Spaces // Emma Robertson

I’m excited to share this week’s Spaces feature with you, featuring the workspace of Graphic Designer, Emma Robertson! As most of you know, Emma asked me to do a weekly column,  called Top-Notch Type,  on her blog, where we feature free fonts, designed in a lovely way. I’ve had a BLAST designing each week — so I’m excited for you to learn a bit more about Emma! Check her out!

Tell us about yourself as a creative
I have been a freelance graphic designer for 2 years now. My original plan was to find a position in an art department or design firm in San Francisco but I didn’t have any luck so I was forced into working on my own. In the end, I am so glad I was pushed down this path. I have dabbled in lots of other things over the past few years as well : blogging has become a huge part of my life, I opened a paper shop, I knit as well… needless to say, I like to stay busy!!

Describe your creative journey
I started doing that above a bit… I’ll elaborate more on this**

After I finished school, I moved to France and took a break from design. Then I moved to the Bay area where I attempted to dive into the design world. I slowly found some momentum, made a few great connections that got me lots of business, and everything was uphill from there. Things have truly picked up in the last year – I don’t think I can put my finger on what changed but I give a lot of credit to my California move. Right now I am designing full-time and working on a VERY special project that I can’t tell you guys about just yet. I am busy, happy, enjoying my new home, and anxious to see what 2012 has in store for me and my business.

Share a little bit about your space
I have been in the shared office for about 5 months now. Bri Emery was my foot in the door – we became design friends when I interned for RUE Magazine. We continued to work together on lots of different things and decided I needed to make the move to Los Angeles ( I was living in Texas at the time ) and get a desk in the space. I have the upstairs loft area all to myself – at first I didn’t like it because I was separated from everyone but now I see the perks and love it. I have tons of space ( yup, I have TWO desks ), it’s secluded enough to really focus when I need to but open enough to be apart of what’s going on if I want to, I also get a lot of direct natural light because I am right by all the windows. We have mini-fridges so I bring snacks and treats with me to get me through the day. We also have a great little restaurant right next door that has an outdoor patio that’s good for afternoon breaks. Overall, I love where I work!!

What’s your favorite thing about your space
The light is my favorite part about the space, hands down. It’s so beautiful during the day and keeps me from getting too claustrophobic at my desk. I also love sharing it with other creative people – not only have they become good friends but I have learned a ton about owning your own business and tricks of the trade that I was unaware of!! There are lots of good perks that everyone brings to the table – Michael of Flashdance is always playing good music, Bri Emery is continually keeping me in the know-how with everything blog related, Steve Pappin of Son of Sharkpig keeps me sane with his sense of humor, the list goes on… Sometimes I opt to stay at home ( when I’m feeling lazy ) but 90% of the time I am up there working away & having fun.

What’s one thing you think every creative needs in their space?

Again, lots of good light. If you’re tucked away in a dark corner you’re going to go crazy! Also, a friend or two to bounce thoughts and ideas off of.

Thanks Emma!

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*Photos by Emma