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

Emily, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I created some nature based designs and decided to use them to help different conservation efforts. I currently sell t-shirts, stickers, and hats which a portion of each sale will be donated to a specific nature based organization. I currently have an item that donates to a butterfly, sea turtle, and manatee organization. I just launched Mermiesmerch.com on June 1st with my PRIDE line of apparel and merch! After this, I was inspired to add a nature focus into my business, finding a way to donate and make any difference I can!

Emily, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I began my graphic design journey in 2017, when I started my Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design & Media Arts. Since then, I have worked with many different clients on a diverse range of projects! Over the years I have expanded my services to social media management, and merged my original business, Mermie’s Photography into Mermie’s Studios, which included both my graphic design and photography services. This year I also launched my apparel and merch line, Mermiesmerch.com!

My area of expertise lies within branding, catering primarily to startup and small businesses. I have an extensive portfolio encompassing a spectrum of creations ranging from logos, rack card designs, monument signs, to full branding suites. I also provide photography packages to businesses for website and social media use! Mermie’s Studios leverages effective branding strategies and modern design solutions to help businesses succeed!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is that I get to use my skills in creative ways! Technology has come so far since I first started my business back in 2015. As a graphic designer, I’m required to constantly keep up with new updates in software and technologies, but I view this as a fun challenge while learning something new! My favorite update in technology has been artificial intelligence! I’m always finding new ways to incorporate AI in order to find inspiration and make my job easier!

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

In 2015, I was gifted a used DSLR camera, with three different lenses! This camera is pretty affordable now a days, but my Nikon D3300 was the beginning to my photography business! I began birding with my father, and mostly took photos of nature. I soon after began taking photos for friends and family, from senior photos to newborn photos. The feedback I received inspired me to continue using my creative eye and start my small business! In 2019 I moved to Fort Myers Florida where my business began to grow as seasonal family photos were in high demand! I worked with a handful of restaurants, and various businesses such as mini golf courses. My portfolio began to grow throughout my years of experience and included anything from real estate to food photography.

My advice for starting a small photography business would be to get to know your camera. Even the most budget friendly DSLR cameras can be used to capture amazing photos! As a graphic designer, my advice would be to invest the time to learn your software of choice, mine was Adobe. Watch YouTube videos, and practice all the time!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mermiesmerch.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mermieq
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MermiesPhotography/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-quinn-0a5939b5/
• Other: Graphic Design Portfolio: Mermiesstudios.com Photography: Mermiesphotography.com