Welcome to the latest instalment of our 'Artist Talk' series where we interview artists and members from the AAP community. Today we are joined by none other than Emily Nancy, a well respected and long-standing member of the artist community.
The Creative Journey
Thank you for taking the time to speak to us today. Take us back to the exact moment you realised art wasn't just a hobby? How has that realisation impacted your life?
"Since I was old enough to hold a crayon, I have always loved to draw. When I was in public school I was so very fortunate to meet Wallace Edwards, a member of my extended family and a children's storybook illustrator who had just published his first book; Alphabeasts. From the moment I flipped through that book and saw his beautiful illustrations, I realized that I wanted to pursue art as more than just a hobby. I wanted to create art to share with the world, just like he did! I am so fortunate to have had very supportive parents, family and friends throughout my life who have always encouraged me to follow my passion and dreams."
Looking back, what fears or doubts did you have to overcome to pursue art professionally, and what would you tell someone facing those same fears today?
"I have always struggled with the fear that I’m not good enough. Regardless of where I am on my art journey, I have always felt this way. However, I have worked to understand and accept this feeling and redirect it to become the desire to continue to grow and improve! I now look to others for inspiration, as opposed to comparing and putting myself down."
How did discovering the AAP community transform your understanding of what it means to be an artist?
"Before the AAP I always thought of art as my own solo journey, but through the AAP community I’ve seen that in order to grow as an artist it is so beneficial to be a part of a network of mutual support. Receiving feedback and encouragement, having a positive space to share experiences and talk, helps to shape and support us on our art journeys. Being a community helps us grow."
Emily was instrumental to our early initiatives at the Artist Appreciation Project, including but not limited to community birthday cards
Breaking Through to the Industry
Can you walk us through the emotions and thoughts you experienced when MetaZoo first reached out to you?
"I definitely went through a lot of emotions when the new MetaZoo reached out to me. I had gone through the stages of grief having let go of my dream of illustrating a MetaZoo card when the old MetaZoo went under. Suddenly that dream was obtainable again and being offered to me! I couldn’t believe it, and for a moment I thought someone was maybe playing a trick on me. But once I had confirmed they were the real deal, I was over the moon excited when they reached out to me.
I definitely cried a lot of happy tears. There are days I still can’t believe I am living my dream of being on the MetaZoo team. I am overflowing with gratitude for this opportunity, for the amazing MetaZoo team and the incredible community who always supported me on my art journey. I will be forever grateful for their love and support."
What specific skills or portfolio pieces do you believe caught the attention of industry professionals, and how can emerging artists develop these?
"I feel that in creating fan art, I was able to learn and grow into a style that that was appealing to the TCG industry. Creating things that you enjoy help fuel the creative spark! I have always found fan art a great creative stepping stone. It allows you to practice depicting established characters in your own way which allows more focus on composition, posing and technique."
Industry Insights
What's one industry myth or misconception you wish someone had debunked for you earlier in your career?
"Great art is all you need for success.
I used to think being a great artist was all someone needed to make it in the industry. But one of the biggest surprises was how important communication and networking are. Connecting with others, accepting feedback and collaborating are so essential to turning your art into a career."
When creating TCG artwork, how do you balance commercial requirements with your personal artistic vision?
"I enjoy having requirements because I feel like they are a framework that helps guide my creations. When working on TCG artwork, I make sure to understand the brief thoroughly — the character, mood and lore. Then I try to bring my own interpretation to it through style and composition."
Overcoming Challenges
Share a time when a project didn't go as planned or faced rejection. How did you transform that setback into growth?
"When MetaZoo held a fan art contest, I thought it may have finally been my chance to have my art on an official card for them. I put in my best work and submitted multiple entries, but when the semifinalists were announced, none of mine were chosen.
Although I was so disappointed and discouraged, I was inspired by the winning entries and proud to be part of such a talented community. The support I received from the community after the contest, reminded me of why I started creating in the first place. Instead of seeing it as a failure, I looked to it as motivation. It fuelled me to continue creating and contributing to the community. That experience taught me that rejection doesn’t mean the end — it’s often just part of the process of getting better."
What daily practices have been crucial in sustaining your creative energy over the long term?
"Creating things that I enjoy help keep me charged and motivated. I try to keep a regular sleep schedule and follow a routine when working from home. After a big project, I like to take a little time to play a video game as a reward."
Sharing Wisdom
What's a valuable piece of advice or support you've received from a fellow artist?
"One piece of advice that fellow artist and AAP founder, Grimzwald shared that has stuck with me is:
'If you don’t make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness'
As an artist, it is so easy to push ourselves to keep hustling, keep creating, keep neglecting ourselves in favour of making more art. But in doing so, we end up burning out, or becoming ill and suddenly we can’t create any art. I have been keeping this quote in mind to remind myself that in order to keep creating the things that I love, I have to make sure to take care."
If you could go back and mentor your younger self, what three pieces of advice would you share?
"1. Pursue the art that you love to create- don’t let others tell you what is and isn’t art.
2. Incorporate a little art into your everyday routine- even if just a doodle a day.
3. Try new mediums- experiment with different art tools and styles."
How do you define "success" as an artist?
"If you have created something that you are proud of and had fun creating, I would say that is success :)"
What would you say to an artist who loves creating but is terrified of putting their work out into the world?
"Putting your work out into the world can be scary, but it's also the first step to connecting with others if you are looking to share or pursue a career in art. You can always start small and share what you are comfortable with to start and learn and grow as you go. But it is also okay to create just for yourself too."
Closing thoughts:
Emily's journey from passionate community member to official MetaZoo artist stands as a testament to persistence and dedication. When the original MetaZoo company faced financial difficulties and her dream seemed lost, she continued creating and supporting the community. Her unwavering commitment to her craft through uncertainty, rejection and setbacks ultimately led to her being invited to join the revitalised MetaZoo team as an official artist.
You can follow Emily's artistic journey on Instagram @artbyemilynancy and be sure to keep an eye out for her illustrations in the upcoming MetaZoo set Torrential Tides https://metazootcg.com/
Thanks again to Emily for sharing her story with us. Keep your eyes peeled for more features in our 'Artist Talk' series.