Little Emu Designs
Meet Little Emu Designs
Little Emu Designs is a beloved Rooted staple. This graphic design shop comes from the creative mind of University of Delaware graduate Tara Lennon, whose work blends playful creativity with a deep love for Newark, Delaware. Tara’s designs are known for their quirk, humor, and unmistakable sense of place, drawing inspiration from University of Delaware pride and the landmarks that make Newark feel like home.
Tara started Little Emu Designs the summer after graduating from college. While searching for a job, she found herself craving a creative outlet and feeling especially nostalgic about her time in Newark. Having always wanted to try her hand at selling something of her own and long drawn to creative projects, she decided to start small by designing stickers. What began as a simple idea quickly grew into a small business centered around celebrating local identity and the charm of Newark, DE.
From the beginning, Tara felt that Rooted would be the perfect home for her designs. She had admired the shop since it opened, when she had even interviewed Rooted’s co-owner, Betsy, while writing for the University of Delaware’s student newspaper. Since then, Tara has built a great relationship with the team, not only selling her own products, but also collaborating on promotional stickers and postcards for Rooted. She credits the store’s staff for being incredibly supportive of her business and for helping her grow as a small artist.
Today, Tara’s work continues to be inspired by the idea of place. Having grown up in Newark, she feels a strong connection to the town and takes pride in creating merchandise that reflects it in an authentic and joyful way. Some of her most beloved designs include her seasonal Blue Hen stickers and the Newark, Delaware Main Street map T-shirt, which she releases in new colors throughout the year. Her work celebrates both hometown pride and the charm of Delaware’s small-state spirit.
Beyond the shop, Tara can often be found tabling at vendor markets across Delaware, sharing her designs and connecting with the community that continues to inspire her work. Through Little Emu Designs, she has created a brand that captures the humor, nostalgia, and local pride that make Newark—and Delaware—such a special place.
