Please introduce yourself.

I am from Buffalo NY. I have lived in various places throughout the US after college (NYC, SF, Chicago, Ohio, and Phoenix) but 11 years ago I moved back to my hometown. I value family first and foremost (the reason I moved) and simple pleasures like long walks, reading a good book, yummy coffee, and being outdoors as much as possible.

I have always been creative, but I put myself and my creative work on the back burner throughout the years to raise my kids. Two years ago I started creating again, and haven’t stopped since!

In my free time I enjoy reading, taking my dogs for long walks, and traveling as much as possible.

Tell us a little bit about your design journey.

I received my BFA in Illustration from Syracuse, but started working as a graphic designer. During Covid my business changed drastically and a lot of my client work dried up. I had more time to draw and started researching surface pattern design.

What or who are you inspired by?

I’m most inspired by women who start their careers later in life. We hear so much about women who are huge successes by the time they are in their 30’s. Show me a woman like Julia Child who didn’t even get going until her 50’s, in an age where women didn’t lead businesses. Toni Morrison’s novel “The Bluest Eye” wasn’t published until she was 40. Age is not a definer, my grandmother was still skiing in her 70’s, and bungee jumped at age 76. The women who defy the odds (age discrimination is a thing!) are the ones who inspire me.

Do you have resources you’d like to recommend?

I love using Robert Simmons watercolor brushes and Dr. Martin’s watercolor dyes.

When you look back at your design journey so far, what are you most proud of?

I am most proud of recently having a card design picked by Minted, learning how to properly design a repeat pattern, and consistently doing something creative everyday.

Where can we find you?

Website: www.ellenmorseoriginals.com
Instagram: @e.m.originals