Emily Wylde
Digital Illustrator / Graphic Designer
Scotland, UK
www.emilywylde.co.uk
instagram @emilywylde
tiktok @emilywylde
pinterest
Q What do you do?
“I create playful illustration and design work for brands and individuals who want their project or brand to feel more fun and memorable. I primarily collaborate with Gen-Z and Millennial brands, creative agencies and really fun self-employed humans. ”
On paper: I’m an illustrator, artist, brand designer and creative director.
In practice: I take your squiggly, untamed ideas, use my magical intuitive creative powers to make sense of it all, then translate everything into high quality, characterful, deeply creative visuals.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
My creative path has been wonderfully squiggly: a life-long artist (and obsessive doodler since childhood) I started out my career working as a touring music photographer. Through my love of editing photos, I taught myself graphic design then landed a role working as a graphic designer in fashion retail and marketing. In 2020 I took the leap into self-employment and leaned in on my playful illustration skills as my USP.
After years of running my own business, I’ve had the privilege of creating work for brands like Vans, the BBC and Thayers Skincare. I'm a Community Leader for Adobe, have designed beer labels that sit on my local supermarket shelf, and I've supported small business owners around the world, from my home city in Scotland to Kuwait and San Francisco.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
In a commercial market where brands are vying for the attention of Gen Z’s, I bring a unique perspective. While I’m not Gen Z myself, I grew up on the internet (shoutout to my fellow Tumblr girlies), so I have a playful, creative mind that thrives on a hit of dopamine.
Now in my early 30s, my inner child remains a constant source of inspiration, infusing my work with nostalgia and playfulness.
In a world filled with endless bad news and digital overwhelm ~ I believe playful, creative work has the power to inspire joy and offer a moment of levity.
Q What are you working on right now?
Some recent project highlights include creating work for:
♥ a psychedelic facilitator based in amsterdam
♥ a movie club based in nyc
♥ a tarot reader & astrologer
♥ an esoteric modern day temple space
♥ a perfumery's retail store brand
♥ coffee packaging
♥ merchandise and campaign art for adobe
Some of my favourite jobs have come through ilovecreatives, which is the best. Maybe you're next 👀
Q What’s your style?
One word: Characterful.
From a perspective standpoint, my work resonates broadly due to it's vibrant energy and my intuitive lighthearted approach. I aim to inspire others to embrace their own creativity and see the world through a more playful lens.
In terms of inspo my taste is broad; I’m inspired by Danish brand HAY’s bold, colour-blocked homewares and Lazy Oaf’s fun collaborations with illustrators to create apparel that is fashionable but also super funny. (Dream project alert... Hey team Lazy Oaf, if you’re reading this, I’m soooo down to collab. HMU!)
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
This year my goal is to reconnect with my childhood passion and paint more. Watch this space :) Creating just for the joy of it always feeds my best client work.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
How much creative energy gets swallowed by worrying about marketing my work instead of making art, fostering real connection and making things that actually matter! Trying my best™
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Someone to sort out my chaotic desktop files. It's real bad. Pls, send help.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I'd tell 2020 me after quitting my job to go self-employed (mid meltdown) GIRL, you don’t need to have it all figured out yet so quit putting so much pressure on yourself :)
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I’d love to sit down with artists who have achieved commercial success - artists I admire like Hattie Stewart or Alex Proba.
I’d love to know how they maintained integrity with their creative approach, especially during challenging times. How did they navigate moments of doubt, confidence knocks or negative experiences? Were there times when they almost gave up before their breakthrough moment?
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Overall, I'd love to connect with really cool people that have exciting ideas for fun projects and brands that I can collaborate with on campaigns.
I'm also always on the look out for agencies that work with illustrators on larger scale brand projects and forever dreaming about taking my work into the real world through large scale exhibits or brand activations.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My ideal client is someone who values creativity. They’re open-minded and collaborative. They might be reimagining their brand or dreaming up a project that brings their vision to life in an impactful way.
I love working with clients who are excited about the process - those who see collaboration as an opportunity to connect, share ideas and create something meaningful together.
Whether it’s a small business owner passionate about their craft, a bigger brand looking to infuse some personality into their products, or a creative team looking for a fresh perspective.
Projects that merge art and design - like custom illustrations, playful branding, or designing something tangible like merchandise or packaging are my sweet spot!
Q: What is your rate?
My rates depend on multiple factors such as scale and scope, but to give a ballpark:
♥ Single illustrations: from $800+
♥ Larger illustration projects/illustration packs: from $5k+
♥ Brand design: from $3.5k+
♥ I also offer custom quotes, day rates and monthly retainers
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
You can email me hello@emilywylde.co.uk
slide into my IG DM's @emilywylde
or visit my website www.emilywylde.co.uk
If you're reaching out about a potential collaboration I'd love to know more about the scope of your project such as budget, timeline expectations and what you're looking for :)
Q Who is a creative you admire?
If you’re seeking a custom website design or a stunning template, look no further than my Aussie, online-turned-IRL bestie: Katie Zana, aka Pearler @pearler__work.
Her work is designed to *wowoowwow* your audience making her the go-to for solopreneurs and small business owners who, like us, really care about presenting themselves authenticity in the digital realm. If you’re looking for a website that really stands out, she’s your gal.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Create, rest, reflect, explore, practice, inspire, repeat 🌀
This member profile was originally published in December 2024, Updated January 2026.