Emmy Lupin, an Illustrator, art shop gal and long standing Beyondniner (she's got quite the collection) never fails to stop the Insta scroll with her colourful, feel good prints. It was about time we had a natter about her style influences, the motherhood juggle and finding time to be creative as a successful business owner.
Tell us a little bit about you and Emmy Lupin studio?
I’m a freelance illustrator, Mum to a nearly one year old, and I run Emmy Lupin Studio - an online and IRL illustration studio and shop in Nottingham.
Emmy wears Leopard Mabel Cupro
How did Emmy Lupin studio start?
I started off doing illustrated portraits of friends, and creating art prints centred around female themes - essentially as a hobby alongside my full time job and a way to express my feelings. That was around 8 years ago now! I began selling some of my illustrations on Etsy as postcards and prints, and over time my business grew naturally. I started to get commissions to work on books and projects - I’ve been lucky enough to work with brands such as Adidas, Stylist and Galaxy just to name a few! I expanded my shop to include more cards, prints and other giftware. I managed to quit my job and go full time with Emmy Lupin Studio in 2020, and I opened my physical shop in 2023 after moving back to my hometown from London.
Emmy wears the Leopard Print Mesh Top and Self Leopard Mabel Cupro
What does a typical day look like?
Each day is different at the minute - I’m still trying to find the right balance being a new mum and running a business. Our new routine is that I am with my daughter on Monday and Tuesday, and I’m in the shop from Wednesday onwards. On my work days, I start off with walking my dog, and then we head over to the studio. The day can then be spent in so many different ways - packing orders, prepping for a market or event, planning workshops, working on a commission or on a new collection of prints or cards. Add a dash of running errands, trying to keep on top of emails, and procrastinating by doing something fun instead of the admin I should be doing.
Emmy wears Maggie in Green, Leopard Print Mesh Top and Self Leopard Mabel Cupro
How do you find time to be creative as a busy business owner?
It’s definitely a challenge! I do think that being creative needs to be prioritised, and I find that my brain gets too busy and full when I haven’t had the time - which is why it’s even more important. I keep a sketchbook and try to sit and do that in the morning before I start my emails or admin, or use J’s nap time to work on it. There is always going to be something on your to do list that feels more important than being creative, but I think that it holds just as much weight. Naturally I don’t always find the time, but when I do I feel I’m coming back to myself - and my business is better for that.
Emmy wears Isabel in Red
Describe your style and fashion influences?
I’m always saving outfit inspo on Instagram and Pinterest, and often look back on these to give me some ideas of looks to recreate with my own wardrobe. Some of my favourite influencers for style are Libby Faulker and Faye Ellaby - both rock a dress and a chunky shoe. I like to have an edge to an outfit - it needs to be comfy but also cool, I am a sucker for adding a leather jacket and a platform trainer. The world in general is such great inspiration - there are a lot of cool girls walking around London and Nottingham and I definitely take inspo from them too!
Emmy wears the Leopard Print Mesh Top and Self Leopard Mabel Cupro
How do you ensure you feel good in your clothes?
I think a huge thing for me is not paying attention to sizes. I used to try and fit myself into smaller clothes, or follow trends that didn’t suit my body size or shape. Now that I don’t have an idea in my head of a box I need to fit into, I feel (and look) so much better in the clothes in my wardrobe. I think if something fits well then you feel good in it - no matter the label!
Emmy wears Maggie in Green
As a long standing #Beyondniner do you have any favourite pieces?
I think one of my favourites has to be the very first item I purchased - my Cece yellow check dress. I lusted after it for so long, and saved to buy it. It’s remained one of my favourite pieces in my wardrobe ever since - it can be dressed up or down, be worn in winter or in summer, got me through a pregnancy and back, it is truly a failsafe and always makes me feel good.
