Meet Emeline Leyens

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Emeline Leyens. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Emeline below.

Hi Emeline, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?

Hitting a creative block can be frustrating, but it’s a common experience. When it happens, I find it helpful to step away from the project for a while. There’s no set formula for how long to step away; it’s really just until I feel inspired again. While it can be helpful to step away, it’s important to keep showing up in other ways. I might explore a new medium or technique, something new I can experiment without any pressure to produce something specific. After some time, I usually find myself ready to jump back into the original project with a fresh perspective.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’ve worked as a freelance graphic designer for years in addition to being an artist. While painting is my most extensive practice, I’ve started working on digital pieces in recent years—partly because I appreciate the space it saves in my studio, but I also work digitally for graphic design projects already and enjoy it. I’ve found a way to blend my analog and digital techniques to create a style that I find interesting.
I find my work exciting because of the opportunities it provides to connect with others through art, whether it’s by sharing my paintings or working on collaborative projects with other creatives. I’ve never subscribed to the idea that everything needs to be neatly defined. Anything can influence and overlap with other things, which can lead to special projects.
Because I love a mix of mediums, I have a diverse range of projects. Currently, my website features a new series of paintings. Additionally, I am illustrating a new book written by my friend Max Drew. I also recently collaborated with my friend Chloe of Solar Wilds to create jewelry pieces, which I’m excited to develop further. And I’m exploring a mini animation project with my friends Francesca and Roland of FIN.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Staying curious- part of creativity is constant exploration. This also goes hand in hand with showing up. Being ok with boredom- there are endless activities to do and things to watch to pass the time, but boredom helps bring out creativity. You are sort of separated from all of the noise and can create something really unique to you. Problem solving also helps foster creativity. If you are looking to improve your problem solving skills, you could try doing a task with improper tools. It can leave you with no choice but to get creative and explore options to solve a problem.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I’m always open to connecting and collaborating with other artists, through different mediums as well. I’ve always been into short film, but haven’t made it to that door yet. I am open to any collaboration medium, and am excited to explore new possibilities. If you’re an artist, designer, or creative who’s interested in collaborating, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s connect and see what we can create together.

Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @emelineleyens @emelinestudios
Portfolio: www.emelineleyens.com
Art: www.emeline.studio

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.emeline.studio/
• Instagram: @emelineleyens
• Other: other instagram: @emelinestudios