Illustrator, Designer, Rug Maker

Hi, I’m Emily Small - a playful illustrator, graphic artist, and rug maker based in Portland, OR. Originally from New Hampshire, I’ve spent the past 12 years shaping my artistic style: bold, hand-drawn designs full of pattern-play, color blocking, and roundy shapes with big personality. My work is unpretentious but confident, guided by a love of storytelling through illustration and mixed media - all tied together by a designer’s eye.

Everything I create begins with a hand-drawn touch - whether I’m sketching on my tablet, painting with gouache, or tufting rugs from concept to final trim. When a project needs an extra set of hands, I team up with local businesses, like my printer pals at Outlet PDX for risograph prints.

Each month, I swap my drawing tools for a tufting machine to teach rug-making workshops at Daffodill Studios in Northeast Portland. Read more on the workshop page!

When I’m not drawing, I’m probably poking around thrift stores with friends, weeding my flower garden, playing with my cat Cleo, or floating in the river.

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

VIEW MY PORTFOLIO

creative services

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

send me a note

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!