Posts by Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart is a Staff Writer and Video Editor at My Modern Met. She earned a BA in Fashion and Textile Design at the University of Ulster in Belfast. Originally from Northern Ireland, she lived in Berlin for many years, where she fostered a career in the arts, dabbling in everything from illustration and animation to music and ceramics. She now calls Edinburgh home, where she continues to work as a writer, illustrator, and ceramicist. Her ceramics, often combined with hand-painted animation frames, capture playful scenes that celebrate freedom and movement, and blend her passion for art with storytelling. Her illustrations have been featured in The Berliner Magazine as well as other print magazines and a poetry book.
Design
January 28, 2020

Fascinating Map Reveals the Most Common Surnames in Every Country

Today, human society is more culturally diverse than ever, but our surnames can tell us a lot about our ancestral origins. While there are plenty of lesser known last names, this map created by online lending firm NetCredit reveals the most common surnames around the world, according to each country. Surnames generally fall into 1 of 5 categories: toponymic (location-based), occupational, personal descriptor, patronymic (from the name of a father or ancestor)

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Cityscape Photography
January 23, 2020

Dreamy Photos Capture the Charming, Candy-Colored Streets of San Francisco

Famous for its picturesque streets lined with colorful houses and charming architecture, San Francisco is the subject of photographer Helene Havard’s latest series. Havard traveled from her home in French Polynesia to the “City by the Bay,” where she captured the magic of this unique, candy-colored town. “I stroll in the streets at random and just let my inspiration flow,” Havard tells My Modern Met. “I am mostly interested in shape and colors.

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Drawing
January 4, 2020

Intricate Architecture Drawings Capture the Beauty of Gothic Buildings Across Europe

From stained-glass windows to intricate stone carvings, Gothic architecture is incredibly impressive—especially considering many features were crafted by hand. It’s no surprise then that these ornate structures are the inspiration behind Bournemouth, England-based artist Phoebe Atkey’s highly-detailed architecture drawings. From the arched doorway of Strasbourg Cathedral to Notre-Dame’s famous rose windows, Atkey captures the beauty of some of Europe’s most iconic buildings.

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Design
December 24, 2019

Japanese Stationery Company Develops Transparent Eraser to Let You See What You’re Erasing

The first eraser was invented in 1770 by English engineer Edward Nairne, and it has since been updated by various manufacturers into countless types, shapes, and sizes. But this staple correction tool has always had one flaw—you can’t see what you’re rubbing out. This is now a problem of the past thanks to Japanese stationery brand Seed.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.