Kelsey Edson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Kelsey, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Who are you learning from right now?
One of my favorite parts of life is the ability to learn from every experience and interaction. My partner and I, for example, communicate in very different ways, and through that we’ve learned—day by day—how to better understand and support each other.
I also wouldn’t be where I am in my business without the guidance and influence of other artists and makers. They’ve shown me what true dedication looks like, often balancing one or two jobs alongside their creative pursuits. From them, I’ve learned patience and the reminder that art doesn’t need to be for everyone—the right people will always find it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
After 14 years as a graphic designer, I found myself struggling to land another contract job—and for the first time in over a decade, I returned to making art purely for myself. That creative rebirth led to the launch of my own line of woodcut, hand-painted art pieces inspired by emo, pop punk, and horror culture. I also design jewelry, enamel pins, and tote bags that echo the same unapologetically emotional and nostalgic aesthetic. In 2025, I’m proud to be vending at all three Warped Tours and Riot Fest, sharing my work with the community that shaped me. I’ve also been very honored to put on some amazing events for non profits such as an emo drag brunch featuring all alternative drag performers, such as Solovino, and raising money for an LGBTQ+ mental health organization.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
As a child, I had the privilege of watching two of the most important people in my life—my mother and my grandfather—work incredibly hard. I grew up hearing stories about my Papa, who started out living in a trailer with his wife and three kids, but went on to build his own engineering company with nothing more than a high school diploma. I watched him pour himself into his work, and even when he “retired,” he never truly stopped until his health forced him to slow down.
I also knew he had been tough on his own kids, which is why it wasn’t surprising to see my single mom carry that same resilience and work ethic forward in her own way. As an adult, I’ve come to admire just how much single mothers sacrifice to give their children the best they can—and I saw my mom do exactly that for us.
I’m deeply grateful to have grown up with their example, and to have learned the true meaning of hard work from these amazing humans.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
It feels a little vulnerable to share this, especially knowing not everyone is aware, but I’ve been sexually assaulted three times in my life. One thing I value about the time we live in now is that people are becoming more open about experiences like this, as well as conversations around mental health.
As much as I’d like to believe these events didn’t shape me, the truth is, they did. When something like this happens, you don’t get many choices—you either find a way to move forward, or you don’t. I became stronger because of it, but I also became harder. Trusting and loving others didn’t come easily to me for a long time, and even now, it’s still challenging to let go of my independence fully.
But I am growing. I am learning. And each day, I take another step toward balance—toward being both strong and open.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes! I don’t see any reason to wear a mask. I’m open about what I feel, think, and believe, and I want people to know the real me—whether they like me or not.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
The love I have for my family, friends, partner and dog. I’d be ok without my name, role or possessions as long as I still have them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://The-Emo-Alien.com
- Instagram: @the_emo_alien
