Meet Belinda Kou: Lettering Artist & Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Belinda Kou and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Belinda, why did you pursue a creative career?
It took quite a while for me to end up in a creative career, as my journey has been quite non-linear! Looking back, it seems that my path towards where I am today always started with getting obsessed with a creative hobby. The deeper I got into the hobby, the more the passion behind it would push me into fighting fears and taking risks. I’ve always been interested in drawing since I was a kid. You could often find me huddled over a sketchbook or doodling away in the margins of my notebook in class. But, as a second-generation Taiwanese-American, I grew up thinking that I should focus on pursuing a career in the sciences (something more “stable” and “safe”) and just keep art as a hobby. In college, I got involved in student organizations and took on the role of communications chair in many of them, which was how I accidentally stumbled into graphic design. However, I was on a path to a degree in biopsychology, still convinced that pursuing a career in the arts was too risky for me. It wasn’t until after I spent a couple of years after I graduated in Teach for America teaching middle school science that I took the first leap. After realizing that I was more passionate about creating effective visuals for my students than the actual subject matter, I decided to risk making a career change and pursue a degree in graphic design. Best. Decision. Ever! I ended up working at an agency as a graphic designer and art director for several years while getting more involved and more experience in the design industry. Shortly after having kids, I realized how precious time was as I struggled to balance a job that was feeling creatively limiting and life as a young mother. Any time away from my girls felt like a waste if it wasn’t enjoyed. So, I decided to carve out a creative outlet. Hand lettering started as a hobby, but slowly the obsession kicked in, eventually leading to quitting my job in the summer of 2019 to pursue freelance lettering and illustration full-time. Now, I’m fully embracing my passion for drawing letters, and it has been an incredible ride so far! It’s been an unusual journey but, if anything, what I’m learning and am passionate about sharing with others is that it’s never too late to pursue what you love.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I specialize in combining playful lettering with detailed illustrations. Often drawing inspiration from foods and beverages (with an ever-so-slight obsession with doodling noodles), I love to create pieces filled with color, energy, and the occasional pun. I have had the pleasure of working with clients like NPR, Coach, The Washington Post, Trader Joe’s, and Nespresso, and it has been a truly rewarding experience to do what I love professionally. It wasn’t easy getting to where I am today as every turn in my non-linear path involved gaining experience, reassessing what I was truly passionate about, and taking a risk to go in the direction that would bring me closer. I would have never guessed I would love lettering so much or the business of freelance 10 years ago! Because of my journey so far, I hope to use my art to encourage and inspire others to carve their creative path as well.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My plans would naturally include lots of food expeditions with a smattering of sightseeing and tourist activities in between! Food places to check out include Chinatown for bubble tea, dim sum, and pastries (Hello Jasmine, Phoenix, Triple Crown, Chiu Quon, Saint Anna Bakery), and at least one ramen stop (Wasabi, Furious Spoon, Ramen San). In between meals we’d explore Millennium Park, the museum campus, and hit up at least one of the art museums. I also love taking friends on long walks along the lakefront, and the Architecture Tour down the river for those who are completely new to the city.  Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It’s difficult to focus on just one group of people to dedicate my shoutout to! In every step of my journey so far, I’ve had friends and family who have rooted me on. My closest friends have all recognized my artistic skills and knew before me that I could do something with it beyond just a fun hobby, and I have them to thank for the support and immediate encouragement they gave every time I decided to take a risk in my career path to bring me closer to doing what I love. My coworkers at my old job also played a pivotal role in my growth as they mentored me as a young designer and supported me in my lettering once they found out my passion for it. I’d also like to give a special shoutout to LA lettering artist Huyen Dinh, my fellow freelance buddy-in-crime aka freelance soulmate. Thanks to her, I’ve never felt lonely in my freelance journey and she’s there to trade business and lettering advice with and also share in the ups and downs of freelance together. Finally, I have my husband to thank for seeing what I was truly passionate about before I did and giving me the push in the first place to quit my job and pursue freelance.

Website: https://www.belindaskou.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belindaskou/
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/belindaskou
Twitter: https://twitter.com/belindaskou
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belindaskou
Other: Behance: https://www.behance.net/belindaskou Dribbble: https://dribbble.com/belindaskou TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@belindaskou

Image Credits
Belinda Kou