My Thing. Emmi Salonen, founder of Studio Emmi.

“It has to be connection. Feeling that they get it, or somebody gets them. They are not alone. Whether that connective feeling is joy, wonder, inspiration or plain ‘this is the information I needed’, I love the idea I have been able to help in some small way.”

Everything Emmi does is underpinned by a simple but powerful idea: Positive Creativity. From the creative process to the final output, she believes design can bring people together, create sustainable choices and foster wellbeing.

Emmi set her studio up Studio in 2005 to partner with clients and creatives who want to make a positive contribution to society and the planet. Born in Finland, she is a strong advocate for a balanced life full of curiosity, growth and wonder.

The ‘One Thing’ I want to be known for

Positive influence. Be it for you as a person, you as a creative or client, or for society and the planet. Be it mundane kindness or spark in a career, or a wider impact, I hope to leave some good behind.

The ‘One Thing’ I care about deeply

My own creative wellbeing. I'm on a real journey with this one, for me to even write this down makes me feel a bit guilty! But I do really care about living a balanced life where I have energy and inspiration to create and wonder and find joy in keeping my creative well filled.

The ‘One Thing’ I want to inspire in others

Their creative wellbeing! My whole Creative Ecosystem model is built with this purpose in mind. It's changed a lot in the last month from what I have on the website, so I'd like to share it with you if possible. Website update to follow soon!

The ‘One Thing’ I enjoy most about the creative process

I'm always learning. Through getting to know my client and their needs. I only work with people whose message I believe in and share, so I really enjoy the process.

The ‘One Thing’ I want others to feel when they engage with my work

This is hardest to answer! Just one thing? It has to be connection. Feeling that they get it, or somebody gets them. They are not alone. Whether that connective feeling is joy, wonder, inspiration or plain 'this is the information I needed', I love the idea I have been able to help in some small way.

The One Creative you must start following today

My sister Elsa Salonen IG @elsa.salonen

Emmi created the Creative Ecosystem, a model that nurtures sustainable creative wellbeing and supports individuals and organisations through workshops, inspiring talks and 1-2-1 mentoring. Follow Emmi on Instagram @studioemmi and see more of her design projects at emmi.co.uk