Pre-global pandemic, you'd likely find Emma J Shipley in one of three places: creating in her studio in the heart of East London, admiring the exhibits in her favourite museums or on a plane to a far-flung destination in search of inspiration. It's this fascination with exotica that has spurred a rich career in print.
Emma’s designs are unapologetically decadent – roaring tigers, tropical birds and mythical fauna are all served on jewel-toned textures. This signature style has gained her legions of fans, including us at Anthropologie. We sat down with the inspiring designer (and the latest maker to join the Anthro fold) to take a deeper dive into her fantastical world.
Where do you look for inspiration?
I try to travel as much as I can. Visiting the Amazon rainforest, South Africa and Botswana have all provided incredible natural inspiration for me. I never tire of visiting museums and galleries too and I’m always influenced by books and films, particularly those from my childhood.
From lions to birds, most of your prints feature animals. What draws you most to nature?
I suppose it’s ultimately the characters. The designs I create each have their own narrative and the animals are the protagonists within these fantasy worlds. I want them to feel alive and to have soul.
Why not people?
Humans are just one of the millions of species on earth. We all know ourselves pretty well so I’d much rather explore all of the other creatures that exist (as well as ones that are imaginary!)
I try to travel as much as I can. Visiting the Amazon rainforest, South Africa and Botswana have all provided incredible natural inspiration for me. I never tire of visiting museums and galleries too and I’m always influenced by books and films, particularly those from my childhood.
From lions to birds, most of your prints feature animals. What draws you most to nature?
I suppose it’s ultimately the characters. The designs I create each have their own narrative and the animals are the protagonists within these fantasy worlds. I want them to feel alive and to have soul.
Why not people?
Humans are just one of the millions of species on earth. We all know ourselves pretty well so I’d much rather explore all of the other creatures that exist (as well as ones that are imaginary!)
How does travel influence your art? A lot of the animals you draw are not native to the UK…
The most incredible and unusual animals are often found in extreme climates and environments, so travelling outside of the UK has always been important to me. I also strongly believe that in the modern day, most of us are missing a connection with nature that is a fundamental human need. I’ve really felt this when I’ve been to places like Botswana. Being surrounded by huge herds of wild animals feels like the most natural state of being – something sadly lacking in most of our modern lives. I hope to bring some of this magic of nature back into our lives through my artwork.
There’s a clear theme of myths and legends in your artwork – tigers with wings for example – where did this fascination come from?
Myths and legends also seem to be something fundamental to being human. If you look back to the earliest civilizations anywhere in the world, supernatural stories are always there. Personally, I’ve always loved fantasy literature and art, taking something real and mixing it with something unexpected creates a kind of magic and wonder.
Do you have a favourite myth or legend?
I’ve always loved Grimms’ Fairy Tales and the many different versions of them. They’re peppered with the perfect amount of magic and darkness – some are scary, some are strange.
The most incredible and unusual animals are often found in extreme climates and environments, so travelling outside of the UK has always been important to me. I also strongly believe that in the modern day, most of us are missing a connection with nature that is a fundamental human need. I’ve really felt this when I’ve been to places like Botswana. Being surrounded by huge herds of wild animals feels like the most natural state of being – something sadly lacking in most of our modern lives. I hope to bring some of this magic of nature back into our lives through my artwork.
There’s a clear theme of myths and legends in your artwork – tigers with wings for example – where did this fascination come from?
Myths and legends also seem to be something fundamental to being human. If you look back to the earliest civilizations anywhere in the world, supernatural stories are always there. Personally, I’ve always loved fantasy literature and art, taking something real and mixing it with something unexpected creates a kind of magic and wonder.
Do you have a favourite myth or legend?
I’ve always loved Grimms’ Fairy Tales and the many different versions of them. They’re peppered with the perfect amount of magic and darkness – some are scary, some are strange.
Can you tell us a little more about your design technique and process?
All my designs are started by hand, in pencil on paper. I do a rough sketch first, then go straight onto a large piece of paper for the final artwork. I sketch lightly to begin with, then build up the drawing in layers of lighter and darker tones, inventing a lot of the details as I go. A finished drawing can take a couple of weeks or more.
