Memos

I’ll be speaking and joining the panel discussion at Design Declares in Manchester on 23rd May 2025. The event will focus on the impact of materials and product efficiency, and how a ‘lean’ design approach can lead to more effective solutions in response to the climate crisis. I’ll be sharing ways to align visual identity with values for deeper impact using the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Click to buy a ticket!

Asking better questions doesn’t just lead to more creative designs. It helps uncover the things that matter most, so you can centre your design around them. Before redesigning the children’s wards at UCLH, we spent time listening. Asking better questions helped us understand what really mattered to the people using the space each day. By doing that, we could turn overlooked spaces into something supportive, joyful and meaningful.

It’s easy to believe great design needs big budgets and big names. But working with local clients – like the laundrette, corner shop or youth hall – can be just as impactful. These collaborations build trust, shape communities, and remind us that small projects can lead to something much bigger than design alone.

I had the joy of being interviewed by Tickle News – the newsletter that celebrates creativity, joy and all things uplifting. We chatted about Creative Ecosystems, Finnish influences, and why design rooted in empathy can go the distance. You can read the full feature and subscribe via ticklenews.substack.com.

I recently shared my Creative Ecosystem talk with Further – a brilliant creative group made up of Analog Studio, DesignStudio and Pixel Artworks. We explored what fuels and drains creativity, in person in London and streamed to teams in New York, Sydney and Dubai. One reflection that stayed with me: “Even for those of us who aren't explicitly creatives, it was really insightful and thought-provoking.” – James, Group Operations Director.

From London to Lisbon, Tokyo to Toronto, I’ve spoken at over 60 events. And no matter how many times I step on a stage, I still get those heart-hammering nerves. But here’s what I’ve learned: stage fright isn’t something to fight, it’s a cue to shift your focus. In my latest article, I share how I went from feeling overwhelmed by pre-talk jitters to seeing speaking as a way to offer something useful.

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.