Meet the Contributing Artist: Emily Skinner

Emily Skinner, a talented artist from Canada, brings her vibrant creativity to life through hand lettering, stationery design, and fun graphic projects. With a passion for bright colors and playful themes, Emily creates art that inspires and brings joy to those who encounter it. Join us as we dive into Emily’s artistic journey and discover what fuels her creativity! 

How did you find Cricut, and why did you join the Contributing Artist Program? 

An artist friend referred me to the Cricut Contributing Artist Program (CAP). I was excited to join because I love creating new artwork, and being part of CAP gave me an exciting new outlet to make art differently. My background is creating art for stationery and greeting cards, so designing SVGs for Cricut crafters pushed me to think differently about my work. I wanted to create images that were not only fun but also worked beautifully with Cricut machines. I recently bought my first Cricut and had so much fun making stickers, which brought back childhood memories—I was one of those 80s kids with a sticker album, trading stickers at recess! So naturally, I jumped at the chance to share what I loved with the Cricut community. 

Where did your artistic journey begin? 

I studied art and design in college, but after that, life got busy. I became a teacher and then a mom to four boys. I took a long break from creating art but picked it back up seriously in 2016 when I taught myself hand lettering. That launched my own line of greeting cards, stickers, and stationery. 

What does creativity mean to you? 

Like many artists, creativity is both my joy and my frustration! I’m proud of the tension between creating something beautiful and dealing with the frustration when a project doesn’t turn out how I envisioned. But despite the challenges, I’ve always needed a creative outlet to feel fulfilled—it truly makes me happy! 

Who or what inspires you to create? 

I find much inspiration by following other artists and creatives on Instagram, especially those who can’t resist bright colors and a touch of playfulness like me! My large and quirky extended family also inspires my work, as do the adventures I share with my husband and four boys outdoors. 

What is your favorite type of craft, or what project have you created that you are most proud of? 

Hand lettering is my passion. I love creating quotes and phrases in fun lettering styles to hang on walls or turn into cards. Sewing is another favorite craft of mine. I started sewing clothes a few years ago, and now I enjoy making custom graphic tees and cute appliqués using my Cricut. 

Describe your artistic style. 

Bright, cheerful, and fun! I believe being a grown-up doesn’t mean you have to be serious or boring. Adding a little cheer and brightness to your day with art that makes you smile makes life more interesting! 

What is your proudest accomplishment? 

My proudest accomplishment was submitting my greeting card designs to an industry award. It was nerve-wracking to put my work out there for scrutiny by industry leaders, but it was a fantastic learning opportunity. I didn’t win, but it gave me the courage to keep trying! 

What is a necessity in your life?  

Aside from the necessities, I could never go a day without my daily dose of chocolate! I always have a hidden stash, and my favorites are anything dark chocolate or Cadbury Dairy Milk! 

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?  

If I could have a superpower, I’d want to move as fast as the Flash. With all the ideas in my head, I could finally keep up with them! 

Check out Emily’s Design Space profile to see her favorite designs!

Interested in seeing more Contributing Artist images and designs? Check out all of our artists in Design Space!