We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Mayne and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Emily, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I believe the most important factor behind the success of my business is staying true to myself, rather than trying to focus too much on keeping up with current trends. I create hand-painted wedding invitations, where the focal point of my invitations is the artwork itself. After running my business for several years and working with hundreds of clients, I know that what sets me apart from other brands is my specific artistic style and aesthetic. Staying confident with that in mind, rather than compromising just to appease, not only keeps my body of work consistent, but also allows for the right client to gravitate towards my brand.
Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I create hand-painted, watercolor wedding invitations. The artwork itself often portrays finely rendered wedding venues, heraldry wedding crests and botanical motifs that reflect the specific florals of a bride and groom’s wedding day. The feminine quality of my work is defined by the balance of both traditional script and detailed, painterly designs. I studied both studio art and fashion design in college, where I fell in love with the harmony of both worlds, specifically fashion illustration. I first started creating wedding paper goods when I was asked by my dear friend to illustrate her entire wedding party as part of her ceremony program. Thereafter, I started sharing more of my work through social media and opened an Etsy shop in order to incur any work that I could. That allowed me to build my portfolio, grow my online presence and eventually operate solely through my own website. Social media is a great ally. Building my brand through this outlet has allowed me to work with brides all over the US and internationally. I encourage anyone getting started to not be afraid to consistently share their work, no matter how big or small.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I don’t live in the DFW area so I’m the wrong person to ask! I work with a lot of Dallas brides and DFW wedding vendors, which is how I’m connected to the area.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Collaboration has been instrumental for me. I would personally like to recognize Ashley Mason of Saunter Weddings. Ashley is one of the reasons my business flourished in 2018-2019. Before I was well-recognized, she reached out to me to collaborate with incredibly talented, high caliber and seasoned wedding vendors on multiple styled shoots; an opportunity that I dreamed and prayed for. She included me and encouraged me to push creatively. Instagram grows businesses because of tags. She put me on the map, my following therefore grew, more inquiries started coming my way, my clientele base expanded and industry networking naturally followed. With that said, as a part of the wedding industry, I firmly believe in the importance of community over competition and championing fellow creatives. Crediting others for their work, no matter the medium, is a curtesy that has been instrumental in the growth and prominence of my business. It’s small and something as simple as a tag on social media, but it makes the biggest difference in building your portfolio and growing your clientele. Wedding planners, photographers, florists, stationers, venues, musicians and caterers are all a part of the puzzle pieces that make the wedding itself come to life. I can’t name them all, but I’m so grateful to all the fellow vendors who have taken the time to recognize my work when the opportunity arises.
Website: www.emilymayne.com
Instagram: @emilymaynestudio
Facebook: Emily Mayne Studio
Image Credits
No credits needed.