--- title: 5 minutes with illustrator, Emma Leonard description: "Emma Leonard is a multi-disciplinary Australian artist and illustrator specialising in\nFashion and Beauty." image: https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/2O0A2318.jpg --- [Back to smilingmind.com.au](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/) [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/SM_BlogLogo_black.svg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au) [Login/Sign up](https://app.smilingmind.com.au/?_ga=2.99144346.505229074.1559522319-1047861382.1534989894) - Mindfulness - [Meditation](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/meditation) - [Informal mindfulness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/informal-mindfulness) - [Mindful eating](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mindful-eating) - [Self care](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/self-care) - [Tips & Tricks](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/tips-tricks) - At Home - [Children](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/children) - [Parents](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/parents) - [Family](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/family) - In Schools - [Students](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/students) - [Teachers](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/teachers) - [Schools](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/schools) - At Work - [Workplace](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/workplace) - [Business](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/business) - Mental Health - [Anxiety](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/anxiety) - [COVID19](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/covid19) - [Mental Health](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mental-health) - [News](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/media-release) [Self care](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/self-care), [Informal mindfulness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/informal-mindfulness) 3 minute read # 5 minutes with illustrator, Emma Leonard ![Smiling Mind](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/SmilingMind_Icon_RGB_Purple-Background.png) by [Smiling Mind](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/author/smiling-mind) ![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/2O0A2318.jpg) January 17, 2022 Emma Leonard is a multi-disciplinary Australian artist and illustrator specialising in Fashion and Beauty. Inspired by nature, fashion and literature, Emma combines traditional media with digital techniques to create carefully considered renderings of delicate femininity, fragility and ethereal beauty. While Emma is based in Melbourne, she has exhibited her work both locally and internationally, including two solo exhibitions. ![2O0A2424](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/2O0A2424.jpg?width=827&name=2O0A2424.jpg) ## Tell us a bit about yourself... My name is Emma Leonard, I am a Melbourne based illustrator with a fascination for botanical illustration and portraiture. My work is usually feminine and delicate, I love exploring tiny details like wisps of hair and flower petals, but I am also working on loosening up and making my artwork more fun by experimenting with bright colour palettes and geometric patterns. ## **Were you always a creative person?** I think I have always been a creative person, for as long as I can remember I have had such a passion for all art forms and I feel most at ease when keeping my hands busy. Whether it’s drawing, painting, sewing, baking, I just feel better when I’m making something from nothing. ![2O0A2394](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/2O0A2394.jpg?width=818&name=2O0A2394.jpg) ## **How familiar are you with mindfulness?** Whilst by no means an expert, I am familiar with the basic concepts of mindfulness such as staying curious and open and trying to approach each moment without judgement. ## Describe your creative process? My creative process is usually quite methodical. I’m a big list maker, so I start by making a list of thoughts and ideas that might be relevant before creating a page or two of tiny rough sketches which are really just loose shapes that would make sense to nobody but me. Then I do some research and collect reference images to inspire pattern choices or colour combinations. Next, I create one or two more detailed black and white sketches before moving on to the finished coloured artwork, which is usually completed digitally on an iPad Pro. ## How do you get in ‘flow’ (aka in the zone)? What does it feel like? Preparation helps me achieve flow. A clean and tidy workspace is imperative for me to achieve my creative goals, I also like it to be quiet and begin each creative session with a plan of what I hope to achieve. > ### When I am in the zone I feel calm, capable and at ease. I’m not worried about what will come next, just enjoying each moment as it happens, taking each challenge as it comes. ![2O0A2318](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/2O0A2318.jpg?width=689&name=2O0A2318.jpg) ## **What inspires you and your art?