Hi all,
Welcome to our ongoing Q&A feature, where we introduce a member of the Artfinder team to our community. This time, we speak with Emily, our Senior Content Manager.
Q: Could you start by introducing yourself to our community?
Hello! I’m Emily and I’m an Australian who has lived in the UK for the past seven years. After a big move from London, I now live in the north of England with my partner and toddler, as well as a recent edition of 500 composting worms, all called Wayne.
Q: How long have you worked with Artfinder and what is your role in the company?
I have worked at Artfinder for nearly six years - the time has flown! I am Artfinder’s Senior Content Manager, which means I get to look at art all day and write and design nice things about it. I also have a passion for sustainability and the environment, which have started to become more of a focus in my everyday job.
Q: What have been your highlights of working with Artfinder so far?
There have been many, but a major one has to be certifying as a B Corp and changing the way we do business at our core. I’m really proud of how far we’ve come.
Q: Do you come from a creative background? Do you engage in creative activities yourself?
Yes! I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in creative writing, which has always been the basis of my career and most favourite thing to do.
My grandad is an artist and throughout my childhood he would take me to live art demonstrations at our local art gallery - I was even approached to have my portrait painted at eight years old! I spent a lot of time at my grandparents’ house copying from old technical drawing books my grandad owned.
I have also always been a big lover of music, which was passed down to me by my late dad. As an adult, I dabble in life drawing, pottery and upcycling any type of old furniture I can get my hands on.
Q: What does working for a B Corp mean to you?
I witnessed Artfinder’s transformation in certifying as a B Corp and it’s really the best thing we’ve ever done as a business. Since becoming a mum, I’ve been even more aware of the importance of environmentalism and sustainability - working for a B Corp and implementing tangible change means I can tell my kid that I’m trying my best to keep his future safe.
Q: What do you like doing in your spare time?
I’m quite busy with a toddler, but we enjoy getting in the garden visiting all the Wayne’s, going on big long walks and visiting our local bakery which makes the best brownies in the world. When I get some free time for myself, I enjoy a large glass of Australian wine and a chinwag with my girlfriends.
Q: How have you been coping with the recent Covid situation and do you have any words of advice for anyone who is not coping well with it?
I was actually pregnant during the early days of COVID. While it was very obviously hard with hospital restrictions (and it meant my partner couldn’t come to any appointments), working remotely and spending much more time at home gave me the opportunity to slow down and listen to my body.
However, by far the hardest part was that my father passed away during the pandemic, back home in Australia. He died within three months of his diagnosis and border restrictions meant that I couldn’t get to him in time. I’m still trying to get my head around it to be honest. I am very lucky to have amazing support here in the UK (through my extended family, friends and the Artfinder team!) and that’s really what has gotten/continues to get me through.
Q: If you could take only three items with you to a desert island, what would they be?
My Kindle, a device that plays music and good quality toilet paper.
Q: Finally, do you have any message for our community?
It’s not easy being an artist, especially if you’re a woman. I’m just so impressed that you’ve put yourself out there and are doing what you love. Keep going!
