Slapp Chat with Illustrator Emma Pelham
Digital illustrator Emma Pelham channels 80’s kitsch aesthetics meshed with urban appeal. The fresh university graduate’s style pays homage to the tongue-in-cheek qualities of Matt Groening’s Simpsons cartoons, whilst bringing her own neon infused vibes to the table. In an age where virtual realms occupy our everyday reality, Emma’s work is a raw and honest reflection of the times, teeming with raunchy gifs, fluorescent outlines and fiery slogans. We got in touch with the sassy creative to discover more about her unique style, her biggest heroes and her goals as a young artist just starting out in her career.
What would you say defines your artistic style?
I still don’t necessarily think I have a ‘style’ to my work, although colour definitely plays a huge part in whatever I make. I would say the word ‘garish’ springs to mind when I think of my work.
What inspires you?
I am completely obsessed with Neon Signs, which you can probably tell from some of my work. I love the way they exist to draw you in; to make you look. They’re so ‘in your face’ which I definitely think is a concept I use within my work.
What made you want to get into illustration?
It was really the only thing I was good at growing up and drawing was something I never really stopped doing. I didn’t know people could actually have a career as an illustrator or within creative industries until I started art school and then I thought ‘yeah I could probably do that forever’.
How did you develop your style?
Through a lot of experimentation, I don’t think anyone in a creative field would say you really ever stop experimenting with your work. But with me I really don’t like to define myself through one medium of working so I switch up my process quite a lot. I think making work for me really changed when I stopped creating work I believed I was ‘supposed’ to be making, like drawing in a certain style because that’s what was popular at the time. When I started making work I was passionate about, everything kind of changed for me - incorporating aspects of your own interests or opinions can change the entire work process. It makes projects more fun to work on and you’re bringing something to the table nobody else can.
What would your advice be to other girls going into art or illustration?
Believe in your own taste and interests; never stop experimenting and try your best not to negatively compare your work to other people in similar fields. Find what makes you unique and never stop doing you.
Who are your heroes?
I don’t know if I necessarily consider anyone to be a ‘hero’ of mine. I have always been obsessed with John Waters and the creator of The Simpsons - Matt Groening. I am a huge Simpsons fanatic and have been since I was young. I’m sure my love for The Simpsons probably contributed to my love of illustration and animation. Other than that I am just really lucky to have a large group of friends who are also in similar creative fields. It’s such a privilege having people to tell you when one of your ideas is just too stupid, or give you different perspectives to a topic you’re working on.
Where are you from?
London, South West to be more specific.
Most interesting project you’ve worked on?
A lot of the projects I’ve worked on so far have been self-initiated, so I would love to collaborate more with other artists and try something new.
Greatest achievement?
Having one of my illustrations made into a neon sign was a pretty big deal for me, seeing something I’d designed made into a 3D object was really cool.
What’s your skincare regime?
I wash, cleanse and moisturize every morning and night. I don’t really do anything more specific other than that.
What are your experiences of diversity in the fashion/beauty industry?
Well, being a white woman it’s really hard to say that I’ve had many experiences of diversity in the fashion or beauty industries. It’s something you don’t really have to think about in depth when purchasing products, which really is a problem. After speaking to friends and my peers about their experiences of this, it definitely highlighted the lack of diversity there is within these industries. Of course there are companies catering to everyone of any skin tone but it’s still sadly a rarity. That’s why I think it’s really important that the lack of diversity within these industries should be spoken about; like you guys at Slapp are doing you know? Beauty products being marketed to young girls and women everywhere need to show more diversity through their products and the models they use to sell that product. I mean c’mon we live in a world which is so multicultural but there are still only certain types of women and men and these unattainable beauty standards which are being marketed to the masses, which I believe is really detrimental to the way young girls and boys think about themselves and others.
Biggest luxury beauty splurge?
I get my hair bleached and dyed all colours of the rainbow every month at Bleach London which is probably my biggest splurge. I’m regressing back to my teenage years and can’t resist the urge of having pink hair.
How do you stay healthy (body and mind)?
After just graduating university and eating only carbs and an array of yellow/beige foods I think I’m still trying to figure this one out…
Early beauty memory/First makeup product used/biggest beauty mistake
Biggest beauty mistake was probably bleaching my own hair as a teenager, if someone tells you that your hair won’t go blonde from black - believe them.
What is beautiful to you?
Feeling comfortable and confident with who you are. Self-love is the most important thing; in the words of RuPaul “If you can’t love yourself, how the hell are you gonna love somebody else”.
If you could only Slapp on one beauty product, what would it be?
Red lipstick - always and forever.
Do you have a beauty muse? Who/ Why?
I am obsessed with Polly Jean Harvey, particularly her look from the 1995 MTV Awards – she makes me want to coat my eyelids in blue eye shadow and only wear trouser suits for the rest of my life. Not to mention, she is an incredibly influential musician and activist.
Follow Emma on Instagram