Former local Emma Hay has taken her love of art to new heights.
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After graduating from Deniliquin High School last decade, she studied animation.
Her path since had led to her illustrating for at least 30 books, and starting her own publishing company in Brisbane.
A local success story, Emma was recently invited back to Deni High to inspire students with her story.
Speaking with senior visual arts students, she expressed that you can make your dreams a reality.
Through her business, Little Boat Media, Emma works with indie authors to publish children’s books.
“It’s hard to describe what I do because I do a lot of stuff, but primarily I am an illustrator and designer,” Emma told the Pastoral Times.
“I’m a specialist in picture books in my job, as well as in my small business.
“Little Boat Media is an outlet that works with publishing houses to produce beautiful books. They send the words and I help turn it into a beautiful book.”
Emma graduated from Deni High in 2011.
She had a farm upbringing in the region, and attended university regionally.
“After high school, I left to do an animation course in Wagga at Charles Sturt University.
“Until 2020 I worked in animation as an animator, freelancer and contractor.
“Through that, I received the opportunity to work as an animator in children’s books.
“I fell in love with that kind of work.
“I continued to follow my heart in anything illustrating and design, and I have been involved in the design process of about 30 books, or a few more.”
Rising through the ranks as an illustrator and designer, and occasionally as an author, Emma is now based in Brisbane and is a big supporter of smaller Australian publishers through her job and her business.
“I’ve been busy figuring out my small business, and we have a few books coming out.
“I’m a huge advocate for small Aussie publishers and publishing companies. We really try and help small indie publishers.”
“I’ve been fortunate to be able to jump in to help them with the full process of creating a children’s book, from my experience; or at least try to.”
Emma said being invited to speak to the students at Deni High was a great opportunity to take a look at her own career journey so far.
She said it even helped reignite her own passion for art.
“I remembered why I loved art, and that I was inspired to be creative by similar speakers back when I was at school.
“It is a big part of why I pursued a career in the creative arts.
“I get to give back to my community and show there are lots of different creative pathways. If you're interested, you can find a direction and can have a career.
“With the senior art students, we discussed a lot of ways that you can transition into a job in the creative arts industries.
“I was actually there (in Deniliquin) for a friend’s wedding. I like that I have a remote job. I often go back, visit friends and family and use it as a rural writing workshop.
The visit to Deni High was organised by careers coordinator Pam Sinha.
For Emma, it was a slightly older audience than she is used to.
“I do talks with younger kids; this was the first time doing it with teenagers.
“But picture books are for everyone, not just for children.
“People can enjoy picture books at any age. There are lots of different types, it’s not just one genre.
“If you're interested in books, both to read and as a career, there might be something there for you.”
Ms Sinha said Emma was “a very shy young person” at high school, and it was a joy to see the confidence she has gained.
“To see her communicating her experiences with the group of senior art students - about 20 students - so eloquently was fabulous to witness,” Ms Sinha said.
“We would like to thank Emma for her time and congratulate her on her success.”
As for the future, keep an eye out for Emma as she continues to create.
“I’ve been involved with a few books coming out, including The Secrets Crabs Keep by Kiralee Strong through Dandelion Books. I helped with illustration and design, and it is out for pre-order now.
“I get to work with a lot of upcoming publishers to launch their first book.
“It is really exciting to get to be involved with a debut book.
“We want to help smaller publishers. They help everyone in the industry, and it gives more people a job in the industry - that’s the dream.”