Emma Marick

Throughout my design journey at UNL, I have continually returned to physical, tactile mediums—whether it be scanning textures or creating watercolor paintings for digital applications, the list goes on. I am drawn to analog processes for their ability to slow me down and reconnect me with the present moment.

For me, mindfulness does not exist only in stillness or meditation; it appears in the messiness of everyday life. My work explores how intentional, hands-on practices can reintroduce mindfulness without the pressure of perfection.

In a world shaped by constant technological engagement, we often experience information fatigue, shortened attention spans, and increased stress. Analog routines offer a counterbalance encouraging a deeper sensory connection and a more deliberate pace. While technology allows us to move faster and access more than ever before, it also gives us the privilege of choosing slowness, of deciding which mindful, analog practices we invite into our daily lives.

Through simple, everyday actions like brewing coffee with a French press, taking and developing film, or writing lists by hand, we can create moments of pause. These practices invite us to be present, fostering awareness, improving well-being, and grounding us in the physical world.

My work advocates for choosing slowness with intention, using analog processes to reconnect with ourselves in an increasingly fast-paced, digital environment, and focusing on the present process over final product.