Interview with Emily Doyal: Visual Artist, Musician and Zinester


"we're working to create a platform for makers who don't quite fit in at your average craft fair"

Photo by Robert Hadley @photosbyindieimages

Who are you and what do you do?


My name's Emily, and I'm a visual artist and musician based in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. When I'm not performing with country-noir trio The Devil & Saint Joseph or art-pop outfit Sofa King, I'm curating new editions of Old Bort's Sticker Club, a design project that fosters collaboration and access to print media for emerging artists. In 2020 I helped launch an art collective alongside some fellow creatives I really look up to; Reenie Dogface and Bethontwolegs. We're called Low Brow Brum, and we're working to create a platform for makers who don't quite fit in at your average craft fair. 

Who or what inspires you?

I find a lot of inspiration in Birmingham's own creative community. My zine Diary Of A Short Lived Drag King explores the local drag and performance art scene from an inside perspective, through words and illustration - as well as a few cheeky shots of my drag persona Phillip Phallus, taken by the wonderful Eleanor Sutcliffe. 

What challenges do you face?

I'm ALWAYS juggling - going from my day job to gigs to events, in the past its been a challenge to find the time to sit and work on new projects. I can't complain though - seven weeks of lockdown and I'd love to be dashing across Digbeth with an armful of music gear and sticker packs!





What has been the highlight of your career so far?

 It was great sending the fifteenth edition of Sticker Club to print only a year after kicking off the project. I celebrated with a limited run of t shirts by Do Make Say Ink! 

What are your hopes and dreams for the future?

I am desperate to get back to playing gigs when it's safe to do so. Be great to spend Summer 2021 at some festivals. I'm also itching to get back to Sundragon Pottery, a community pottery studio in Balsall Heath, where I've been getting to grips with throwing ceramics. A lot of my family got mugs for Christmas this year... 

Links
Old Bort Instagram