Drawing from everyday moments and conversations, Calesta Ng creates illustrations that feel both familiar and wholesome. Pairing her whimsical style with imagination, humor, and personality, Calesta turns ordinary everyday objects into something emotionally engaging and full of character.
We catch up with the multi-disciplinary artist to learn more about their craft and hopes for their business.
What attracted you to your craft?
As a multidisciplinary illustrator, I explore various mediums to tell stories, with a particular focus on the theme of ‘banality’. My work investigates how illustration can break the monotony of everyday routines and inspire viewers to notice the small, often overlooked details around them.
From pen and paper, to ceramics and risograph printing, I enjoy experimenting with different tools, adapting and manipulating each to suit my visual language. Through this process, I create whimsical characters and relatable narratives that bring joy and meaning to the ordinary.
Expression Ceramic Bowl
Hand-made ceramic bowl featuring one of Calesta Ng’s signature illustrated facial expression.
What inspired you to start your own creative business?
The first product I created for market were ceramic cups. I remember being in my first year and becoming completely invested in throwing different shapes of bowls and decorating them with illustrations of animals, spices and flowers.
I found it fascinating how people could interact with my illustrations in a tactile, everyday and functional way. Eventually, my small accommodation was overflowing with ceramics, so I began selling them at art markets. To my surprise, people actually bought and complimented them. This encouraged me to expand my range beyond tableware to include jewellery, prints, and gift cards.
What is your favourite aspect of running your own business?
I’m still in the early stages of running my business, but receiving positive feedback on my products brings me so much joy. I remember a time when a couple asked me to create a pair of custom mugs as an anniversary gift with some illustrations of their dog. During the second glazing, one of the mug handles broke off, and I was devastated as it needed to be delivered just two days later.
Thankfully, I managed to remake it in time, and the final piece reached them without any issues. Their response was beyond anything I had imagined. That reminded me that running a creative business is a constant process of trial and error. I’m not only growing as an illustrator but also developing essential skills in communication and management that will serve me for a lifetime.
Small Showers A3 Print
The ‘Small Showers’ A3 print is inspired by a day swimming in the sea in the south of France.
What is the USP (unique selling point) for your products?
My unique selling point lies in the relatable facial expressions I illustrate. These illustrated emotions and reactions transcend race, culture, and background. With constant research on facial movements, I am
constantly fascinated by the human face, which has over 43 muscles capable of producing more than
10,000 expressions.
This inspires me to bring inanimate objects to life by giving them expressive, human-like features which represent what they might be feeling. Drawing from everyday moments and conversations, I create illustrations that feel both familiar and wholesome. Paired with my whimsical line work, I inject imagination, humor, and personality into each piece, turning the ordinary into something emotionally engaging and full of character.
What is the source of inspiration for your designs?
My inspiration comes entirely from everyday life; the places I visit, conversations with friends or strangers, and even the random thoughts that come to me on the bus. I love observing the world around me, not just people-watching but noticing the odd little details on the street. For example, why is there a single shoe hanging from a tree? What would it be thinking? How would it feel?
I enjoy reimagining these curious moments, creating conversations between objects, and turning them into illustrations or ceramic collections. It’s my way of adding personality and narrative to the overlooked parts of daily life.
Illustrated Cat Porcelain Earrings
These Illustrated Cat Porcelain earrings feature Calesta’s signature whimsical style.
Any final thoughts you’d like to share with us?
With the idea of fluidity in mind, I choose not to assign any fixed genders or identities to my characters in the majority of my work. I want each piece to stand on equal ground, open to interpretation.
My work invites the audience to connect with the characters in their own way; maybe they feel connected because of a significant incident that is personal to them? This openness allows meaning and identity to emerge through personal perspectives as well as the narratives I project.
Calesta Ng is part of not just a shop‘s selected new designers and makers for 2025.
Each year, not just a shop holds an Open Call for new products from UAL students and alumni. All products and makers are selected by a panel from various disciplines and backgrounds.
This year, 13 new makers were chosen as our new cohort, making it one of our most successful years yet. Our range of practical yet stylish homeware, jewellery and accessories are sure to excite and enhance your everyday style and experience.
Learn more about this years selection of new makers and products.