Life & Work with Emily Winslow of Raleigh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Winslow

Emily, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Art has always been my passion, though I didn’t always know the exact path. Growing up in Cincinnati, I danced through life and discovered my love for life drawing thanks to a high school teacher who believed in me. That spark led me to graphic arts in college, and eventually to a career that started with graphic design, evolved into web design, and now thrives in UX. I’m all about blending creativity with problem-solving. I live in Raleigh with my husband and two kids, juggling family life and always keeping the creative juices flowing.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My path hasn’t exactly been a straight line. I graduated with a BFA just after the dot-com bubble burst, so finding a job was tough. I moved to Chicago, seeking the city experience and fresh opportunities. That’s where I found Lillstreet, an art center that opened my eyes to the power of community and creativity. I taught pottery to 3-year-olds, ran summer camps for elementary school kids, and assisted other ceramics teachers with adult classes, all while honing my own craft. I juggled freelance graphic design work and waiting tables for two years before landing my first corporate gig. After 4 years, I left that job, chased the sun, and moved closer to family, only to hit another recession. The tech industry is known for its constant shifts and unpredictable landscape, but through all the ups and downs, I’ve always had this unwavering trust that as long as I stay true to my craft and to myself, things will fall into place. I finally found my footing here in Raleigh, and I haven’t looked back.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m currently a Senior UX Designer in the insurance tech industry, where I get to blend creativity and problem-solving to create experiences that are not just functional, but beautiful. UX (User Experience) is all about crafting seamless, engaging interactions that make products and services feel effortless, natural, and even delightful. I’ve been told I’m ‘extremely organized for a designer’ (after Figma, my favorite tool is a spreadsheet!), and my eagle-eye attention to detail is both my superpower and, depending on the day, possibly my curse. UX comes naturally to me because it lets me combine my creative side with analytical thinking, pushing boundaries and constantly evolving. Plus, I love that it gives me the flexibility to work across industries.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most people know me for UX design, but they might be surprised to learn I almost switched my major to ceramics in college. Pottery has remained a big part of my life, and I’ve been lucky enough to collaborate with some amazing local businesses like Slingshot Coffee Co., The Zen Succulent, Edge of Urge, and Artspace. Along with sewing, it’s one of my favorite ways to stay grounded and stay creative. I even have an Etsy store, though it’s on pause while I focus on raising my kids and my career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://emilywinslowdesigns.squarespace.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themodestmaker/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/targetshapecreate/
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/themodestmaker