Emma Valenghi of Out Of The Garden Shed Studios is a freelance illustrator based in the East Riding of Yorkshire - in her garden shed studio! Prior to being a freelance illustrator Emma worked in house as an in house designer at Paperdove, Hallmark and Moonpig and has since added UKGreetings, American Greetings, Card Factory and Colour Heros to her list of clients as well as many smaller companies and individuals.

Emma is a versatile designer, her work having expanded from greetings cards to children’s illustration, character design, surface pattern, and even the occasional large scale mural! Her designs have appeared in high-street stores such as Paperchase, M&S, Next, John Lewis, and most leading supermarkets.

Emma was born on the tropical island of Bermuda and moved to Helmsley, a beautiful market town near The North Yorkshire Moors at the age of 10. Having gone from there to London and and back to Yorkshire again Emma takes inspiration from every adventure had along the way.

“I love creating little worlds and hope my illustrations tell a story and inspire imagination.” Emma begins her designs on paper before finishing digitally. “I’m a doodler and enjoy a good old pencil sketch, paint, ink, LOTS of texture, mixed media and I’m partial to a spot of hand lettering!”

When she’s not working Emma loves cooking and chatting with her partner, trips to the beach, playing make believe games with her three little boys, she has a picture book addiction (for the children of course!) and all of this feeds her vivid imagination!