Artist Spotlight: Lauren Lee
Lauren Lee
Loe Lee is an award-winning art director & illustrator in New York City who designed Welcome to Chinatown’s 2023 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM) theme and painted murals for the Care for Chinatown neighborhood revitalization program.
Her family immigrated to Chinatown in the late 1960's and the community has been an integral part of their lives for the last three generations. Loe's work appears in major campaigns for: Coca-Cola, Uniqlo, Google, La Mer, VICE, and more. When she’s not drawing, Loe is trying new Cantonese recipes and cuddling her two big dogs.
Tell us about yourself and your background in illustration and art direction!
My name is Loe and I’m an art director and illustrator in New York City who combines whimsical themes with everyday scenes. I’ve been fortunate enough to work on campaigns with Coca-Cola, Uniqlo, Grubhub, VICE, and Scholastic. In tandem with illustration, I’ve been working nearly ten years in the design and advertising world (and have more than my fair share of crazy stories). I’m also represented by Gerald & Cullen Rapp (Rappart).
Why is AAPI representation important in the illustration and design field?
Growing up, I had no idea the creative field existed. Being surrounded by immigrants and first-gen’s, my family and community expected us to become doctors, lawyers, or engineers. It's a common story in Asian communities, especially in places like Chinatown. Despite my parents' disapproval and the bewildered looks from friends and family, I took a leap of faith into this field and realized you can make a living making art. Seeing more AAPI designers lets later generations (or anyone of any age) know that being a designer can be a viable and fulfilling career (that also pays well!).
Loe’s design for 2023 APAHM
What from your culture or heritage inspires you in your work?
My culture influences my work more than I realize. My grandparents' home was filled with Chinese prints, embroidery, sculptures, and vases. I was also deeply into Asian comics and cartoons. These fantastical elements inspire my creations, leading me to include symbols like dragons, phoenixes, foo dogs, and goldfish unintentionally. Lately, I've been working on projects centered around AAPI culture, aiming to portray Asians in a non-stereotypical way. Although it sometimes leads to awkward conversations with clients, it's crucial to discuss and include the vastly diverse cultures within the AAPI community.
What did you want the Care for Chinatown murals to express to the community? What process did you follow to bring the stories of Chinatown to life in this series?
The only thing I wanted the community to know is that we’re here for each other. I’ve been going to some of these shops for 20+ years and something I know owners would love but can’t necessarily allocate funds to is artwork for their space. It’s a special addition that brings smiles and morale back to the business owners. When discussing their artwork, I loved seeing how excited and passionate they were. People from the community came to show their support, too, and helped paint the murals.
First Mural at CPC’s Child Care Center (115 Chrystie Street)
Process-wise, I bring clients through the same general procedure:
Concept: We write out the business’s history/legacy and mission. We then work with their current branding to see how to incorporate their logo, shop name, or colors.
Sketching: Concept sketches that get refined into final sketches
Digital Artwork: I create a digital illustration of the mural and mock it up in their space. As part of the program, we provide the digital artwork to the owners for their usage.
Painting: I outline the mural in pencil and use a paint-by-number system so that anyone can grab a paintbrush and join in. Community volunteers, including the business owners themselves, joined in. Special thanks to Caleb and Bryant for assisting with painting logistics and heavy lifting!
Sun’s Organic Garden (79 Bayard Street)
What was your favorite memory from working with the small businesses for Care for Chinatown?
I loved learning about businesses’ stories. I feel a deep connection to these owners and still talk to them today!
Why is it important to you to support the Chinatown and AAPI community through your work? How do you hope to continue your impact in the future?
In the 70s, CPC (Chinese-Planning Council) provided a safe haven for my parents in Chinatown, preventing them from getting into trouble. It was surreal to have painted murals for them during this project. It felt like a full-circle moment and my parents even joined one day to help out.
Having deep roots and memories here, it feels important to come back to support the neighborhood when I can. Chinatown represents local culture in NYC. It would be devastating for corporations to continue buying spaces out. The neighborhood thrives when local businesses and programs flourish. Fortunately, many of the younger generations are returning to support and take over the businesses their aunties and uncles had growing up. It’s been amazing to see.
Yaya Tea Garden (206 Grand Street)
Do you have any exciting plans/events/news that you want our followers to know?
I have a project that I’m proud of coming out with La Mer. It’s a short narrative about mental health and my connection to the ocean. It’s quite personal for a commercial project so I’m excited to see it published in the world (and a little anxious of the reception).
How does Manhattan Chinatown inspire you?
What are your go-to Chinatown spots? Must-buy items from those places?
Off the top of my head:
Kong Shik Tong - Went here every Sunday morning (when I can get in). I always get the golden lava toast, iced HK milk tea, and Beef Brisket noodle soup.
Soft Swerve Ice Cream (85B Allen Street)
Uncle Lou’s - Uncle Lou is actually my parents’ friend from way back! Everything is good there. We usually do the steamed whole fish and water spinach with garlic. It’s really popular though, so make a reservation!
Shanghai Asian Cuisine - The soup dumplings and Shanghai lo mein!
Chinatown Supermarket of Manhattan - All of my Asian groceries.
Cutting Edge Z - They’ve been doing my hair for almost 10 years now!
Da Long Yi - For hotpot, especially if you like spicy food.
Grand Daddy - Great cafe to work in! The owners are amazing and have a deep history in the area.
