We were lucky to catch up with Emily White recently and have shared our conversation below.

Emily, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I actually learned most of my foundational painting skills in high school art classes, where I was lucky to have a teacher who encouraged experimentation and technical growth. I also took introductory drawing classes at a local art college during high school, which gave me an early taste of more formal training. Later, I went on to get a BFA and initially majored in illustration for a year, where I mainly focused on watercolor techniques. After that, I switched my major to sculpture, so my college years weren’t particularly focused on painting.

My real education in mural painting came after college, through hands-on experience. I learned by watching others, interning, and paying close attention to how more experienced artists approached their work. There’s so much to gain just from observing how skilled people problem-solve in real time.

If I could have sped up my learning process, I think branching out on my own sooner would have made a big difference. There’s nothing like throwing yourself into the deep end—it forces you to either sink or swim. Painting is just one piece of the puzzle. Managing jobs, communicating with clients, and finding work are skills that take practice, and the sooner you start, the sooner you can grow in those areas.

One of the most underrated skills in mural painting is knowing when to focus on detail and when to let it go. Speed is essential, especially with large-scale work, because some details simply aren’t visible from a distance. Spending time on those areas ends up being inefficient. Learning to prioritize what’s both visible and impactful is a skill that comes with experience. When I first started painting murals, I approached them with the same level of detail and time investment as I would for a gallery painting. But over time, I realized that much of that effort goes unnoticed on a wall—it’s about creating an effect that works from a larger perspective.

The biggest obstacles to learning more have been time and money. I’d love to take additional college courses or workshops to refine my skills further, but those resources can be expensive. Time is another big challenge—balancing deadlines with personal growth is always tricky. Setting aside time to invest in yourself is crucial, but it’s hard to justify when you’re already juggling client work and tight schedules.

Emily, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a muralist, fine artist, and sculptor based in Philadelphia. My work spans a wide range of styles and mediums, allowing me to adapt to the needs of different clients and projects. Many of my murals feature a combination of retro-inspired stripes and realistic imagery, but my portfolio is incredibly diverse, reflecting the variety of clients I’ve worked with over the years.

When it comes to my gallery work, I focus almost exclusively on wildlife, painting in a realistic style that emphasizes humanity’s relationship with nature. My goal is to spark conversations about our impact on the environment and to draw parallels between the natural world and the man-made. These pieces often explore themes of coexistence and connection, blending storytelling with meticulous detail.

What truly sets me apart is the breadth of my skills and my ability to draw from a wide range of techniques. In addition to painting, I have a background in woodworking, metalworking, upholstery, and sculpture, which allows me to approach projects from multiple perspectives. Whether I’m painting a clean graphic design, a realistic portrait, or a landscape, I tailor my approach to suit the client and the space. My knowledge of sculpture, in particular, influences my murals—helping me think about how to activate a space and guide the viewer’s experience within it.

Clients also appreciate my direct and transparent communication style. I’m not afraid to ask the necessary questions to ensure we’re on the same page and that I fully understand their vision. I pride myself on working hard and delivering a final product that meets my high standards—every detail matters to me, and I’m committed to putting my absolute best work into the world.

Beyond the work itself, I also love sharing my process and insights on social media. Many people have told me they enjoy seeing the behind-the-scenes aspects of my work, and I try to be as open as possible about how I approach each project. Creativity thrives on shared knowledge, and if I can inspire or help others by being transparent about my methods, I’m happy to do so.

What I’m most proud of is my ability to combine technical skill, versatility, and storytelling in a way that leaves a lasting impression. Whether it’s a mural, a gallery piece, or an installation, I strive to create work that connects with people and feels meaningful in the spaces it inhabits.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I find the ability to add something to the world that wasn’t there before very rewarding. It’s a feeling most artists understand, but it’s amplified when working on a large scale. There’s nothing quite like transforming an overlooked, ordinary wall into something that stops people in their tracks and invites them to take photos or engage with the space in a new way.

With my sculpture work, it’s equally magical—creating a life-sized animal, for example, feels like summoning something out of thin air. Suddenly, there’s a presence in the room that wasn’t there before, and it’s all because of the time, energy, and intention you poured into it. Bringing something larger than yourself into the world is an incredible accomplishment.

I love that every piece of public art is an opportunity to brighten someone’s day. Whether it’s through a burst of color, a striking image, or an unexpected moment of beauty, public art has the power to connect with people in ways that are immediate and unfiltered. Knowing that my work can bring a little joy or inspiration into someone’s everyday life is what keeps me passionate about what I do.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One thing I think non-creatives may struggle to understand about my journey is that it’s work—real, demanding work. From the outside, my job might look like it’s all fun and creativity, and to be fair, it is fun! But it’s also a lot more than that. When your favorite hobby becomes your primary source of income, it stops being purely about joy and shifts into a responsibility. I genuinely love what I do, and I’m incredibly grateful to have turned my passion into my career, but it’s still a job.

Mural painting requires a high level of technical skill, endurance, and physical effort—not to mention a tolerance for discomfort, whether that’s working on a ladder for hours or braving the cold to finish a project outdoors in the winter. My workweeks often exceed 40 hours, and the physical and mental demands are significant.

Another layer to this is the emotional toll of tying your creativity so closely to your livelihood. Your self-confidence can become deeply linked to your work, and creativity shifts from being purely an outlet for self-expression to something that has to be productive. The pressure to consistently perform, meet deadlines, and satisfy clients can sometimes overshadow the joy that originally drew you to the craft. Balancing these realities with my love for what I do is an ongoing part of my journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gggreatwhite.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gggreatwhite/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilywhiteart