Made to Create-Interview with graphic designer Emilie Hendryx - Sheri Yutzy

Hello everyone, welcome to Made to Create.

First off, thank you to Emily Miller of @inspiredesignco for designing this lovely banner! I’m so excited to have a beautiful, official banner for these interviews. If you need graphic designing done, Emily is a great choice. She was wonderful to work with–so patient with my little requests.

And now for this month’s interview, I’m delighted to introduce my friend Emilie Hendryx. I hardly know where to start in introducing such a talented person. 🙂 Emilie is a graphic designer, photographer, and author. Visit her inspiring Instagram community @createexploreread.

Sheri Yutzy: Hi Emilie, welcome to Made to Create! What do you do when you’re feeling empty creatively?

Emilie Hendryx: I take a walk! It may sound silly, but for me it’s more than just getting out of the house. Being out in God’s creation always inspires and encourages me. Sometimes I’ll listen to music, but in those very “dry” creative moments I’ll often leave the headphones behind and focus my thoughts on my story or on a project and then spend time talking to the Lord about it. In times where I’m not sure what to do with my story, I’ll include talking to a writing friend. Even rehashing parts of my story with them helps to remind me why I love to write!
SY: I know you’re an author as well as a photographer. What do you write?
EH: Iwrite a bunch of things but have a few passions within those genres. For my freelance writing I focus mainly on sweet romance, westerns, and some cozy mysteries. For my “personal” writing I write Young Adult fiction that has a twist of the unordinary or speculative in it. The cohesive link between them all is a love for story. I can’t get enough of my characters stories and find that, when I know them, their story flows right out of me and onto the page.

SY: I’ve seen lots of candles in your Instagram photos. So cozy. What’s your favorite candle scent?
EH: I do love candles grins. I’ve had the great honor to work with a bunch of different candle shops to help promote their products so I have many favorites, but I tend to like scents that are sweeter. Anything with vanilla,peppermint, or coffee always attracts me.

SY: Is there one person who encouraged you to pursue creative things?
EH: I’d have to cheat and say two: my mom and my dad! They are the most encouraging people and I am so blessed by them. My father is an artist and musician and my mom is a quilter and a huge reader. They have always backed me in whatever creative endeavor I’ve sought out and have always said that they will support me in whatever and wherever the Lord leads. That was (and still is) so freeing to me and I’m so grateful to them for their perspective.

SY: I’m so glad you have them in your life. What do you dream of doing in five years?

EH: I’d love to be able to see my Young Adult novels on bookstore shelves. I want nothing more than to entertain and encourage youth. I got a degree in Music and Youth Ministry and have worked with youth for over ten years. Because of that, I want to provide something for them that can excite, surprise, and draw them into a story that is not only fun but also encouraging and hope-giving.

SY: I love that. Youth need engaging stories like yours! Thank you so much for sharing your vision with us.

EH: Thanks so much for hosting me Sheri!

Emilie Hendryx is a freelance writer, photographer, and graphic designer living in Northern California. She’s a member of ACFW, writes Young Adult fiction, and spends more time on Instagram than she probably should. With a heart for youth and a love of genuine social media connections, she’s built a thriving community around her Instagram platform and brand: CreateExploreRead. She’s got a soft spot in her heart for animals and a love for the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. In her spare time, you can find her designing fun, bookish items for her Etsy and Society6 shops all while drinking too much coffee.