Today we’d like to introduce you to Shirley Vuong.
Hi Shirley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Shirley also known as “Elsie”, I am a multidisciplinary artist and designer.
Art has always been a big part of my life, through experimenting with different mediums, such as: drawing, painting, graffiti, and cooking. I pushed it further by attending culinary school, and then design school. Inspired by the array of colours and the ability to manipulate and create intricate sculptures, this is where I found my love for tactile design. My creations are handcrafted and made entirely of paper; they are whimsical, playful and vibrant, with faceted faces.
My work plays on the notion of surprise and encourages thinking outside the box, and aims to embolden others to believe they can create something amazing with as little as a piece of paper. My style has always been brightly coloured with a focus on the tactile and geometric. they are whimsical, playful and vibrant, with faceted faces. It plays on the notion of surprise and encourages thinking outside the box, and aims to embolden others to believe they can create something amazing with as little as a piece of paper. I have a strong foundation in graphic design which includes illustrator, photoshop, indesign, figma which I have used to create logos, marketing materials and digital art.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. Being self taught in tactile design, the journey has been filled with amazing accomplishments and moments of stress. Like any creative path, there have been a lot of ups and downs, and each challenging moment has taught me something new and helped me grow as an artist. From where I started and where I am now, I am grateful that I didn’t stop and kept on going.
No matter where you start, there will always be obstacles along the way. What has made the biggest difference for me is the encouragement and support of the people around me, from family to friends and even strangers. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has believed in what I do, shared my creations, and supported me throughout this journey. Their encouragement has reminded me to keep going, even during the most challenging moments.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My creations are handcrafted and made entirely of paper; they are whimsical, playful and vibrant, with faceted faces.
My work plays on the notion of surprise and encourages thinking outside the box, and aims to embolden others to believe they can create something amazing with as little as a piece of paper. My style has always been brightly coloured with a focus on the tactile and geometric. I would say I specialize in tactile design/paper-craft.
It’s difficult to choose just one project that I’m most proud of because every piece represents a different chapter of my journey. Whether it’s a large installation or a small personal creation, I’m proud of having the opportunity to bring each idea to life from the initial concept to the finished piece. Every project has taught me something new and reminds me why I love creating. What sets me apart from everyone is the unique pieces that I create and colours that I use that others might not consider to use.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
They can email me through my website or DM me through instagram. Any support is appreciated from sharing my work or even getting the word out. I recently created a business where I design custom stickers or prints from my vending machine that I rent out for any business or event and other special occasions, creating a fun, interactive experience with custom-designed keepsakes for guests. (@stickwithelsie)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elsieartdesigns.com/
- Instagram: elsie.sv
