Huiqi and Ivon from Lenglenglights create luminescent work of arts for brands such as Urban Decay, Kwang Sia, Google, Bar Rouge Singapore and believe that neon detailing serve as a perfect artistic touch to embellish every occasion.
They take inspiration from the latest global campaigns put forth by Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton and more; and are keen to use their works to bring life to both interior and exterior spaces.
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POPSPOKEN: How did you get into your current line of work?
Kate: I received a special gift from Ivon on my birthday, and guess what the present was – a DIY neon EL light! She knew that I loved neon lights from the beginning.
Ivon: That was how we actually derived the idea of selling inexpensive handcrafted neon lights to the public.
POPSPOKEN: How does a normal day look like?
On average for one customer, it will take us about 3-4 days in answering all the customer’s enquiries on the lights before they decided to proceed with the orders.
Once orders have been confirmed, we will proceed with the drafting of customer’s design, constantly liaising with the customer and editing the design until it meets the customer’s satisfaction.
We will then customise the neon lights according to the final draft, eventually wrapping up with delivery and installing the signages on site.
POPSPOKEN: What are the top 3 apps you use in your creative work?
Pinterest, Instagram and We Heart It.
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POPSPOKEN: What is the biggest challenge you face as a creative in Singapore?
Being undervalued by customers who keep trying to low ball us. How we set our price for our handcraft works are based on a few key factors:
- Cost of the materials
- Time, technical skills and effort required in making the lights depending on the size and complexity of the designs requested by our clients
- Competitive pricing
POPSPOKEN: Where do you go and what do you do for inspiration?
Travelling around the world would work best for us. Experiencing the different cultures, lifestyles and people around the world help us gain inspiration.
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POPSPOKEN: Favourite travel destination and why.
We love traveling to Hong Kong, mainly because the country is known for their iconic neon street lights and we first fell in love with it. Of course, the food and culture too!
Without a doubt, we absolutely want Hong Kong to preserve their iconic neon street lights. If Hong Kong did not preserve their iconic neon street lights, they will lose the the identity of their country and also the iconic status of neon street lights that they championed for centuries.
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This is what we’re most proud of to date! The above artwork is in 4m length and it was done using neon el lights.
We were striving for perfection and it took us many nights to complete it.
POPSPOKEN: How do you approach getting stakeholders on board?
We feel that the thriving social media community has played a big part in helping neon signage to gain its popularity by bringing the neon beauty to light. Millennials have deemed neon signage as aesthetics that are also “Instaworthy” as pictures for their social media profile.
The neon trend is so trendy and popular that its presence can be easily spotted in the high-end leading fashion brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, FENDI, etc, either in their latest collections, runways or their marketing and advertising strategies which will efficaciously draw the attractions of millennials.
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POPSPOKEN: Are there any books or blogs you’d recommend?
“When Breathe Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi.
POPSPOKEN: Where can people find you?
Facebook and Instagram @Lenglenglights
Our workshop is at 144, Tagore Lane, 787562.
Email us to make an appointment before coming down to the workshop!
POPSPOKEN: How would you like to be remembered?
Leng Leng actually means “pretty pretty” in Cantonese. We would definitely appreciate it if our clients do think of us each time they think, or see, really pretty neon lights.
Creatives In The Lion City is a series hosted by Sheryl Teo on Popspoken. Read exclusive interviews with artisan souls in Singapore, as we get behind-the-scenes with the dreamers and doers in various artistic spheres and creative disciplines.
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