** I try to be very observant and take inspiration from all I see around me, a dress I couldn’t stop thinking about, a flower that took my breath away while I was out walking my dog, a tile pattern on the floor of my favourite cafe. I make a mental note of all those small but beautiful everyday moments and wait for the opportunity to include them in a piece of art. ## You say you’re inspired by nature - what are some other ways you connect with nature? When I am feeling on edge or tense or lacking in inspiration, I like to go for a run, a hike or just explore with my children, they help me slow down and always seem to notice things I might have otherwise missed. During one adventure at our local creek, my son spotted the most enormous pile of spitfire caterpillars shuffling along together, which I otherwise would have walked straight by, I think it’s only a matter of time before a little spitfire turns up in one of my pieces! ![2O0A2324](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/2O0A2324.jpg?width=768&name=2O0A2324.jpg) ## What inspired this tutorial and activity you have created? I wanted to create a project that was simple and approachable for all skill levels but could be applied in a few different ways and I have a real fascination with patterns at the moment. On my studio wall, I have a preserved Giant Swallowtail butterfly and thought how great it would be to make a sea of patterned moths and butterflies, and it would be the perfect opportunity to make use of all that beautiful colour in the BIC Intensity range! ## How do you think people can start to use creativity to support their mind? I know I always feel better when I have a creative project on the go that I can put down and come back to when I have a spare moment. I especially like things that are simple and repetitive, like sewing or drawing a pattern. I also believe when I force my mind to solve problems in a low-risk situation like when I’m working on a drawing or painting, helps me to feel more comfortable with looking for a creative solution to higher stakes problems in my day-to-day life. ![2O0A2336](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/2O0A2336.jpg?width=765&name=2O0A2336.jpg) **Support your mind with creativity and [find more activities on our website](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/creates?hsCtaTracking=984e0751-c0c9-422f-b04e-a77d64f254fa%7C3e88a3e3-d3b0-4f02-a841-16ae0b2d54db). Don't forget to share and tag us! #SMILINGMINDCREATES** [![DOWNLOAD EMMA'S ACTIVITY TEMPLATE HERE](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4687378/b3055999-6f4e-4d79-bf02-1259320d20d0.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4687378/b3055999-6f4e-4d79-bf02-1259320d20d0) ![SmilingMindCreatexBICLockup-Inverted](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/SmilingMindCreatexBICLockup-Inverted.svg) ![Smiling Mind](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/SmilingMind_Icon_RGB_Purple-Background.png) ### Written by [Smiling Mind](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/author/smiling-mind) ### SIMILAR POSTS [![milan-popovic-674483-unsplash](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/milan-popovic-674483-unsplash.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/6-self-care-tips-to-take-care-of-your-mental-health) #### [6 self-care tips to take care of your mental health](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/6-self-care-tips-to-take-care-of-your-mental-health) [Tips & Tricks](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/tips-tricks), [Self care](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/self-care), [Mindfulness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mindfulness) 4 minute read [![image-from-rawpixel-id-260039-jpeg-2](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/image-from-rawpixel-id-260039-jpeg-2.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/mindfulness-and-stress) #### [How mindfulness and stress affect your ability to rest](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/mindfulness-and-stress) [Tips & Tricks](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/tips-tricks), [Self care](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/self-care), [Mindfulness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mindfulness) 3 minute read [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/image-from-rawpixel-id-1224291-jpeg.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/managing-your-mind-during-coronavirus) #### [Managing your mind during coronavirus](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/managing-your-mind-during-coronavirus) [Self care](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/self-care), [Mindfulness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mindfulness), [COVID19](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/covid19) 2 minute read [![Person sitting by a lake writing in a journal](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/journaling%20for%20mental%20wellbeing.png)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-to-journal-for-mental-health-and-wellbeing) #### [Journaling for Mental Health: Where do you Start?](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-to-journal-for-mental-health-and-wellbeing) [Tips & Tricks](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/tips-tricks), [Mental Health](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mental-health), [Self care](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/self-care) 6 minute read [![What is the Mental Load? Signs you’re carrying too much, and what to do about it](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1319763211.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/what-is-the-mental-load-signs-youre-carrying-too-much-and-what-to-do-about-it) Family, Parents, Self care, Mindfulness, Mental Fitness 10 minute read ### [What is the Mental Load? Signs you’re carrying too much, and what to do about it](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/what-is-the-mental-load-signs-youre-carrying-too-much-and-what-to-do-about-it) by Smiling Mind ## Latest [![What is the Mental Load? Signs you’re carrying too much, and what to do about it](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1319763211.