Em Somerville

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!