Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Cullinane.
Hi Emily, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began my graphic design career in 2020 with freelance logo commissions, diving deeply into the field during the early days of the pandemic. At that time, I found both a creative outlet and a professional direction that continues to evolve. For the past three years, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work as the lead graphic designer for merchandise development at the Savannah College of Art and Design. In this role, I’ve developed my technical skills and have learned to navigate the intersection of brand identity, product design, and audience engagement. It’s been an immensely rewarding experience that has allowed me to collaborate with diverse teams and see ideas move from concept to tangible product.
In the past year, my design work has extended beyond the studio into meaningful collaborations with mission-driven organizations. I’ve worked with the National Women’s Hall of Fame to support their storytelling through designing branded merchandise and partnered with nonprofits like Soup and Habitat for Humanity, creating design solutions that elevate their community impact. Most recently, my journey led me to Greece, where I partnered with SOS Children’s Villages on a visual storytelling initiative. As I look ahead, I’m excited to complete my master’s degree in advertising and continue building meaningful work through design.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Every year in this field looks a little different, bringing new challenges and opportunities—it’s a constant evolution. Just when you start to feel grounded, something shifts and pushes you to grow. I’m constantly learning new emerging software and techniques. One of the biggest adjustments has been embracing AI as a creative tool. At first, it felt disruptive, but I’ve learned how to incorporate it as an extension of my practice. Another major challenge has been finding my authentic point of view in my work. That process did not come easily, but grad school has played a pivotal role in helping me refine both my technical skills and my creative direction.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a dedicated, passionate designer and storyteller from the North Shore of Massachusetts. I think of my work as a reflection of the industries and stories of others. My inspiration comes from my curiosity and desire to connect with others. Whether it’s curating a business identity in a logo or designing the graphic for someone’s keepsake college sweatshirt. My work effectively communicates with purpose. I was initially drawn to advertising and branding because it allowed me to learn about others’ industries and passions. I love that each project is an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for other fields when creating design strategies to reflect and celebrate the identity of a business or individual.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’d just like to say how grateful I am for the opportunity to share my story and work. Thanks so much for reading and getting to know a bit about my journey. I hope my words encourage others to embrace their own evolving paths and to see every challenge as a chance to grow. If readers want to explore my art further or connect, I invite you to visit emilycullinane.design. I’m always open to new creative collaborations and commissions—feel free to reach out at reach out to me at [email protected] and follow my work at @emily.cullinane.design on Instagram.
Pricing:
- Inquire with commission rates at [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.emilycullinane.design/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emily.cullinane.design/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilycullinane/
