Meet Phuong (Chelsea) Le | Graphic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Phuong (Chelsea) Le and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Phuong (Chelsea), what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
For me, graphic designers are behind-the-scenes busy bees. Most of the time, the creative work is for the audiences, not just for ourselves. I find it intriguing to figure out the “perfect” formula for producing work that can satisfy not only personal aesthetic cravings but also is approachable and comprehensible for people who are not surrounded by design every day (in this case, a good example is my mom, a neurologist). When I was in school, I would sometimes show my work to her, and if she understood the ideas and intentions through my design execution, I felt validated, and my projects seemed to be heading in a good direction :-). Meaning serves as the base, and beauty is the cherry on top, always!

In my opinion, design becomes much more significant when it caters to other people. Since communication is a significant part of graphic design, I truly believe that practicality plays a big role in what it means to be a designer. A lot of the time, good and successful design is described as “effortless,” yet in fact, countless behind-the-scenes hours are poured in with critical thinking, ideation, production, and execution, etc.

In my short career, I have had the opportunity to work with many talented and wonderful people. I highly value teamwork and appreciate how creative teams function as a group of busy bees, striving to deliver what is best for us and the audiences.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m not the greatest reader; I often get sleepy after 500 words, haha. One of my goals for 2024 is to make a sincere effort to improve because design often requires extensive research. However, I’ve discovered that one of my strengths lies in seeking visual inspiration outside the of “graphic design.” I enjoy people-watching and zoning out while observing the world outside my personal and creative bubble. I’m grateful to be in LA, where there’s so much to see everywhere. Sometimes, what I observe is beautiful and well-crafted, and other times it’s uncomfortable and messy. However, both offer perspectives and inspirations not only for design but also for internal reflection on who we are. To me, a good designer is considerate, humble, and possesses a deep understanding of the audience and their role as creative contributors to society.

I graduated in 2022, so I am pretty fresh in the industry. There is still a lot I want to learn, to read 🙂 and to look at. I don’t think trying to be good at something is comfortable at all. However, I believe that learning how to deal with discomfort, anxiety, negative anticipation, and, best case scenario, trying to befriend them will make the creative process more enjoyable.

Many times, I’ve felt disappointed and frustrated with myself and the world when feeling uninspired or stuck at a dead end. And a lot of those times, I mentally forced myself to be “okay” just to get the work done. That approach didn’t work for me, and I started to resent what I created. I think detaching is important. Learning how to step up, walk away, look around, maybe get something indulgent to eat and drink, relax, and then come back helps clear my head and pulls me out of that dead-end feeling. So, even if I have to rethink and start over on an idea, I am walking on an open road with a better mentality and a full stomach 🙂

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I enjoy staying active; I believe it’s important to move your body and soak up essential Vitamin D and adrenaline, especially after long working days. I’d love to take my friends on a slow hike up Griffith or a refreshing swim at the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center (if it’s warm), or a hot yoga session at Modo Yoga in Echo Park. A substantial and hearty meal is a must for me earlier in the day. My favorite Vietnamese spots in LA are Summer Rolls in Temple City and Pho Ngoon in San Gabriel, both owned by the nicest and most humble locals. The food there is consistently amazing and puts me in the best mood. A stroll down Larchmont Village can also be on the itinerary. As an everyday coffee drinker, I don’t have a staple, but a creamy ice oat latte from Levain is a solid choice. Jones Coffee, Superba, and Jameson Brown in Pasadena hold a special place in my heart since they fueled me through ArtCenter, and of course, their coffee and pastries are delicious! Consider driving up the Los Angeles Crest for the best view of LA during golden hour, and then head to Jinsol Gukbap for, in my opinion, the best soup and galbi combo. And can’t forget to save a day to drive down to Redondo Beach for the freshest sashimi 🙂

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am eternally grateful for my family and Hanoi, my hometown, which have been my strongest sources of support and inspiration. The place I come from is a beautiful locale with a rich history, where I have encountered some of the kindest and most humble people, and ate the most DELICIOUS food (a must-try!). I moved to the States when I was 15, so every opportunity to return makes Hanoi more and more precious to me.

A big shoutout goes to my partner, Andrew, my 11-year best friend, Talley, my friends from back home, all the friends and teachers I encountered at ArtCenter and my coworkers. They are life’s most valuable gifts. Happiness and fulfillment play significant roles in my daily creative endeavors, and I genuinely cherish relationships that endure both good and bad times. As we grow older and busier with our lives, maintaining connections and finding common ground with those close to us becomes more challenging. Being an introvert, I deeply appreciate the effort we invest in balancing time to nurture these relationships, which I hold dear and that help keep me grounded in these tumultuous times.

Website: https://chelseale.info/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelc.le/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phuong-chelsea-le-455221155/

Image Credits
Images are of personal and school projects. Designer: Phuong (Chelsea) Le