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/what-is-the-mental-load-signs-youre-carrying-too-much-and-what-to-do-about-it) ### [What is the Mental Load? Signs you’re carrying too much, and what to do about it](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/what-is-the-mental-load-signs-youre-carrying-too-much-and-what-to-do-about-it) If you’re a parent or caregiver, you probably know the feeling: your brain feels full of tasks that somehow keep multipl... Family, Parents, Self care, Mindfulness, Mental Fitness 10 minute read [![The Wellbeing Shifts I Hope to See in 2026](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1498908506.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/five-wellbeing-trends-to-watch-in-2026) ### [The Wellbeing Shifts I Hope to See in 2026](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/five-wellbeing-trends-to-watch-in-2026) We’ve made real progress in reducing stigma around mental health. But too often, we still wait until something is broken... Family, Schools, Mental Fitness 5 minute read [![Raising mentally fit kids in a digital world](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1368247217.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/raising-mentally-fit-kids-in-a-digital-world) ### [Raising mentally fit kids in a digital world](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/raising-mentally-fit-kids-in-a-digital-world) Practical tips to support children’s mental wellbeing and build better screen habits, without the daily battles. Tips & Tricks, Children, Family, Parents, Mental Fitness 10 minute read [![How to tell if it's stress or anxiety, and what to do about it](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1135957638.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/overwhelmed-and-on-a-deadline-how-to-tell-if-its-stress-or-anxiety-and-what-to-do-about-it) ### [How to tell if it's stress or anxiety, and what to do about it](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/overwhelmed-and-on-a-deadline-how-to-tell-if-its-stress-or-anxiety-and-what-to-do-about-it) You're staring at a long to-do list, the clock is ticking, and suddenly you can’t remember your email password. Is this ... Mindfulness 7 minute read [View more](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/all) ## At home [![Raising mentally fit kids in a digital world](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1368247217.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/raising-mentally-fit-kids-in-a-digital-world) ### [Raising mentally fit kids in a digital world](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/raising-mentally-fit-kids-in-a-digital-world) Practical tips to support children’s mental wellbeing and build better screen habits, without the daily battles. Tips & Tricks, Children, Family, Parents, Mental Fitness 10 minute read [![How can we better support caregivers and the children in their care?](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1307370020.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-can-we-better-support-caregivers-and-the-children-in-their-care) ### [How can we better support caregivers and the children in their care?](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-can-we-better-support-caregivers-and-the-children-in-their-care) Each year Smiling Mind checks in on the wellbeing of Australians through our State of Mind survey. The 2024 report focus... Children, Family, Parents, Mental Fitness 7 minute read [![Empowering Generations: A Bold Partnership to Transform Mental Health for Australia’s Women and Girls](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/Collection%20Resilient%20Families%20Parents%20.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/empowering-generations-a-bold-partnership-to-transform-mental-health-for-australias-women-and-girls) ### [Empowering Generations: A Bold Partnership to Transform Mental Health for Australia’s Women and Girls](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/empowering-generations-a-bold-partnership-to-transform-mental-health-for-australias-women-and-girls) Creating generational change in mental health for Australia’s young girls and women is the driving force behind a new 3-... Children, Family, Parents, Mental Fitness 3 minute read [View more](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/children) ## At Work [![The Small Business Owner’s Survival Guide: Prioritising Mental Health in 2025](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-2154297863.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/the-small-business-owners-survival-guide-prioritising-mental-health-in-2025) ### [The Small Business Owner’s Survival Guide: Prioritising Mental Health in 2025](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/the-small-business-owners-survival-guide-prioritising-mental-health-in-2025) Running a small business can be challenging—you're the strategist, the problem-solver, the cheerleader, and everything i... Workplace, Tips & Tricks, Business, Self care, Mental Fitness 11 minute read [![Navigating Peak Season Stress with Business Mental Fitness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-2160502739.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/navigating-peak-season-stress-with-business-mental-fitness) ### [Navigating Peak Season Stress with Business Mental Fitness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/navigating-peak-season-stress-with-business-mental-fitness) Running a business is no easy feat, and the current economic uncertainty adds another layer of complexity. To support bu... Workplace, Business, Mental Fitness 5 minute read [![Mental Health in the Workplace: Why it Matters, with Mental Fitness Tips for SMEs](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1317277259%20(1).jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/mental-health-in-the-workplace-why-it-matters-with-mental-fitness-tips-for-smes) ### [Mental Health in the Workplace: Why it Matters, with Mental Fitness Tips for SMEs](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/mental-health-in-the-workplace-why-it-matters-with-mental-fitness-tips-for-smes) Did you know that one in three small and medium sized business owners identify mental health as their top concern? It's ... Workplace, Business, Meditation 14 minute read [View more](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/workplace) ## At school [![The Wellbeing Shifts I Hope to See in 2026](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1498908506.