Illustrator + Muralist
Emily Balsley graduated with a BFA from UW-Madison in 2001, and worked as a graphic designer in the bike industry for six years before turning to freelance in 2007. Since 2012, she has been focusing on illustration, creating art for murals, books, magazines, gig posters, maps, puzzles, and games. Her stylized approach is colorful and bold, with a touch of quirk - and her character-driven illustrations just ooze happy. Throw in a bit of hand-lettering and a sprinkle of polka dots, Emily is sure to brighten any space with her whimsical style.
Emily is represented by The Bright Agency.
Select Clients
Milwaukee Brewers • American Girl Publishing • Trek Bikes • Mudpuppy • Usborne Books • Dial Books • Odd Dot Publishing • Portland Design Works • Schwinn Bicycles • Fair Indigo
Knopf • Highlights Magazine • UW-Madison • Madison Public Library • Storey Publishing • Marin Bikes • Bravery Magazine • Random House • Museum of Wisconsin Art • Lululemon
Boys & Girls Club of Milwaukee • My Path Company • Laser Away (via Muros.co) • Rotary Botanical Gardens • Meta Platforms (via Slate Art) • CamelBak • Unity Point Meriter
Honors, Features, Gallery Shows, and Interviews
Milwaukee Press Club Gold Award for Best Illustration • Colorburst Show at Overt Space • Merch Aid Artist • Badass Lady Creative • MAKE! Conference Speaker • Art Infusion Artist American Feral Gallery Artist • Art Infusion Artist • Uppercase Magazine #52 Featured Artist • Collaborate Forever Podcast Episode 06 • UW-Madison Homecoming Featured Alum
Wisconsin Regional Art Program Featured Artist • Brava Magazine Features • The Sketchbook Project Anatomy of an Artist • Madison Public Library Bubbler Artist in Residence Wisconsin Art Education Association Youth Art Month Featured Artist • Monroe Street Arts Center Guest Artist • Brave Kids Art Club Field Trip Artist