogs. And I think when I was 3 years old, I was drawing pictures from that book, trying to replicate what I saw. That's my first memory of drawing.
With your drawings, what is the message you are trying to express?
I like to express women in a fun and positive way. But I also like to create bold graphics that make people smile. I want to create something that is visually appealing and exciting, something that everyone can enjoy.
Colors seem to be very important to you, why?
The use of color is also a language. I like to explore how the colors work together and how they make you feel. A bright color palette really expresses my sensitivity.
Why do you draw characters, especially women?
Because I am a woman (I think!). Sometimes it's an expression of myself or my friends, or a fantasy character who lives in her own world. I think modern culture is so hyper-sexualized with representations of women that it's nice to represent them in a different and unique way.
You also draw on walls, why do you like that?
Creating murals is like drawing with your whole body. It's a very physical process, and I love it. There is also something magical about conquering a space, a wall or a
building that is so much bigger than you. Creating art that is 100 times bigger than you is powerful and therapeutic. Plus, everyone can appreciate murals!
Can you describe your creative process?
Typically, I start with a brief from the client, then think about how I'm going to interpret it. I start by sketching ideas on my iPad, and once I've narrowed down the sketches I like, I start drawing. This is how I create almost all of my illustration and mural work. And for murals, I work the same way. Often, I have a photo of the building or the dimensions of the space and I work directly on the image with my iPad. It's a great way for me to visualize the final look of the mural.
Why did you choose to use neon as a support?
I think LED neon is a versatile and easy way to translate my design work into light. As much as I love traditional neon, it's still exciting to see that technology allows us to explore a new way of creating these forms.
Why did you decide to collaborate with Yellowpop ?
It's so exciting to have the opportunity as an artist to see your work in a new form. I've always been obsessed with neon signs since I lived in Hong Kong, where they are everywhere in the city. Having the opportunity to create my own designs is a dream come true! Yellowpop is the perfect partner!
How did you think of this neon collection?
For this collection, I really wanted to create pieces that people would love to have in their homes; a funky, modern setting for design-minded consumers. I thought about what I would personally like to have in my home, and I went from there. Of course, I also had to include a tribute to my beloved Hong Kong with the "Double Happiness" sign, as well as some of my female characters!
Tell us more!
"Double Happiness" is a tribute to Hong Kong. It is a Chinese ornamental pattern frequently used in celebrations and weddings, but now found in interior design and fashion. This piece brings joy and prosperity to any home. Neon lights are also an integral part of Hong Kong's visual culture, so I wanted to create my own reference to it.
And the neon lights with flowery patterns?
I think flowers are the perfect decorating element - they're funky, colorful and fun. And they bring life to the home. A classic flower bouquet may fade after a few days, but these flowers last forever!
And the other 3?
Of course, as an illustrator, I wanted to create pieces with my iconic characters. These girls are some of my favorites - fun and colorful! Girl power! I created the neon "Shapes" to appeal to everyone - something fun and quirky, but not necessarily too girly or childlike. I think it's a perfect fit for any space.