Emily is our Head of Product Design and a wonderful member of our Studylog family.
Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?
I was fortunate enough to grow up on a private island in Newport Beach, CA. The sunsets were amazing. I went to school at The School of Visual Arts in NY, NY.
What sparked your interest in design?
I have always been creative and artistic. I taught myself how to do 3D art and animation at 13 years old because I wanted to be a film director and make animated movies. My first job was doing 3D art and animation for video games. After several years I started my own video game company and later transitioned into user experience design when I saw the need for innovative design in mobile app development.
Did you have any specific role models? If so, who were they?
Yes! Steven Spielberg and George Lucas were my first role models mainly because of the way that they revolutionized special effects in film.
What would you say to a young person considering a career in art & design?
I would tell anyone interested in pursuing a career in design that it's an amazing opportunity. Having a strong understanding of human behavior is a must; being a curious person, enjoying the process of testing assumptions, and having a desire to continue learning are also super helpful.
What is important to you personally? I.e.what things do you value most in life?
I value knowledge, intellectual honesty, and the growth that comes with understanding the world as it is.
What are some of the challenges you have faced either in your career or personally that you feel have helped you become the successful person you are?
I believe that failure is one of the best teachers in life. I have learned many good lessons and am often reassured by the way success often follows a series of small failures.
What do you enjoy about being part of the Studylog team?
I feel lucky to work with a team of talented and hard working people. I feel at home amongst them.
What do you do for fun outside of work?
I'm a restless autodidact that loves to learn and develop new skills. I spend about 4-6 hours each day either studying a topic of interest, working on design projects, or engaging in activities like, golf, pool, precision rifle shooting, and archery.
