Meet Emily White

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

Emily, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

I get my work ethic from my mom. She was a single mother who worked tirelessly to support us. She put herself through college while working full-time, becoming the only one of her five sisters to earn a degree. She studied IT in the 1970s, when few women entered the field, and through perseverance, she built a successful career. She moved from Illinois to Massachusetts on her own, creating a better life for herself and, later, for me. Her independence and determination shaped how I approach my own work—showing me the value of persistence, resilience, and self-reliance.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

From galleries to the streets of Philadelphia, my work as a muralist, fine artist, and sculptor reflects my passion for bringing art to life on a grand scale. My artistic journey has spanned large-scale gallery paintings, sculptures, and public murals, demonstrating my versatility across mediums. Many of my murals feature a combination of retro-inspired stripes and realistic imagery, blending fine detail with crisp, graphic elements. Whether painting a graphic design, a realistic wildlife portrait, or a mural, I tailor my approach to suit the client and the space.

Beyond murals, my gallery work focuses primarily on wildlife, painting in a realistic style that explores the relationship between humans and nature. My paintings explore the evolving interactions between animals and their changing environments, often juxtaposing wildlife with distinctly human objects. My goal is to encourage conversations about environmental impact and the ways in which the natural and built worlds intersect. Through these pieces, I invite audiences to reflect on the consequences of industry, innovation, and our collective impact on the natural world.

Originally from Brockton, Massachusetts, I earned my BFA in Sculpture from Massachusetts College of Art and Design in 2011. I have been active in Philadelphia’s mural scene for 12 years and established my mural and sign painting company, White Knuckle Painting, in 2021. My portfolio includes collaborations with the Philadelphia Zoo, the Philadelphia Airport, and the Philadelphia Flower Show, along with commercial partnerships with brands such as Starbucks, Virgin Voyages, Ketel One, Heineken, Espolon, and Blick Art Materials.

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?

If I had to pick three skills or qualities that are most important to develop, I’d say:

Commitment to Quality – Always giving your best effort, rather than just doing the bare minimum, sets you apart. When you consistently go above and beyond, people take notice. Whether it’s a mural, a sign, or a gallery piece, I believe in putting in the time and effort to ensure that every project meets the highest standards. Cutting corners might save time in the moment, but quality work is what builds a strong reputation and lasting impact.

Resilience – In any creative field, rejection and failure are inevitable. The key is to keep pushing forward, learning from setbacks instead of letting them stop you. Some of my biggest opportunities have come after initial disappointments. Developing thick skin and a mindset that views challenges as stepping stones rather than roadblocks is essential for long-term success.

Creative Problem-Solving – Creativity isn’t just about making art; it’s also about thinking differently and finding solutions. Whether it’s adapting a design to fit a difficult space, working around unexpected project constraints, or developing new techniques, being able to approach problems from different angles is a valuable skill. The ability to innovate and troubleshoot creatively is what allows artists to grow and stand out.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

The biggest challenge I’m currently facing is separating my work life from my personal life. As someone who runs a mural business, it can be really hard to set boundaries—especially when I love what I do. My work hours have a way of bleeding into my evenings and weekends, and I often catch myself overworking or saying yes to just one more thing.

But it’s fine—I’ll figure it out after this next project! 😉

Contact Info:

Image Credits

1st photo © John Johansen
2nd photo © Conrad Benner

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience is often the x-factor that differentiates between mild and wild success. The stories of

Productivity
Beating Burnout

Often the key to having massive impact is the ability to keep going when others

Leadership Development
Finding Your Why

Not knowing why you are going wherever it is that you are going sounds silly,