We recently connected with Emily Wahl and have shared our conversation below.

Emily, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

I always knew I wanted to be a Graphic Designer with a focus on Catholicism and Catholic organizations. My intuition, prayer, and many practical things pointed that direction. However, I had no idea where to start! When I graduated college, I had no interest in being a freelancer and I thought church related organizations were out of my reach. After quite some time, I began landing Catholic and non-profit related projects here and there. Eventually, my name got out there, the work accumulated, and I launched my very own LLC and website. I do really cool work and I’m getting paid for it! I truly have the perfect job for me.

Perhaps my biggest obstacle was myself! I didn’t think Catholic graphic design was in demand and I didn’t want to go freelance. If I were to go back, I’d tell myself to trust God, be patient, and gotten the additional education I needed to be a freelancer.

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 background and context?

I’ve built my career on what God has given me: A love for my faith and talent for art. I joined the Catholic Church while I was also in college studying graphic design. I’ve built my business on these two things and I absolutely love what I do!

My ideal customer is a church or organization administrator who needs help with many types of graphic design, can’t afford to hire multiple designers, and/or wants to hire a practicing Catholic who just “gets it.” I’m not afraid to integrate my love for my faith into my brand, something I think the world is desperately hungering for. I like to advertise myself as a “one-stop-shop” in terms of graphic design. Logos, identity systems, websites, social posts, books, brochures, and more. I also enjoy giving consultations on branding, UX design, and more. I have been overwhelmed with work lately, so I’ll take this as a sign that I’m doing the right things!

I’m really proud I was able to make this business happen. As mentioned, I love what I do. I love the flexibility of freelancing. I also love inspiring others. I’ve had a few friends tell me they were scared to quit their jobs to start their own business, but made the plunge because of my successful example.

I have big ideas for the future of my business. I am currently in process of building a new brand and website. I want to run a blog about graphic design and Catholic culture. I want to have a wholesome Instagram account…. I am also leaving the door open to expand to a design agency if I so desire!

My current website is emilyabe.com

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think a genuine passion for what I do is the main builder for my reputation and brand. It fuels my enthusiasm for what I do, which has a positive impact on almost everything I do for my business.

I give people a good impression of what I do because I genuinely get excited to tell them about what I do, whether it be through word-of-mouth, on my website, or email.

I’ve been featured on Catholic media websites (catholicspirit.com and more) which has proved to be incredibly valuable for building my reputation.

Add my extraverted nature with my passion for my work and I’m in my happy place at networking events.

Sometimes I’m so inspired beyond my paid work, I express my passion in unpaid ways like my blog or Instagram. Both have provided immense value. They builds credibility with potential clientele and helps people find me on Google. It pays back beyond just enjoyment!

So to recap, I think my passion for what I do which results in really good SEO/marketing help keep my business happy and humming along.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

It’s no secret True Catholicism (and Christianity for that matter) has been declining for quite some time now. Not just in numbers, but actually accepting its most important teachings and practices. According to a 2019 Pew Research survey, only 31% of Catholics believe in the True Presence, which is one of the most foundational teachings. This saddens me and many other faithful Catholics.

My mission is simply the one Jesus Christ gives to us all: Go and make disciples of all nations. I believe my calling is to help the Church accomplish this with my God-given talents in graphic design. People aren’t attracted by dated, unattractive art and graphics. People are interested in seeing a fresh and clever logo, not something that is cluttered and off balance. It’s my job and duty to do the same work as church architects, religious painters, and musicians: to attract and guide people’s souls to the transcendent.

So to answer the original question? The most rewarding thing about being a creative is I get to help attract the modern day person to the Christ and His Church, the source and summit of joy and peace. I’m helping to make the Church relevant again.

When I see someone handling a brochure I designed for a religious order, or when someone tells me they were intrigued by a logo I designed… I feel a unique level of accomplishment. I love what I do!

Contact Info:

• Website: emilyabe.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-abe-design/
• Other: I am still migrating to my new brand. Look out for Chrism Studios!!

Image Credits
Profile photo: Shannon Forster of Lens Go Wander