This week Ping is joined by illustrator and author Emma Block. Emma started her artistic career at the age of 16 and received her first professional commission at the age of 17. From there, she has gone from strength to strength. She has written and published numerous books, teaches other artists, hosts European retreats as well as being commissioned by prestigious companies such as Penguin, Bloomsbury and Harper Collins. In this interview with Ping, Emma recounts her artistic journey and shares countless valuable tips to help you on your creative journey.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Emma details the advantages and disadvantages of starting a professional career at a very early age.
Emma, a prominent book illustrator, talks about the process of writing and publishing books and shares some of her top tips.
Emma, who also teaches others artists, talks about the unexpected lessons she herself learned from teaching.
Emma, who has a four year old son, talks about the challenges and rewards of balancing motherhood and creativity.

BEST MOMENTS

“Your work needs to be constantly evolving to keep it fresh to your audience, but also to you as an artist.” - Emma Block

“There’s a huge gap between what you are doing and what you can do, because you block it with fear of failure” - Ping He

“Working on ideas, on notepads and sketchbooks, might not pay you in the short term, but all that work will come back around to pay you in the long term.” - Emma Block.

EPISODE LINKS

Emma Block Website

Emma Block Instagram

Emma Block Patreon

The Joy of Watercolour

Life lessons I Learnt from my Dog

Get Started with Gouache

Watercolour Life

Slow Travel Journal

Keeping a Creative Sketchbook

Everyone Loves Paris - Leslie Jonath

The Adventures of Miss Petitfour

Quentin Blake - Drawing for the Artistically Undiscovered

Mary Blair - illustrator and Disney concept artist

Tove Jansson - creator of the Moomins

ABOUT THE PODCAST

Botany Works Artist Podcast - a podcast created by artists for artists, illustrators, creatives, and aspiring designers and art lovers.

It is a weekly podcast by Ping He. As a creative entrepreneur herself, Ping shares her insight and tips in addition to interviewing seasoned professionals who provide practical tactics and clarity to help listeners walk away with actionable items for improving their personal and professional life.

Botany Works Artist Podcast promotes a community of artists supporting each other through exploration and process while equipping them with a professional toolkit to become successful and thriving artists.

Botany Works Artist Instagram

ABOUT THE HOST

Ping He

A mom, a botanical artist, a teacher, and mentor for creatives.

From developing a buzzworthy flower consultant business to running a home fragrance line, from self-publishing a stationery line selling in 180 stores in 18 countries to a creative mentor, Ping He is an example of how to make a successful career transition.

www.pinghe.art

info@pinghe.art

www.instagram.com/pinghe.art

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