Illustrator, Designer, Rug Maker
Hi, I’m Emily Small - a multidisciplinary illustrator and designer based in Portland, Oregon. Originally from New Hampshire, I’ve spent the past 12 years refining a bold, hand-drawn style full of playful patterns, punchy color blocking, and roundy shapes with a mind of their own. My work blends creative intuition with thoughtful strategy, turning visual storytelling into something that feels both artful and approachable.
I craft personality-packed designs for brands and kind folks who like their visuals with a little charm. Whether I’m developing a brand identity, illustrating for packaging, or tufting a custom rug, I start every project by hand, because each one deserves its own unique touch.
When I’m not creating, I’m probably thrifting for inspiration, snacking on olives, playing fetch with my cat Cleo, or soaking in hot springs dreaming up my next idea.
For a peek behind the scenes, personal snippets, and works-in-progress, follow along on Instagram @emilysmallstudio ▸
Education ✓ Emerson College — BFA in Animation + Motion Media
Email ✐ emilysmallstudio@gmail.com
Illustration + Design
My work mixes playful illustration with unpretentious design - I love having fun in a serious world! Known for bright colors, silly characters, and patterns, my style is defined by intentional color blocking + bold line-work. With over 12 years of professional illustration and print design in my pocket, I've found how much I love creating happy worlds for like-minded folks! Whether it's custom illustrations for your new product, logo design to give your brand personality, or personal portraits for your wedding invitations, I always add my magic touch. Let's work together!
- Digital illustrations
- Branding + logo design
- Editorial illustration
- Packaging design
- Print production design
- Handlettering
- Custom Merchandise
- Surface pattern design
- Personal illustration
- Refresh for existing brands
Rug Tufting
Like drawing with yarn, I translate my illustrations into tufted wall hangings and floor rugs! Each piece is thoughtfully designed, tufted with premium materials, and trimmed by hand in my home studio in Portland, OR. Similar to latch-hook rug making from the 1970s, rug tufting uses a powertool to punch yarn through fabric, creating a fuzzy textile. You can find available pieces in the shop or contact me for a custom rug!
- Custom tufted rugs
- Rug tufting workshops
- Team building workshops
- Live demo/event rug tufting
- Craft markets + pop-ups
