A gift from us to you from Crystal Lee

Crystal is an advertising art director by day and artist at all times! Based out of Vancouver her art is whimsical, thoughtful and incredibly detailed.

Crystal, thank you so very much we love these pieces. Could you please tell us a little about yourself?

Thank you for the opportunity to share these pieces!

I was born and raised in Vancouver BC, and currently work as an advertising art director. I got into drawing as a kid when all I would draw was Spiderman and Dragon Ball characters!

Could you tell us a little bit about your approach and work?

I’ll usually start off with thinking of basic concepts and then an inspiration gathering phase, starting a folder and just putting things with elements that I find interesting. Then I’ll do a very, very rough comp of blocking in basic elements of the piece, and eventually move into a more refined drawing on top. The beginning is usually the hardest, but eventually things start to come together.

What about these particular pieces? How do you want people to feel when they observe them?

Hopefully a sense of optimism, a feeling of brightness that we can give each other and nurture and grow. 

Our intention this month is around happiness. What are your thoughts on that?

There’s simple, instant hits of happiness we give ourselves on a day to day basis like that mid-afternoon cookie or an evening stretch. Then there’s the other kind, the messy difficult decisions you have to make for future you and future happiness - like leaving a job in the middle of the pandemic, moving to a new place, or the ending of a long relationship. With the new year it’s a good time to rest, reflect, and reset where we are and where we want to go!

We’re always curious about what people are listening to — especially kicking off the new year. Any music recommendations for January?

I’ve been listening to the new single from this Canadian band July Talk - called “i am water”. My friends are probably sick of me talking about them but I love them.