Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Emilie and I'm a watercolor artist with a heavy nature and travel theme. I find my inspiration taking in the beauty around me, seeing the way the light hits a flower, studying clouds, or just how incredible sunsets are painted in the sky. I love to travel but as I can't afford to jet set everywhere, I've found painting to study and learn about new places.
How did you get started in your art / business?
It all started as a hobby. I was a part-time nanny and did watercolor with the 3 year old. That following winter I needed something to keep me busy during photography's slow season. I got some nice supplies and started watercoloring almost daily at the end of 2016. By February of 2017 I opened an Etsy and had my first order from a stranger. It was so encouraging that I kept adding new work and by the time 2019 came around my part-time art business became my full-time job.
What has been your favorite moment since creating your art/business?
I don't think I can pinpoint just one thing. But I love seeing people connect to my art and hearing their stories. From taking home a flower print that reminds them of their mother to purchasing an original that takes them right back to their favorite vacation spot. Any stories shared with me are so special and give me purpose.
What is the latest thing you have been working on?
Over the past 2 and half years I've been chipping away at my national park series. It's finally finished and it feels incredible to be added to my adventure series along with my US map that features a landscape highlight from each state. Like the map I painted each of the 63 National Parks in the state shape so the completed project has a version with the states and one in a cropped poster style.
What made you take this leap into being your own boss? I think growing up homeschooled really taught me to be self-disciplined. There were a lot of freedoms to work at my own pace that really worked well with my independent nature and grew the entrepreneur in me at a young age. I'd already tried so many avenues, from being in a band, office work, coffee shop, to trying to run my own photography business, but nothing quite fit the way my art does.
How do you usually prepare for the holiday season?
Each year as the Holiday season approaches I release a big collection of what I call Portals. They are one of a kind watercolor originals on wood! They make for great gifts even if you need to get a gift for yourself ;) I'm on my 5th year doing the collection and I get so excited for it every year. Outside of art, a few holiday traditions include getting a real Christmas tree, baking peppermint cookies, and Relient K Christmas music.
What will you be bringing to the Gift & Art Expo for attendees to purchase?
My 2025 Portal Collection will be newly released so that's one to come and see. And of course the usual set up with my adventure art and all my florals.
www.emilietaylorart.com
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