Emily Walker has served as the in-house Graphic Design Manager at The Mint Museum for over 27 years. Previous graphic design positions include the Smithsonian Institution’s Sackler and Freer Galleries in Washington, D.C.; Muir Cornelius Moore, an advertising agency in New York, NY; and the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, NC. She is a graduate of North Carolina State University’s School of Design.
Where are you from?
Born in Columbia, SC, raised in Charlotte, NC.
What attracted you to the design profession? Did you have particular mentors or experiences that opened the door to the profession for you?
From an early age my mother kept me involved in creative activities, including a summer art class at The Mint Museum. Interestingly, that class was held in the room that is currently the graphic design office at the museum. By middle school I set my sights on a design career, first studying Interior Design, then transitioning to Graphic Design. I had an amazing design professor/advisor who opened countless doors for me. The contacts and guidance he gave me led directly to just about every graphic design job I have held, from New York to D.C. and even back to my career at the Mint.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
I once worked with a private chef on a freelance project that opened my eyes to the creative side of food and its preparation. That, paired with my yen for just about any type of cuisine, could easily tempt me to become a chef.
How and why did you get involved in AIGA? Approximately how long have you been involved with the organization?
I joined AIGA (Raleigh) when I began work at the Mint in 1988. I was honored to be one of the charter members of the Charlotte chapter when it was founded in 2000.
What is your secret talent?
I am a seasoned junk dealer. I delight in the transformation of trash to treasure.
Each month, AIGA Charlotte strives to highlight one of its members. If you have any ideas for our next spotlight, please contact Leigh Anne Zeitouni at lzeitouni@charlotte.aiga.org.
