We recently connected with Elizabeth Lamb and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Elizabeth , thanks for joining us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?
In my previous professional roles, I had the opportunity to collaborate with very skilled and seasoned creatives and leaders. Naturally they had years of experience and talent, but I always most admired how they had learned to really trust their instincts. They seemed adept at avoiding second-guessing and moved forward with confidence. Who knows, they may have grappled with internal self-doubt, and certainly not every decision resulted in success, but they projected confidence even when things didn’t work out just so.
It’s not always easy but I strive to navigate my own business with the guiding principle of “trust your gut.” I remind myself that when I follow my instincts, I produce work that resonates with my audience, and, importantly, I’m enjoying the process. When I allow doubt to creep in or take on projects that don’t feel authentic everything feels harder, and I know I’ve strayed from my internal compass that I should allow to lead me. Sometimes projecting confidence feels hard, but if you listen to that internal voice it becomes second nature.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hello! I’m Elizabeth Lamb, an Atlanta native and an enthusiast for paint, pattern, and all creatures. I graduated from The Rhode Island School of Design, majoring in painting and returned for my MFA in textile design. I fell in love with textile design and its ability to combined my love for the creative process with designing products that served a larger purpose- art that could be universal and transformative.
After a decade in the corporate design world, I took a leap of faith to explore my own artistic vision. The timing wasn’t ideal; I left my job just before the pandemic struck. Interestingly, this turned out to be a blessing, allowing me time to reflect on what I envisioned for E.Lamb Studio. I founded it with the goal of creating thoughtfully, using my painting and drawing skills to inspire textiles that seamlessly integrate art into homes, reflecting and interacting with the objects and lives within. I love the idea that my wallpaper and textiles can become the backdrop to lives lived and memories made.
Throughout this journey, I’ve been deliberate about production methods, collaborating with U.S. partners who value sustainable practices. Both my fabric and wallpaper are created using digital printing, preserving the painterly essence of the original artwork that inspires them. These textiles and wallpapers are accessible to both the trade and retail markets— I loved the opportunity to connect with both the storied interior design world but also the design enthusiasts embarking on DIY projects, such as transforming a powder room.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
It’s incredibly rewarding to connect with collectors and designers who effortlessly resonate with my work, as if they speak the same artistic language. The artwork seems to evoke in them the same emotions it did in me during its creation. I love the emotional connection that forms when someone decides to purchase a painting or incorporate my wallpaper into their space. Collectors often share how special a piece is to them because it taps into their core memories or imaginations. It’s just so much fun to envision the intricate layers within each piece of art as it passes hands.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I’m still in the process of unlearning, but I believe many can relate to being raised with the expectation of over-achievement, straight A’s, and perfectionism. It served me well up to a certain point within the structures of school and work culture. However, working predominantly alone now it often leaves me feeling stuck. There are times when I really miss the praise and validation inherent in these structured environments. Setting goals and working to achieve them without the checks and balances of these systems can be challenging.
Tying into this is the idea that working hard means little work/life balance and lots of stress. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like you’ve pushed yourself enough if you’re not running on the pure adrenaline of a deadline or critique (my art school people can relate to this!). So I am actively trying to work on rebranding myself as chill… an anti-perfectionist who trusts her inner voice to provide all the validation that we’re on the right path. It’s funny how we’ve come full circle back to the most important thing I learned from a prior job: trust your gut first. Please send any tips, as it’s a day-by-day thing!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elambstudio.com
- Instagram: elambstudio
- Facebook: E. Lamb Studio
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-lamb-200a656/
Image Credits
Morgan Beatton