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/five-wellbeing-trends-to-watch-in-2026) ### [The Wellbeing Shifts I Hope to See in 2026](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/five-wellbeing-trends-to-watch-in-2026) We’ve made real progress in reducing stigma around mental health. But too often, we still wait until something is broken... Family, Schools, Mental Fitness 5 minute read [![How to Encourage Friendships in the Classroom: A Guide for Teachers](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-907283180.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-to-encourage-friendships-in-the-classroom-a-guide-for-teachers) ### [How to Encourage Friendships in the Classroom: A Guide for Teachers](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-to-encourage-friendships-in-the-classroom-a-guide-for-teachers) Healthy friendships are fundamental to a child’s emotional and social learning in school, but they don't always come eas... Tips & Tricks, Teachers, Students, Schools 9 minute read [![Why a ‘Blended’ Approach to Social and Emotional Learning in Schools Can Create Greater Impact](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/Schools%20program%20impact%20article.png)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/impact-of-a-blended-approach-to-social-and-emotional-learning) ### [Why a ‘Blended’ Approach to Social and Emotional Learning in Schools Can Create Greater Impact](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/impact-of-a-blended-approach-to-social-and-emotional-learning) Schools, and the educators that work within them, are in a unique and influential position. They have the ability to cre... Children, Schools 18 minute read [View more](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/schools) ## News [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/youth%20social%20media%20ban.png)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/youth-social-media-ban) ### ["A social media band-aid won’t stick": Smiling Mind's take on Australia's Proposed Under 16 Social Media Ban](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/youth-social-media-ban) The ban to prevent Australian children under 16 from accessing social media is filled with great intentions. However exp... Parents, Mental Health, Media release, Mental Fitness 4 minute read [![Children’s mental health the losers of this year’s budget](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/childrens%20mental%20health.png)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/childrens-mental-health-the-losers-of-this-years-budget) ### [Children’s mental health the losers of this year’s budget](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/childrens-mental-health-the-losers-of-this-years-budget) The 2025 Federal Budget has failed our children, according to Australia’s leading children’s mental health not-for-profi... Mental Health, Media release 3 minute read [![Don’t forget Our Kids this budget, Prime Minister](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/210506_SmilingMind_WaitaraPrimary_PaulMcMillan-014_Edit.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/dont-forget-our-kids-this-budget-prime-minister) ### [Don’t forget Our Kids this budget, Prime Minister](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/dont-forget-our-kids-this-budget-prime-minister) Tomorrow’s budget announcement will be an important reflection of what we care about as a nation. There’s an opportunity... Children, Family, Mental Health, Media release 3 minute read [View more](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/media-release) © 2026 Smiling Mind - [Privacy & Terms](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/privacy-and-terms) We recognise and pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, their ancestors, the Elders past, present and future from the different First Nations across this country. We acknowledge the importance of connection to land, culture, spirituality, ancestry, family and community for the wellbeing of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families. ### Info - [Home](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/) - [Mindfulness](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/what-is-mindfulness) - [Education](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/education) - [Workplace](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/mindfulness-workplace) - [Our free app](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/smiling-mind-app) - [Blog](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/) - [FAQs](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/contact-us#our-faq) ### About - [About us](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/about-us) - [Our Team](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/about-us#anchor-our-team) - [Our Board](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/about-us#anchor-our-board) ### Action - [Contact](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/contact-us) - [Donate](https://shoutforgood.com/embed/lightbox?version=latest&client_token=dc092e09-150a-4a06-93de-14a387bffccc&custom_css=https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/smgeneral/media/shout-donate-form.css&uid=d375e26da7&logLevel=error&xcomponent=1) - [give](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/support-us) - [shop](https://smilingmind.org.au/) - - - -