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Discover how Chloe creates her adorable amigurumi toys and patterns!
Welcome to The Creative Files, where we speak to some of the biggest crafters, makers and designers, gaining insights into their creative processes, inspiration and their advice for newcomers. This week we were able to catch up with Chloe, the mastermind behind EMI Creations, to find out how she began her journey in amigurumi and what inspires her adorable crafts!
Who is Chloe and what is it that you create?
I am Chloe, the owner, maker and designer of EMI Creations. I am a Sydney-based fibre artist who specialises in crochet, specifically amigurumi. I design and make amigurumi toys and patterns, which are sold in my online stores.
Tell us about your career journey to date. Did you always know you wanted to pursue this line of work?
I started crocheting in 2019 and began my small crochet business, EMI Creations, full time in February 2021, selling patterns, handmade crochet and macrame items, crochet DIY kits and crochet accessories. I previously worked in the Architecture industry for 7.5 years, specialising in urban planning, before making the decision to leave the profession to pursue my dream of owning my own arts and craft store. I am a crafter and am always looking for creative projects to do. I have always had a dream to start my own small business and I was so excited when I was able to realise that dream.
How did you cultivate your distinct style?
I think it just comes down to passion and my love for designing cute things. Amigurumi stood out to me because I was able to design cute toys. However, I don't know if I have a distinct style of amigurumi...
Talk us through your creative process. Where do you start?
Usually, I am inspired by the things around me first before I think of a design or idea. I am really influenced by my Chinese culture and my love for plants and food. I do get inspired by seasonal events such as Halloween, Christmas and Easter. Once I get an idea, I will do a sketch on my iPad. By doing the sketch, it helps me to think about the colours I will use, how big the toy is and the proportions of the toy. Once I am happy with the sketch, I start crocheting the parts. There will be a process of trial and error for the different shapes and sizes of each part before I land on a shape that I like. I will always document my new designs, writing the pattern instructions and taking progress photos as I design.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
My working day really varies, so I will talk about my working week. I am usually packing orders during the day so that I can post them in the afternoon with my dog. I will do some admin work and other tasks, such as answering emails, doing my finances, restocking items for my kits, making freebie stickers on my Silhouette, updating listings in my stores, photoshoots and filming reels for my social media platforms and designing new patterns and toys. I will do some crocheting during the day, depending on the number of physical toy orders, otherwise, I will crochet at night while on the couch watching TV. I try to keep my work hours between 10am to 5pm for non-crocheting tasks as listed above.
What has been your favourite project to work on so far?
It's very hard to pick one favourite project as I love all my designs and makes. But if I was to choose, my favourite project would have to be my Plant Heads Series. I love gardening and looking after my plants, so it made sense to me to design amigurumi flowers.
Who are your biggest artistic inspirations and why?
This is a hard one. I am inspired by many amigurumi and crochet designers and there are so many talented designers out there that I look up to. Though when I first started crocheting back in 2019, I was inspired by Erinna Lee from The Little Hook Crochet. Her designs are so detailed and beautiful, that I was instantly drawn to her work.
Do you have a single piece of advice you'd give to your younger self or someone looking to pursue a similar line of work?
One piece of advice that I always give to people when they ask me this question is to never give up on your dream. Your dream will come to life - although the path to that dream and the journey to success will be tough, you must be brave, persistent, and patient. Only then will you reach your goal and dream, and it will be the most rewarding experience and one of the greatest accomplishments in your life. So, don't give up and just know that you will be great at what you do and that it will bring you joy and happiness.
Find Chloe here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e.m.i_creations
Website: www.emicreations.com.au
