Memos

Over the past two decades, I’ve learned that great design isn’t just about colour, materials, or form – it’s about trust. My long partnerships have been built on shared values, open conversations, and a commitment to each other’s success. That's why my latest article is all about building lasting client relationships – and why it’s about so much more than just sending a Christmas card, or going along to their summer party.

I was interviewed by an MA Graphic Design student Linda Szabo about my approach to creativity. We explored what I wish I knew as a young designer, how to stay inspired, and the beauty of nurturing ideas over time. It’s always refreshing to see design through a student’s eyes – so much curiosity, fresh perspective, and great questions!

To mark the special Studio Emmi 20-year milestone, I’ve launched a GIPHY GIF sticker set (search Studio Emmi in Instagram stories!) designed to spread positivity, fun, and a little design magic. I’d love to see how you use them, share your favourites and tag me, @studioemmi

To celebrate Studio Emmi turning 20 this year, I’m sharing 20 lessons I’ve learned over the past two decades. The first article, How design can bring people together, is live now. It’s about one of my favourite parts of design: its power to connect people, especially around big, dreamy ideas.

Grab the confetti and hold onto your party hats, I’ve been running my design practice for 20 years this year! It has been a whirlwind of creativity, lessons, and plenty of pencil sharpening. There’s so much to look forward to this year, and I can’t wait to share more soon.

In this episode I chat with mindcoach Corine Roesner about creative leadership and management skills. as well as diving deep on burnout – from our own personal experiences with it, to crafting environments that might better prevent it, and the importance of addressing the root issues.

I am now part of the AI for Human Flourishing working group and think tank under the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard's Institute for Quantitative Social Science. In an era where AI is rapidly transforming our world, we believe that with thoughtful guidance and implementation, AI can become a powerful catalyst for enhancing human flourishing.

I hope to meet you at The Design Conference, one of the most anticipated design events in Australia! I will be giving a talk and a workshop on 'What happens when doing what you love burns you out?'. Join me in person or online.

This episode of the Creativity for Sale podcast hosted by Radim Malinic, features an inspiring conversation with Emmi Salonen, a designer and happiness facilitator. 

Join me on Friday the 26th May. I'll be giving a talk followed by a workshop during the International Design Conference about my a holistic approach for a better work-life balance.

Professional creatives based in 17 countries worldwide generously shared their tips and solutions on how to balance creative wellbeing. This report is an opportunity to share them on – so that more creative professionals can avoid burnout and thrive in their work.

The Creative Ecosystem model, developed by Emmi Salonen (Studio Emmi) supports creative thinkers. Sustaining creative wellbeing requires balancing of creative outputs with nourishing inputs. This document outlines the five fundamental types of creative input: Connection, Wonder, Pause, Movement and Joy. 

CEDIM México, a School of Design, has invited me give a talk as part of theirInnovation Programs | ©CEDIM. And you are welcome to join in!

I’m thrilled to be speaking at DesignThinkers Toronto, Canada’s largest annual graphic design conference.
Join me on November 2-3 for this exciting event, where I will be talking about my favourite topic, creative wellbeing.

My talk at the Denmark's Media and Journalism College in Copenhagen was titled 'Positive Creativity: Stories from a Design Journey'.

Knowing where to start with sustainability can be overwhelming, as there's no one-size-fits-all solution; it requires innovation, research, and tailored approaches to each project. Designers with a creative mindset and problem-solving skills, can have a significant positive impact.

In this online course, you will learn how to create visual identities that not only captivate, but also have a positive impact on society and the environment. Emmi will guide you through the process of developing sustainable designs that reflect the values, aspirations, and culture of brands or organizations.

Emmi will give a talk and run a workshop at the Margate Festival of Design. The programme includes talks, workshops and exhibitions that invite you to learn, share ideas, get creative and celebrate the kind of design that allows us to believe that a brighter horizon is possible.

Emmi gave a talk and run a workshop at Design Matters Tokyo 23, Japan. A knowledgeable community of creative and curious minds who share the same drive and passion for digital design, technology, art, and society.

Collaborating on a visual identity design between external and in-house designers is atypical in the industry but could be looked at as an opportunity for upskilling and nurturing creative well-being for a sustainable and successful outcome.