Have you always been creative and artistic?

I guess you can say that, my whole life I have loved drawing. And ever since I could hold a crayon I was drawing away, and at a very young age I knew that I wanted to be an artist when I grew up. I did have a few hiccups over the years where my art took a back seat to my social life or other life events. But even then, art was always important to me.

How would you describe the style of your work?

Overall no matter what I draw there is always a slightly cute aspect to my style, but I recently divided my art into two branches. The first and original branch focuses on more whimsical painterly work and the new branch focuses on super ridiculously cute stylized work which i've branded 'Love, Teacup Kisses'. Because I just enjoy it so much I have been focusing on the overly cute stuff a lot more lately and I hope to be able to continue doing that.

What’s in your pencil case and what’s your favorite tool?

Right now my pencil case is jam packed with stuff because I keep tossing things in there to clear space off of my desk. lol. I've got colored pens, pencils, erasers, gel pens, highlighters, a pencil sharpener, a colored pencil, a brush pen, my wacom stylus and a sharpie..

My favorite tools really depend on what I am working on, but recently with 'Love, Teacup Kisses' I have been favoring my Copic Markers and brush pens.

Who is your favorite superhero?

Batman is the first name that pops in my head, I've always liked batman and I am also a big fan of the batman begins trilogy. Catwoman is also really awesome cause she is a sexy lady that kicks butt! Admittedly though anytime I do Batman Fanart, I usually draw Bat Girl because she is just fun to draw.

If you could have one super power what would it be?

I am a little bit boring, and practical when it comes to this question. Honestly I would want to be able to learn anything in one sitting and retain the information or skill forever. Because then I could pretty much learn anything and everything :)

Where do you look for inspiration?

Everywhere! A lot of artists will probably tell you this because its true. You might have your go-to things for inspirations but ideas sometimes come out of the most unlikely places like a funny joke between friends, a lyric in a song, a frame in a movie, a random story or even a pastry. Now when I am looking for inspiration I tend to look at photography on pinterest or flicker and I really enjoy looking at other artist's work to get me motivated when I am feeling uninspired. 

Who are your favorite artists or comic book authors?

I would have to say that one of my favorite artist is Lindsey Campbell, I pretty much love ALL of her stuff. I also like Wishcandy, Mel Stringer and loll3.

Oh hello, I’m Em. I’m the owner and artist behind Em Somerville Illustration, and I’m pleased to make your acquaintance. I juggle illustrating with a full time job in finance, working on a staff of four running an online community, and baking up a storm whenever I have a free moment. It helps that I don’t sleep.

I create this world from my little desk where I can surround myself with colourful art and toys to inspire me. My desk is lined with plastic Dinosaurs, prints from my favourite artists, pretty photos, postcards from wonderful people and Back to the Future LEGO. I'm a collector and a clutterer. I like to fill my home with intrigue and wonder. Really, I just like to draw in my underwear sometimes.

Have you always been creative and artistic?

Yes indeed! I bounce between making jewellery, crafting, baking, taking photos and drawing. I love unique fashion and music, reading and comic books. I've never been very career or academic minded, while I have done very well in both of those aspects of my life. My passion has definitely always been primarily in creativity and my silly doodles!

How would you describe the style of your work?

Cute, sparkly, creepy, weird, and a tiny bit magic. My art is imperfect - I double outline everything because I have shaky hands, but that's kind of my signature move.

What’s in your pencil case and what’s your favorite tool?

My pencil case is currently housing a tin of Graphite pencils, a kneaded eraser, a bunch of washi tape, a whole lot of different fineliners and black markers, and a plastic dinosaur. I can't live without endless black Copic 0.3 Multiliners!

Who is your favorite superhero?

I am allllll about Skeletor. Okay maybe he's more of a villain, my he's MY hero.

If you could have one super power what would it be?

Teleportation, no question. Imagine being able to travel anywhere in the world without having to save for months or worry about packing! An adventurer's dream come true. Next stop, Iceland please!

Where do you look for inspiration?

Anywhere and everywhere. I'm always wandering around taking photos of book covers, stationery and stickers. I take a lot of photographs of places and people too, and love to explore, which helps bring creativity. I draw a lot of characters from my favourite cartoons, TV shows and movies. Tumblr is also a huge source of inspiration, I follow a bunch of amazing artists and every time I check my feed I find myself grabbing a pencil and sketchbook two minutes in.

Who are your favorite artists or comic book authors?

I have way too many favourites to list, but the first few that come to mind are Mel Stringer, Lize Meddings & Natasha Allegri - while the three of them have very different styles, I feel like they all influence little aspects of my art!

Have you always been creative and artistic?

Yes! No! Kind of? I think most people start out creative--they are encouraged to draw and paint, to solve problems visually. Then we are trained to think this is the territory of children and that being creative won't pay the bills. As if art and responsibility are mutually exclusive.  I went through a fierce period of creative denial in high school and college before I took a drawing class as an elective and was forced to realize that the safe path wasn't something I'd be happy with. And then, after graduating, I worked shitty jobs, still not confident or trusting of my skills. My like changed when I accepted that I not only liked making art, but that I was capable of supporting myself with it. 

How would you describe the style of your work?

A Quaintrelle Soiree, with cherries on top. Leave with your heart in your hands.

What’s in your pencil case and what’s your favorite tool?

I am slightly obsessed with switching out my pencil cases and supplies, depending on where I'll be and what I intend to do. Right this second I'm a sucker for white watercolor pencil for highlights. My case in my purse contains a Gossip Girl notebook, a tiny paintbrush, scissors, watercolor pencils, and glitter glue. 

Who is your favorite superhero?

I don't read a lot of comic books. Really, I read Classics Illustrated and Katy Keene when I was little (I'm certain that Katy's blue-black hair influences me still!) I watched the first two seasons of Heroes, but was mesmerized by the villain more than anybody else. My real superheroes are women I know and love: Taryn Hipp for her superhuman strength and honesty, Dyana Valentine for her intuitive presence, my mom for teaching me to look for the potential in everything.

If you could have one super power what would it be?

To not be hindered by self-doubt or fear in the pursuit of what I want. 

Where do you look for inspiration?

I am very thankful to live in Los Angeles, which inspires me every time I turn around. I love walking outside and smelling jasmine in the air. I adore reading or hearing about people operating from a place of kindness or empathy, just because they have an opportunity to do so. Emails that are secretive, containing intimate soul baring details that liberate or unite.  My friends that make beautiful things or aid in the realization that people are beautiful. Being selective about the internet. Thoughtful encouragement to make better, to be better.

Who are your favorite artists or comic book authors?

My favorites are those that live honestly about who they are. I love folks who create who they are with sincerity and mindfulness. I am always checking out Kim Burly, Augusta Gail, Jennifer Emerling, and Doe Deere. I like people who don't deny that their own fear exists, and then they push through it to produce great work that resonates with others. If you can do that, if you can connect, then you've really gotten somewhere.