Alumni success ‘spotlight’ interview with Emma McGowan

We are so proud of our Make Art That Sells Alumni, that we are pleased to being a series of spotlight interviews showcasing their successes and artwork. We also ask them to share how the MATS courses have helped them learn and grow. You can see more Alumni Success stories here

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Today, we have an interview with alumni Emma McGowan. Emma has taken our Bootcamp for the last 2 years, entered the Global Talent Search 2 years running and attended our Global Art Gathering in the UK

Tell us a little about how you got started in art and design

My dad was a commercial artist and I loved the fact that his work tools were pens and pencils and a drawing board. The margins of my schoolbooks were filled with doodles and I always intended to become an artist. But instead of going to art school I somehow ended up at university, and then worked in the creative industries but never as one of the so-called ‘creatives’.

When I had my first child, it felt like enough was enough, I had to change direction. I did a foundation course in art and design – the best two years ever – but couldn’t take up the place I was offered on an illustration degree course because by then I was expecting my second child.

That’s when I found MATS. It was the answer to how I could keep learning my new trade and make a career as an artist while also juggling being a mum to two small girls.

Lilla always says “People buy your joy.“ What brings you joy?’

I definitely thrive creatively when I have a brief or at least some boundaries. I discovered that when I took Bootcamp the first time and the work just flowed out of me. I couldn’t stop! Having parameters and a clear goal helps me let loose. It’s pure joy if you manage to hit that moment where things are just working and you intuitively know where to put the next mark or place a motif. Time disappears and you’re totally in the moment. There’s also a magical moment when I’m colouring work in PhotoShop where I’ll change a colour or add a background and, bang, it all suddenly works. I love that moment!

Which is your favorite market(s) to design for and why?

Like lots of artists, I’m a total stationery addict and love the feel of paper in my hand. So for me, stationery, small storage, greetings, giftwrap, party paper and packaging are my absolute favourites. I think with small items like that you can really go wild with colour and pattern because they add a pop of luxury or bright colour that gets used and eventually replaced. You can really explore trends and go for it with smaller, paper products.

What are you working on currently?

At the moment it’s all about preparing for SURTEX. It’s my first time exhibiting and I’ll be in Booth 229 with Four Corners Art Collective, an international collective of surface pattern designers that I helped create and launch last year.

So I’m deep into putting together lookbooks, designing promotional postcards and fliers, planning our booth and banners, getting products made up, making little promotional videos. I’m also making lots of new work, so it’s all go!

What are some of the key things you have learnt from the MATS experience?

MATS showed me that it’s possible to find and learn the skills you need to make a living as an artist without having to take a major chunk of time out and spend loads of money on offline, formal education. Once I’d taken MATS Bootcamp I found myself tapped into this incredible network of teachers and artists, all willing to generously share their knowledge and experience. I’ve literally found answers to every question I’ve had, from specific PhotoShop queries to general thoughts about markets to target and how to brand myself.

I’ve also learnt how to navigate the ups and downs of the creative life. There are definite cycles when creativity really flows and then periods where it feels much harder. MATS taught me how to recharge my creative batteries and how to keep making work even in those down phases.

How have the classes helped your artwork evolve /grow?

Over the two years since I took my first MATS class I feel I’ve really found my signature style. By immersing myself in the mini assignments and just drawing and painting as much as I can, I’ve found a method that is guaranteed to push me over any creative block. And by focusing on making work myself, rather than looking endlessly at what other people are making, I’ve learned to accept and enjoy what comes out of my hand.

Any aha moments during MATS you would like to share?

Half way through Bootcamp I realized that if you don’t put yourself and your work out there, you’ll never grown and learn. Nothing is ever perfect, so there’s no point in waiting for some magical moment in the future when you’re ready to launch your career. Just do it now and see what happens. It’s scary but it’s the only way really.

What are your key successes since taking a MATS class?

Since taking my first MATS class I’ve been commissioned by The Guardian to illustrate a weekly column that ran for 6 months and illustrated my first book, The Science of Everyday Life. I’ve work with another publisher on some dummies that we’re hoping will get picked up.

My surface patterns were featured in the Pattern People e-book, Pattern Mix, I was included in the Uppercase Creative Calendar 2016, and I was shortlisted in competitions run by Tigerprint and Hallmark. Last year I was a Semi-Finalist in the Global Talent Search and I reached the Final of the Ultimate Portfolio Builder & Printsource Competition 2016.

How would you describe taking a MATS class to a fellow artist looking to develop their art

Taking a MATS class may well be the best thing you’ll ever do! It will push you to try new techniques and draw subjects you’d never think to draw. You’ll learn new things about yourself and you’ll meet lots of fantastic, supportive artists experiencing all the same doubts as you are. You won’t look back.

What is your dream gig for your artwork?

I’d love to see my patterns on food and beauty packaging. And I dream of walking into Paperchase or Anthropologie and seeing my designs on stationery and wrapping paper.

See more of Emma’s work here: Website | Instagram | Twitter