Emma Steinkellner is our Illustrator of the Week!
We can’t get enough of Emma Steinkellner’s art. As “the youngest child in a family of writers” — including our very own (and dearly beloved) Kit Steinkellner — Emma is no stranger to carving out a space of her own. All of her art is happy-making, and her comics are unbelievably clever. Emma is a Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies major at Stanford, and her work is both socially conscious and incredibly fun. In her spare time, she illustrates the high school rom-com webcomic “Aces” with Kit, and writes/illustrates the webcomic “Pow Slam Sparkle” on her own. She hopes to eventually write and illustrate children’s books — but we think her art is perfect at any age. Emma’s work never fails to put a smile on our face — and that’s why she’s our Illustrator of the Week!
Find out more about Emma and her art below, and buy some of her exclusive-to-HelloGiggles phone cases by clicking right here.
No pressure, but describe your art: I chiefly make art to amuse myself, so my art is what I believe to be funny, cute, interesting, beautiful, powerful, and worthwhile. I go for old-timey charm with new-timey consciousness. My style skews a little vintage and romantic, but — being the crackling fire of feminism that I am — I take the sentimentality a little further. I use what I learn about intersectional feminism to make informed, cuddly illustrations — actually “feel-good” art.
What inspires you to make things: The enthusiasm and support from my family and friends.
Your favorite thing(s) to draw: Adorable monsters, curly/frizzy hair, noses, Shakespeare characters, big sweaters, ballerinas, cut-up fruit, the people I love, old fishermen, and babies.
Medium of choice: Digital media (hi, Photoshop — love you baby) and Papermate purple ballpoint pens.
The first time you knew you wanted to be an artist: When I pulled my first all-nighter of drawing and didn’t feel sleepy at all.
Proudest achievement so far: I’m very proud of the Valentine’s Day shows my improv group at school performs each year.
Music you listen to while you work: “Scary” musicals (Little Shop of Horrors, Sweeney Todd, Rocky Horror Picture Show).
Your most prized possession: A small poster of young Keanu Reeves looking very serious.
Your personal hero: My mom, Detective Olivia Benson, and Miss Piggy.
The last thing to make you giggle: A very clinical-looking picture in a textbook of an adult man juxtaposed with a giant baby.
Current project(s): My creative honors thesis (a graphic novel that takes a sassy, honest approach to teaching sex ed) and a children’s book I’m illustrating with a few Stanford medical school students.
Check out Emma’s amazing phone cases via Casetify — they’re an exclusive partnership with HelloGiggles! And for more of her work, check out her website and webcomic.
You can check out our past Illustrators of the Week here!
