Getting to know Emily Cole Illustrations

I don’t think I ever considered that it could be anything more than a form of procrastination when I started. I drew because I enjoyed it far more than pretending I wanted to be an Architect. I think there was always something in the back of my mind that knew that Architecture wasn’t my dream despite doing well grade-wise.

Anyway…

The real turning point in the drawings becoming a ‘thing’ was when I emailed Horse & Hound with a drawing based on Nick Skelton jumping on the podium too early. They had asked for photos of the 2012 Olympics but for some reason I thought I would draw it. (To this day I still don’t know why.) They ended up sharing it on their Facebook page although the first I knew of this was when I had a message from British Showjumping asking if I could give them a call. It’s still one of the most surreal moments. They wanted to buy a copy which then proceeded to them working with me. One thing lead to another but I was still working in an Architecture practice and drawing late (2am or 3am!) into the evenings. I remember sitting at the dining room table with my Dad and he said that I had to make a choice as it wasn’t fair on myself or my employers if I tried to do both – I was exhausted.

I told my boss the following week what was going on and they could not have been more lovely. They made something so terrifying less daunting.

It’s quite nice working for yourself because you don’t have to do a conventional day. Most mornings I take myself to the Gym: mainly because if I don’t I would never exercise and secondly because I would never talk to anyone other than my Cat or Husband. (Even though I love both of them a lot.)

I have recently, (well before Covid happened!) moved into an office space away from the house. I don’t always have a structured regime but the more the business has grown the less I get to draw and the more admin I have to do. A drawing can take a few days to complete so I will work on it for a bit in between emails and other admin.

I have recently been having my friend come in and work for me and pack orders. (She often tells me off that I am not efficient enough or doing things the wrong way.) She also brings her two dogs so at some point we are usually trying to hold the furniture down as the Dogs and Cat are running loops around the office.

Most inspiration comes from a combination observation or personal experiences. I don’t have a Horse of my own but I have had some amazing friends and family who have given me lots of different opportunities. I do struggle with creative block so I will often take myself off to spend some time with some Ponies and will always come back with an idea.