Celine Ka Wing Lau is an illustrator and graphic designer based in Hong Kong and London. She loves to illustrate bold, colourful images and witty characters. Celine’s art embodies themes of warmth, humour, and endearing charm. She frequently employs vibrant colours and concise lines to bring her characters and scenes to life. Her products were designed and made in Hong Kong.
We spoke to Celine about her super cute pin badges. See what she had to say below.
What attracted you to your craft?
What drew me to the idea of crafting pins is their multi-functionality, making them a wonderful gift for a wide range of people, including friends, family, and colleagues. They have the potential to serve as miniature yet meaningful pieces of art in a collection.
What does your typical day look like?
My usual day begins with sipping a cup of tea while enjoying some YouTube videos and listening to music. Afterwards, I have my lunch and then dive into work. My most inspired moments come in the late hours, so I typically start in the late afternoon and work until around midnight or 1am.
Does your product have an environmental focus?
My product aligns with environmental sustainability and supports the circular economy, as evidenced by the eco-friendly approach of using RISO printing, which is known as one of the most environmentally conscious and organic printing methods, for the back-cards of the pins.
What is the USP (unique selling point) for your products?
The unique selling point (USP) of my products lies in their distinct and quirky character, appealing to individuals of all ages, making them excellent choices for distinctive gift options due to their unique designs.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
Several artists have significantly influenced and moulded my artistic journey: René Magritte and Keith Haring. From René Magritte, I draw inspiration in the realm of introducing unfamiliar and unexpected contexts. Meanwhile, Keith Haring holds a special place as the first artist I deeply admired from a young age; his bold colours and distinctive black outlines have left a lasting impact on my own style.
Additionally, TV shows like ‘BoJack Horseman’ and ‘Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared’ have shaped my artistic perspective. These shows delve into the exploration of self-understanding and the complexities of emotions and feelings, aligning closely with my own artistic endeavours.”
Please can you provide a little more info on how your interest in design started and developed?
My interest in design began in childhood when I would habitually grab a pen and paper to sketch. As an only child, I frequently relied on my vivid imagination to keep myself entertained, which further nurtured my passion for creative expression and design.
Do you have any favourite items in the collection?
The UFO alien pin!
How would you summarise your collection in a few words?
Joyful, bright, and colourful
What are your hopes for the future? Where would you like to take your design career / collection?
In the future, my aspirations for my design career and collection are quite simple: I hope to continue creating, bringing joy to people through my designs, and spreading happiness through my work.