Memos

Not all design needs to make a grand entrance. Some of it works best behind the scenes, helping everything else shine. With that in mind, I created a bold yet minimal graphic system for Hidden Gallery, a visual identity designed to support some of the biggest names in art. For Insight #10 of my 20-part series, I’m sharing a lesson in quiet confidence.

Inspiration isn’t limited to a reference library. It’s about opening up to what might want to be found – and paying attention when it arrives. Some of my best ideas haven’t come from the obvious places. They’ve come from chance encounters, unexpected comments, or patterns that kept surfacing until I finally noticed. This kind of inspiration can’t exactly be planned for, but there are ways to invite it in. So for Insight #9 of my 20-part series, I’m sharing: How to stumble across your own inspiration.

There’s a classic design request we’ve all heard: “Can you make the logo bigger?” At Pick Me Up, Somerset House’s graphic arts festival, I got to do exactly that – in the best possible way. The identity started as a simple pencil sketch. But through creative collaboration with Chrissie Macdonald, the Somerset House team, and a brilliant group of fabricators and facilitators, the idea grew.

This November I will be speaking at Czechia’s biggest conference for graphic designers. Early bird tickets are now live, get yours and come join me at this inspiring event! A conference by designers, for designers – yet open to all creative minds hungry for fresh perspectives. Top speakers from across Europe will challenge the way you think about design, process, and the future of creativity.

Architecture by Chris Dyson Architects, The Greenhill Building won a RIBA London Award – and we couldn’t be more thrilled for the whole team! Built using CLT for low carbon impact, with its bold red corrugated façade and distinctive serrated roof, it honours the site’s past while looking firmly to the future. We designed signage for key parts of the Harrow Arts Centre campus, along with interior wayfinding for the Greenhill Building, helping visitors navigate and enjoy the space with ease.

Let’s design things worth keeping. And ways of working that sustain us. Lesson #7 explores how lasting value is created – through care, storytelling, collaboration and craft. From a beloved stool to a well-used identity, the designs we cherish are the ones made to mean something, and made to last.

When a brand gets handed over, it often loses something along the way. But by mentoring Centre for London’s in-house designer, we built it together – making sure it worked for real-life use, and would be used as intended. A handover doesn’t have to mean letting go. Read how to make it happen.

I’ll be speaking and joining the panel discussion at Design Declares in Manchester on 23rd May 2025. The event will focus on the impact of materials and product efficiency, and how a ‘lean’ design approach can lead to more effective solutions in response to the climate crisis. I’ll be sharing ways to align visual identity with values for deeper impact using the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Click to buy a ticket!

Asking better questions doesn’t just lead to more creative designs. It helps uncover the things that matter most, so you can centre your design around them. Before redesigning the children’s wards at UCLH, we spent time listening. Asking better questions helped us understand what really mattered to the people using the space each day. By doing that, we could turn overlooked spaces into something supportive, joyful and meaningful.

It’s easy to believe great design needs big budgets and big names. But working with local clients – like the laundrette, corner shop or youth hall – can be just as impactful. These collaborations build trust, shape communities, and remind us that small projects can lead to something much bigger than design alone.

I had the joy of being interviewed by Tickle News – the newsletter that celebrates creativity, joy and all things uplifting. We chatted about Creative Ecosystems, Finnish influences, and why design rooted in empathy can go the distance. You can read the full feature and subscribe via ticklenews.substack.com.

I recently shared my Creative Ecosystem talk with Further – a brilliant creative group made up of Analog Studio, DesignStudio and Pixel Artworks. We explored what fuels and drains creativity, in person in London and streamed to teams in New York, Sydney and Dubai. One reflection that stayed with me: “Even for those of us who aren't explicitly creatives, it was really insightful and thought-provoking.” – James, Group Operations Director.

From London to Lisbon, Tokyo to Toronto, I’ve spoken at over 60 events. And no matter how many times I step on a stage, I still get those heart-hammering nerves. But here’s what I’ve learned: stage fright isn’t something to fight, it’s a cue to shift your focus. In my latest article, I share how I went from feeling overwhelmed by pre-talk jitters to seeing speaking as a way to offer something useful.

Over the past two decades, I’ve learned that great design isn’t just about colour, materials, or form – it’s about trust. My long partnerships have been built on shared values, open conversations, and a commitment to each other’s success. That's why my latest article is all about building lasting client relationships – and why it’s about so much more than just sending a Christmas card, or going along to their summer party.

I was interviewed by an MA Graphic Design student Linda Szabo about my approach to creativity. We explored what I wish I knew as a young designer, how to stay inspired, and the beauty of nurturing ideas over time. It’s always refreshing to see design through a student’s eyes – so much curiosity, fresh perspective, and great questions!

To mark the special Studio Emmi 20-year milestone, I’ve launched a GIPHY GIF sticker set (search Studio Emmi in Instagram stories!) designed to spread positivity, fun, and a little design magic. I’d love to see how you use them, share your favourites and tag me, @studioemmi

To celebrate Studio Emmi turning 20 this year, I’m sharing 20 lessons I’ve learned over the past two decades. The first article, How design can bring people together, is live now. It’s about one of my favourite parts of design: its power to connect people, especially around big, dreamy ideas.

Grab the confetti and hold onto your party hats, I’ve been running my design practice for 20 years this year! It has been a whirlwind of creativity, lessons, and plenty of pencil sharpening. There’s so much to look forward to this year, and I can’t wait to share more soon.

In this episode I chat with mindcoach Corine Roesner about creative leadership and management skills. as well as diving deep on burnout – from our own personal experiences with it, to crafting environments that might better prevent it, and the importance of addressing the root issues.

I am now part of the AI for Human Flourishing working group and think tank under the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard's Institute for Quantitative Social Science. In an era where AI is rapidly transforming our world, we believe that with thoughtful guidance and implementation, AI can become a powerful catalyst for enhancing human flourishing.