Meet Emma Dietz | Artist & Owner of Art by ED

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emma Dietz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emma, why did you pursue a creative career?
Growing up, my parents always supported my interests – art has been my primary interest for as long as I can remember. They always told me to do what I love and then you will love what you do. I’ve really lived by that my whole life. From art club in middle school to taking every art class in high school to summer programs at SCAD, and eventually choosing it as a major in college.

My goal in life is to wake up everyday and be excited for life and my career which led me to declaring a Fine Arts Studio major and Marketing minor as a freshman at Georgia College in 2018. All throughout college I commissioned several forms of art through my social media account (@artby_ed) – anything from sorority gifts to birthday signs to dog and house portraits, ceramics, and really anything requested. I love making custom pieces that are priceless to the people I am making them for. I pour so much work and love into each of my commissions.

As an artist and a person, I find learning so important. I never want to stop learning and adding new mediums and skills to my repertoire. The Georgia College Art Department allowed me to do just that – I found new interests in ceramics, woodworking, printmaking, painting, gallery installation, and so much more. This desire to have continuous growth has been a huge factor of my success as an artist and small business owner.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The summer before my senior year of college, I landed an internship at The Venue at Daisy Hill as a Social Media Coordinator. At the time, I had no clue I would have such an interest in social media marketing or the wedding/events industry. I found a new love for styling and event design which led me to my first job in the “real” world.

My job search post-graduation was not easy by any means – I applied to tons of places in a plethora of positions. After many calls, interviews, networking, countless “we regret to inform you…” emails, I was feeling pretty down about how much experience I really had and if my work was even something special. I was feeling overlooked and undervalued in the professional world. My dream of living in Savannah, GA was slipping away with no income and no prospective positions. Nevertheless, I persevered!

While on a weekend trip to Savannah in May of this year, my friends and I decided to drive through Palmetto Bluff. The grounds were so incredible and I thought how amazing it would be to call this place my office. I hopped right on LinkedIn and searched for jobs in the community and came across a position that sounded right up my alley and applied for it immediately. I really thought nothing of it and assumed it would fall into the same category of all the other jobs that were out of my reach. I was so wrong – in June I received an email that led to a phone call then an interview, then a job offer. In August I will begin my full-time position as an Event Design Coordinator at Montage Palmetto Bluff and will be moving to Savannah, GA. I am extremely excited to enter a booming city for creatives, expand my skill-set, join the team at Montage, and create new works!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite spot in Atlanta is Park Tavern – it has beautiful views of Piedmont Park and has an amazing menu! My go-to order is sushi with a side of sweet potato fries because I’m the indecisive orderer at a restaurant. I also love walking the belt-line and seeing all the murals, it is a great place to go for inspiration or a photoshoot. The best weekend in ATL is the Dogwood Festival – I love meeting new people there and it is always fun to support local artists and get new ideas yourself!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So much of where I am is credited to my parents for encouraging me to pursue my interests and always supporting me in every endeavor. I also am extremely thankful for the Department of Art at Georgia College and all the professors – so much growth and exploration happened within my 4 years in Ennis Hall. Lastly, my friends and peers for making orders, not getting annoyed when I had art supplies everywhere, and supporting me endlessly!

Website: https://artbyed.myportfolio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artby_ed/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/emma-dietz1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbyemmadietz

Image Credits
Brooke Couch Aurora Photography Grapefruit Photography