Sticker Book Artist Interview: Evellyn Le
In celebration of our recently launched Women’s Empowerment Sticker Book, we are featuring the six talented female artists who contributed their gifts to make these stickers come alive.
We sat down with artist Evellyn Le to find out the inspiration behind her designs and artwork.
Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you get into your art initially?
A: I’m a lettering artist and occasional illustrator. I didn’t know it at the time but my fascination with fonts began when I was just a kid. I would always study typography from magazines, billboards, and packaging. Growing up, lettering was something I did for fun. On posters, notebooks, cards, the back of my homework assignments.
It wasn’t until I worked for Passion Planner that I actively started lettering. In summer of 2017, I remember this distinct moment where I was tasked to create a planner spread. Picking up a brush pen, I said “Wow... I get paid to do this?” From there, I kept on practicing and I found so much joy and comfort in marking up my planner pages.
Using the back pages of my Passion Planner to take notes of my plant babies
How has your art evolved over time and what steps do you take to continually improve your craft?
A: I first got into modern calligraphy. I learned the basics, practiced my strokes. Nowadays, my art has evolved into paper and digital hand-lettered designs. I love that each letter is so carefully crafted and I enjoy the process of going through multiple revisions for the best composition. I find that the more time and heart you invest into your art pieces, the more proud you feel about your final results.
To continue honing my craft, I...
- Experiment with new designs and sketches inside my Passion Planner
- Connect with other artists in my community to share resources, knowledge, and processes
- Follow creative folks I admire for inspiration, tips, and their stories (@homsweethom, @misterdoodle, and @liamashurst are few of my favs)
- Observe type in the real world — seriously, they’re everywhere!
- Repeat and refine my lettering process, again and again
Where did you draw your inspiration from for your contributions to the Women’s Empowerment Sticker Book?
A: Definitely from the mood boards provided by the Passion Planner team. But also as a visual learner, I find inspiration from the world around me. Some of my illustrations actually came from plant references I used while at this really hip coffee shop.
When designing the actual stickers, I brainstormed ~100 sketches. My sketches usually inspire more sketches. The most valuable tip I ever received from my high school Graphics teacher: When brainstorming, welcome any and all ideas (good and bad) without judgement. Then eliminate, expand, or refine after.
Designs for the Women’s Empowerment Sticker Book by Evellyn Le
How do you handle an art block or a creative rut?
A: My creative lettering comes in phases. Sometimes it’s a 2 month grind, other times a few weeks. When I am in a rut, I find it best to step away from the art board and invest my energy in other hobbies or aspects of life. In fact, I look forward to it. I would learn new songs on the uke or read a new book, decorate my Animal Crossing island or try out recipes in the kitchen. Taking breaks and recharging is so necessary. More than likely, inspiration for a new passion project will hit when I least expect it.
What keeps you motivated in life or what is your ‘Why?’ in life?
A: Right now, I am energized by spreading love through letters, whether that’s moving people through type designs or creating sentimental cards. I am inspired by quotes because they help me to get through difficult times. I also appreciate the lost art of handwritten cards — it’s instant gratification making someone’s day through such thoughtful gestures. I guess I hope to somehow combine those two passions to bring more positivity and kindness to the world. Cheesy, right? It’s how I roll. ☻
“Remember Why You Started.” A commission piece I created for a dear friend.
What’s your advice for artists who are just starting out?
A: First, I’m right there with you. Early 2020 was when I truly started to pursue lettering. Two pieces of advice:
1. There’s no secret or shortcut to becoming great at your craft. It’s all in practice. They say you become an expert after 10,000+ hours. So put in the time, repeat your process, and refine it again and again.
2. You’re on the right path if you find yourself falling in love with the process. For me, it’s going through multiple revisions for one design or creating something meaningful. It’s getting excited over the small details or finally solving a composition problem with fresh new eyes. Instead of chasing your passions, I truly believe in chasing what energizes you.
A note to self: “You are exactly where you are meant to be.”
What does Women’s Empowerment mean to you?
A: Ah, this topic makes me feel so emotional. Growing up as a Vietnamese American woman, to me, empowerment means wholeheartedly believing and advocating for yourself. Your worth, your talents, your ambitions, your voice. I think of my mother who is resilient, gentle, and strong. I think of my younger sister who is defining her own path. I think of women who are unstoppable yet humble, persistent yet graceful.
Empowerment is creating the life that you want for yourself, authentically and unapologetically. And along the way, inspiring and uplifting other women to do the exact same.
Where can we find more of your work?
A: You can follow me @evellyn.letters for the letters you’ll need to hear one day. Or check out my website and shop (coming soon).
Thank you for having me! ☼
With love,
Evellyn