BEHIND THE COLLECTION WITH EMILY BAKER
Hi Design Superstars!
We are beyond excited to welcome the exceptionally gifted textile designer Emily Baker to the SOMERSELLE family.
Sometimes, the most extraordinary discoveries come from a second glance. Initially, I passed on Emily's wallpaper collection, thinking it was too niche. But fate intervened when an industry friend reintroduced me to her work. I decided to give it another look, and when the samples arrived, it was love at first sight. Emily's designs are nothing short of breathtaking.
Recently, I had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Emily to discuss her captivating wallpaper collection, her creative journey, and her future artistic endeavors. Emily's work is a testament to personal memories, artistic evolution, and unparalleled craftsmanship. I'm thrilled to share our conversation with you. Find a cozy nook, and join us as we explore the enchanting world of Emily Baker Studio.
Enjoy the journey!
Q&A with Emily Baker
Hi Emily! Let's start from the beginning. What inspired you to create your wallpaper collection? Were there any specific experiences or themes that influenced these designs?
Emily Baker: Hi Anderson! First of all, I am so excited to be a part of the SOMERSELLE roster of incredible artists. The inspiration for my wallpaper collection took off in 2021 when I was holed up with my family on Shelter Island, NY.
Being surrounded by the natural beauty and reliving a lifetime of summer memories, I created my first pattern, “Silver Beach.” It captures moments like riding the ferry, swimming at the beach club, hiking at Mashomack, and sailing in an Opti. Then, I developed “Ditch Plains,” a toile based on Montauk. As I went on, I expanded the collection into textiles, drawing from my watercolor library to keep that coastal, nostalgic vibe.
That sounds idyllic! Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you go from an idea to the final product?
Emily Baker: Sure! Once I have an idea, I can usually visualize the pattern pretty clearly. I start by gathering inspiration from life or my own photos and then dive into painting. After that, I scan and digitally enhance the paintings, piecing them together into a repeat pattern. The final step is creating multiple colorways, making sure each version stays true to the original concept.
Your designs are so unique. Are there any special elements or techniques you use that make your collection stand out?
Emily Baker: Combining my watercolor skills with photography and design was a first for me, creating something truly unique. My background in print and Photoshop proficiency helped a lot. I'm very meticulous about cleaning up images digitally to preserve the quality of the original painting in the printed version.
Every creative journey has its bumps. What were some obstacles you faced while developing your wallpaper collection, and how did you overcome them?
Emily Baker: Finding a reliable manufacturing partner was tough at first. I wanted to produce both fabric and wallpaper, but finding a printer who could do both well was impossible. So, I focused on wallpaper and eventually found a manufacturer that delivered excellent quality. It made the whole process smooth and successful.
Your style has clearly evolved over the years. How is this evolution reflected in your wallpaper collection? Any new techniques or approaches you tried?
Emily Baker: Definitely! My design style has evolved, especially after taking a figure drawing class at the Art Students League in 2018. My teacher, Robert Cenedella, taught me to be confident with my lines, which transformed my drawing skills. This is evident in my “Figure Studies” pattern, where I used solid brush strokes without shading to create body shapes. My toiles also incorporate strong outlines using a calligraphy pen to add dimension to the softer watercolors.
Who do you envision as the ideal customer for your wallpaper? How do you hope they'll use and appreciate your designs?
Emily Baker: I imagine my ideal customer is someone who loves to bring color and character into their home and appreciates the unique story behind each piece.
Looking ahead, what's next for you? Any exciting projects or collections you can share with us?
Emily Baker: Living in Portugal now, I'm working on a toile inspired by my surroundings here, along with other natural patterns, including more florals and water imagery. I also plan to revisit fabric production down the line and expand my collection further.
What does this wallpaper collection mean to you personally? Any memorable stories from the creation process?
Emily Baker: This collection is personal to me because it allowed me to share my artwork in a more accessible way. Previously, I created scenic watercolors and large oil paintings and found it hard to part with them. Wallpaper provided a way to share my art with a broader audience without the emotional struggle of letting go of original pieces.
