Article: Ink on Paper Source X Emily Baird
Ink on Paper Source X Emily Baird
Ink on Paper Source is a collaborative collection from independent artists who inspire us. Discover their creative voices, translated into stationery and wedding invitations exclusively at Paper Source.
The inspiration behind Emily Baird’s custom stationery collection is joy. “I really wanted to create pieces that sparked joy and were fun to look at. If your desk is a little boring but you look over and see a bright flamingo or a rainbow fish, I think it can encourage you to pause for a moment and remember that life is full of whimsy and surprises.”
She describes her signature style as “whimsical, light, maximalist, and both inspired and rooted in classic design. I love things that can't be placed into a particular time period but also feel timeless. I absolutely love antique flora and fauna and incorporating it into my design work. I live by the coast of California so am continuously inspired by the natural beauty. I love mid-century design and really anything from the 1900s-90s, and consistently am inspired by old package design, art and music from decades prior.”
Always designing with music in the background, she grew up loving the rich vocal harmonies of mid-century radio era popular music, and that sense of layered rhythm and emotion. It still deeply influences how she approaches design and helps her enter a flow state. When it comes to her creative process, Emily said “This sounds strange but I kind of just go for it. I have a few images of random things that inspire me like nature, textiles, architecture, and animals, and then I look for similar themes and just start designing. It’s a very fluid process. Most designers have a sketch process, I do not. Partly that may be because much of my design work is a gathering of elements or collage, but I like to just be in the zone pulling and pushing throughout the art and see where I land. I am primarily a graphic designer so most often I am on the computer doing most of my work,but I also work in watercolor, acrylic paint and pens, and various other unique and raw materials.”
“I started my art business in 2011 after graduating with a degree in Fine Art with a concentration in Graphic Design. Candidly, the hiring world for artists was a bit challenging when I graduated so I built my business out of necessity, but it grew to be the greatest gift I could be given.” When asked what she was most proud of working as a designer, she said, “That I truly get to do what I love on a daily basis but also that I get to create moments of joy for other people.” She loves the idea that everyday paper goods can hold memory, personality, and small moments of enchantment. “Honestly, it’s such an exciting feeling having my designs carried at Paper Source! I have always loved Paper Source and the whole brand. I think PS creates such a beautiful creative space for artists, and I am just thrilled to be a part of this.”
Her talents don’t stop at art and design, “I can do the hula but also the hula hoop well - ha! I won a hula hooping competition when I was like 7 years old and I still think it’s one of my proudest moments but also possibly speaks to my whimsy and the way I see life. I am not very competitive otherwise, but I am proud of that moment. I have three cats and I love them, but I love all animals very deeply. I also love cooking, Pilates, running, and going to the beach. If I could be anything else, I’d probably be a zookeeper or if I could play any instruments well (I can’t!) I would want to be a rockstar.”
To explore Emily Baird's Ink on Paper Source collection, click here, check out her website, and follow her on social.
