Emma Riva is a writer based in Pittsburgh. She is the founder of Petrichor Magazine and a contributor to publications such as Artforum, The Art Newspaper, and Whitehot Magazine. She has worked for Atmosphere Press as an interior designer for three years and worked in book design in some form for almost ten.
What’s your role at Atmosphere Press, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I am an interior designer, and I love seeing the text come to life from a raw file to what readers recognize as a book. I love to pick fonts that balance each other out but create a coherent vibe and narrative for the book.
How does your own creative practice inform your work with authors?
I started doing book interiors when I was working for an educational nonprofit where I sort of wore every hat. They needed me to design the anthologies for the students that took the creative writing program, so I learned on the job. I see InDesign as a language where I am always learning new things and streamlining how I use it. Honestly, I really enjoy doing work where I don’t have to produce my own writing as I have to do in my daily creative practice and other work! I find it relaxing and often when doing a first pass I catch up on a show or podcast I’ve wanted to enjoy in the background. I try to look at the book from the author’s perspective — I self-published a novel at one point that I designed myself and have about seven sitting around on my computer I have yet to do anything with — and see it as a service where I get to bring someone’s dream to life.
What book, film, or piece of art has shaped you the most?
My favorite book is The Long Walk by Stephen King. I first read it when I was twelve and still learn something new from it every time.
What do you wish more authors knew about Atmosphere Press’s publishing process?
There is a large team of people behind what seems like a simple process! Also, the contractors on the interior team often all work multiple jobs, so we are working very hard to bring the book to life.
What’s a fun fact most people wouldn’t guess about you?
I was a competitive fencer and hold both Swiss and American citizenship through my heritage.
Where can people find your creative work, if you’d like to share?
Outside of working with Atmosphere, I am a professional arts and culture journalist with work in places like Artforum and The Art Newspaper. I also write about wine and spirits and am working towards a higher level of wine education and more hands-on wine service experience — I would love to find some way to merge wine and art, but have not figured it out quite yet. You can find me on Instagram @emmawithglasses or on my website emmawithglasses.com to follow what I’m doing.
Any advice for fellow creatives trying to stay inspired?
Rest. A lot. Burnout is not your friend. But also make time to travel and diversify what you see and experience.
What’s a creative risk you’ve taken that paid off (or didn’t—but taught you something)?
I started my own publication about the arts in Pittsburgh, Petrichor Magazine, during a transitional period in my life. It taught me that “if you build it, they will come.” There was a real demand for what I was doing. Petrichor is now almost at its second birthday!
When do you feel most “in flow” creatively?
I grew up in New York City, so being on public transit is very soothing and inspiring to me (I actually am writing this while on the Amtrak). I think of my best ideas while on the bus or train.
More staff spotlights are on the way!
Until then, meet the rest of Atmosphere Press’s amazing staff on our team page.
Atmosphere Press is a selective hybrid publisher founded in 2015 on the principles of Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, Kindness, and Making Your Book Awesome. Our books have won dozens of awards and sold tens of thousands of copies. If you’re interested in learning more, or seeking publication for your own work, please explore the links below.
