Name: Emma Cason-Pratt
Zodiac Sign: Pisces (I never really believed in the zodiac but it’s kind of crazy how closely it fits...artistic sensitive water-lover: how did they know?!)
Profession: Art Director & Graphic Designer
Hobbies: Volunteering, salsa dancing, watercolor painting, attempting to keep a sketchbook journal especially while travelling… oh yeah, travelling! I try to get out and explore as much as I can, whether it’s abroad, domestic or just around the city - always fun to discover something new.
Hometown: sunny Miami, Florida
Current City: New York City (is it Spring yet??)
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF!
YOU ARE CURRENTLY AN AMAZING ART DIRECTOR FOR BLOOMINGDALE’S. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO USE YOUR SKILLS TO WORK WITH UP-STAND?
As soon as I heard about UP-STAND through a mutual friend, I knew I wanted to support the cause in some way. What seems obvious to some - offering your seat to a person who might need it - is often not so straightforward. When I twisted my ankle and was limping around in a pretty hideous brace, rarely was a seat offered unless I shamed someone into noticing me. Then, without immediately getting up, they would say “Oh! Sorry, do you want to sit?” - I know it’s miniscule sounding, but even that phrasing rubbed me wrong. We need to encourage proactive language - “Please take my seat!” - instead of asking, especially if that person is clearly in need. I love that UP-STAND is helping to make that change in language with the signage and buttons, and if I can design something that gives people a friendly reminder about being courteous - I’m pretty happy about that!
WHY DO YOU THINK OUR ‘ACCESSIBILITY SIGNAGE’ FOR SEATING AREAS IS SO IMPORTANT?
As New Yorkers, we’re walking around all day carrying everything normal people stow away in their SUVs and sometimes, despite being able-bodied, we’re pretty stinkin' tired - I get it. Sometimes we’re looking down at our phones neck deep in an Instagram spiral that we forget to glance up, only to discover an elderly woman carrying enough groceries to feed an army is directly in front of us (admit it, you felt her stare burning a hole into your forehead). The signage provides a gentle reminder. The pins and shirts and buttons are a slightly louder nudge. There are moments when we all could use that nudge and that is why having better accessibility signage is crucial to motivating cultural change.
IF YOU COULD DESIGN ANY PRODUCT WITH UP-STAND IN THE FUTURE, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
More t-shirts! Embroidered iron-on patches - they’re all the rage!
LAST BUT NOT LEAST, WHERE CAN WE SEE MORE OF YOUR WORK?!
My website is HyphenatedDesign.com, it’s mostly my day job stuff. But for the awesome UP-STAND spotlight readers who made it all the way to the end of this entry, my secret hobby that I didn’t mention earlier is crazy card making, which you can check out here: afternoonswoon.tumblr.com :)
We have loved every minute of working with Emma, and we thank her for sharing her talent with us and bettering the world through UP-STAND!
Follow Emma on Instagram @ecpratt to view beautiful shots and get some major travel envy.