What does a typical day in your studio look like?
At the moment, myself and my little team are working from home, so we’ve been having lots of Zoom calls to keep in touch and keep things moving. There isn’t really a ‘typical’ day but for me it might include research for new collections or drawing, talking to suppliers, reviewing samples or working on plans for my new website.
What’s the most rewarding aspect to your art?
Sharing my fantasy world and people’s reaction to my artwork – it never gets old.
In a trend-led world, how do you stay on your own path?
I think I’m quite stubborn! I know I’m doing something which resonates with people and there’s no point in following what other people are doing as it’s already been done. For me, the excitement is in creating something new and unique.
All my designs are started by hand, in pencil on paper. I do a rough sketch first, then go straight onto a large piece of paper for the final artwork. I sketch lightly to begin with, then build up the drawing in layers of lighter and darker tones, inventing a lot of the details as I go. A finished drawing can take a couple of weeks or more.
What does a typical day in your studio look like?
At the moment, myself and my little team are working from home, so we’ve been having lots of Zoom calls to keep in touch and keep things moving. There isn’t really a ‘typical’ day but for me it might include research for new collections or drawing, talking to suppliers, reviewing samples or working on plans for my new website.
What’s the most rewarding aspect to your art?
Sharing my fantasy world and people’s reaction to my artwork – it never gets old.
In a trend-led world, how do you stay on your own path?
I think I’m quite stubborn! I know I’m doing something which resonates with people and there’s no point in following what other people are doing as it’s already been done. For me, the excitement is in creating something new and unique.
Your work takes a very maximalist approach to print – do you have any tips for people who are playing with this aesthetic for the first time in their homes? How should they incorporate your prints?
I’ve seen my prints used in all sorts of homes, and they’re certainly not all maximalist! A neutral or more minimalist scheme can be really lifted by a pop of colour or texture – a few printed silk cushions or a jacquard woven throw are a perfect way to bring a special animalistic touch to a simple interior. Ensuring one or two colours from the interior scheme are in the print will make it all work in harmony.
You’ve partnered with World Land Trust in the past. How does protecting wildlife factor into your brand philosophy?
I’m passionate about wildlife and with so many endangered species at risk, we wanted to partner with a charity who makes a difference. World Land Trust work on protecting habitat for endangered wildlife, as well as engaging with local communities, so they were the perfect fit!
I’ve seen my prints used in all sorts of homes, and they’re certainly not all maximalist! A neutral or more minimalist scheme can be really lifted by a pop of colour or texture – a few printed silk cushions or a jacquard woven throw are a perfect way to bring a special animalistic touch to a simple interior. Ensuring one or two colours from the interior scheme are in the print will make it all work in harmony.
You’ve partnered with World Land Trust in the past. How does protecting wildlife factor into your brand philosophy?
I’m passionate about wildlife and with so many endangered species at risk, we wanted to partner with a charity who makes a difference. World Land Trust work on protecting habitat for endangered wildlife, as well as engaging with local communities, so they were the perfect fit!
You’re heading to a desert island and can only take one thing with you – what is it?
If I can’t take my cats then it would have to be a four-poster bed, full of plush cushions, pillows and throws. I love sleep and getting a blissful night’s slumber under the stars might just make me enjoy my desert island stay.
You have so many new projects on the horizon, what’s one that you’re most excited about?
Now that would be telling! I have a new range out in the autumn which I’m really excited for. I’m also planning a research trip to Madagascar in 2021, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that will go ahead.
Do you have any advice for aspiring textile designers?
Know what makes your art uniquely you. What are you passionate about and what are you doing that’s different from others that have gone before? Then share that with people.
If I can’t take my cats then it would have to be a four-poster bed, full of plush cushions, pillows and throws. I love sleep and getting a blissful night’s slumber under the stars might just make me enjoy my desert island stay.
You have so many new projects on the horizon, what’s one that you’re most excited about?
Now that would be telling! I have a new range out in the autumn which I’m really excited for. I’m also planning a research trip to Madagascar in 2021, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that will go ahead.
Do you have any advice for aspiring textile designers?
Know what makes your art uniquely you. What are you passionate about and what are you doing that’s different from others that have gone before? Then share that with people.