For us in the warehouse and quilters everywhere, we’re always quite ahead when it comes to Christmas. We’re always excited to see what’s on the design cards even far away from December, and when we saw HoliDazzle we couldn’t resist. Brimming with pure festive feel-good vibes, HoliDazzle has us wanting to deck the halls already!

The charming art style is all thanks to the fabulous Emiko Rainbow; we were lucky enough to catch up with her recently to talk all things illustration and how HoliDazzle came to be! Let’s see what she’s been up to…

Hi Emiko! Thanks for joining us today! Tell us a little bit about yourself – your background, general day to day life, hobbies other than crafting…

Hi! I’m Emiko Rainbow, a Japanese Scandinavian American based illustrator, muralist, and product designer. I live in the Minneapolis area in Minnesota. I’m a multiracial mom of two young kids (ages 7 and 2), and I work as a full-time artist from my cozy home art studio, balancing freelance illustration, my product line, and writing and illustrating children’s picture books.. My background is in illustration and product design, and I’ve worked in both corporate and freelance settings for 16+ years!

Outside of art, I love vintage shopping, journalling, reading, styling outfits, walking my dog Sashi, going to the gym, watching shows/movies with my hubby, going to the pool with my kids and finding the perfect iced coffee.

When did you discover your passion for illustration?

I’ve been drawing since I could hold a crayon! I was a quiet but confident and an observant kid who found power in storytelling through art and crafts. I took extra art classes outside of elementary school and eventually, I went on to study Illustration at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD). I’ve been building my creative career ever since. My passion really solidified when I saw how my art could reflect diverse identities and help others feel seen, through children’s books, my art products, or murals.

With so many different medias you lend a hand to, what can a typical day look like for you in the studio? We appreciate no two days are rarely the same!

Every day is a little different, but after my husband and I get the kids off to school or daycare, I start with a cup of coffee and journalling. Then I usually walk the pup or go to the gym. Then it’s go time with emails, working on a new children’s book or product development or freelance client work. I bounce between anything from sketching children’s book pages, packaging sticker orders, finalizing files for brand clients, or prepping for pop-ups. I often rotate between sketching pencil to paper, to Procreate on my iPad, to analog painting… depending on the project.

Both you and your art style champion inclusivity and positivity so wonderfully, continuing to empower others over many formats, including murals for schools; how has that response been for you as an artist to know that your works have resonated with so many people?

It’s deeply moving and fulfilling as a mom and an artist. As someone who grew up feeling “in between” identities, it’s incredibly meaningful to see my work helping others, especially kids! I create from a deeply personal place. Celebrating diverse identity, girlhood, and humanity… When people tell me they see themselves in my work or it brings them joy, it means everything. Painting murals in schools and seeing kids light up when they see characters, color and inclusivity, It reminds me why I do what I do every day!

(Images via emikorainbow.com)

We adore that! As a muralist, what is it about the format that connects with you so deeply? I think we can all agree that your work on these really are wondrous!

Thank you so much! I love how murals make art accessible and public to the community. There’s something powerful about transforming a blank wall into something joyful and representative. Murals are really an inclusive bold piece of art that involves the community. People can interact with it, which is extra fun! Like taking photos, standing in front of them, and feeling a part of the artwork.. It’s storytelling on a ginormous scale!

What are your favourite ways to wind down after a busy day?

Cuddling up with my kids and a pile of picture books. Going for a walk or watching a fun show with a cozy blanket and my husband, dog and cat. I also love to journal or doodle just for fun… No pressure, just play.

Does your home reflect your crafting passion?

Absolutely. Our house is filled with bright bold color, kids’ artwork, and whimsical details. My studio is a joyful mess of washi tape, stickers, notebooks, sketch pads, my own art product inventory and creative inspiration. Even our fridge is a mini gallery!

Your latest collection is HoliDazzle; how did the collection with 3 Wishes come about, and where did you draw your inspiration from? It’s so fun!

Aww thank you! Through my agency MHS Licensing, it’s been a fun collaboration! HoliDazzle was inspired by my love of playful nostalgia, glittery holiday decor, and celebrating all kinds of families during the season. I wanted it to feel bold, magical, and inclusive. I created characters and colors you don’t often see in traditional holiday lines.

We love what you’ve created! Are there any other themes that you’d love to explore when designing with quilting in mind?

Yes! I’d love to create a collection inspired by strong girls and sisterhood, another celebrating the seasons through a multicultural lens, and one all about cozy creative homes and storytelling. There’s so much magic to explore.

We couldn’t agree more! Finally, could you leave us all with a crafting tip?

Start with what brings you joy. Make something messy, bright, and full of heart. You matter and crafting is about expressing that joy and telling your own story, not perfection.

Thanks for chatting to us, Emiko! We cannot wait to see what you create next! ✨🌈