Sherry Lou Studio — Local Undercover

Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do:

Sherry Lee: Sherry Lou Studio

I'm Sherry Lee, a self-taught gouache and watercolor artist originally from San Diego but now living in Northern California. I'm the creator and owner of Sherry Lou Studio. My specialties include painting colorful flowers, plants, buildings and food inspired by my travels, parent's backyard, and everyday life.

I've been drawing my entire life but first dabbled with watercolor in 2015 when I decided to paint my own wedding invitations. I started selling my art at arts & craft fairs and posting my art on Instagram more regularly in 2018 while I was working full-time in marketing. I left my marketing job to pursue art full-time and have been freelancing for over a year now. I have collaborated with several brands like Michaels Arts & Craft and Passion Planner and enjoy creating colorful art for people to enjoy!

Let us know more about your business name - how did you come up with it?

I first came up with my business name, Sherry Lou Studio, when I was starting a Fashion & DIY blog right after college. I was brainstorming with a friend during a car ride. My maiden last name is a bit long and confusing so I randomly chose "Lou" because it sounded nice with my first name, Sherry, while still representing my Asian background. It also reminded me of "Deery Lou" a Sanrio character.

What is your signature style / item? How did it become so?

My signature style is painting colorful florals, citrus, and buildings with gouache. This became my style because I just really enjoy painting these three things and I've always been attracted to bright vibrant colors.

What makes your business unique to the industry?

My business is unique to the industry because gouache paint isn't as well known as watercolor or acrylic and it's fun sharing the beauties of gouache and inspiring others to get into gouache as well.

What's been your biggest roadblock when it comes to business and how have you been able to overcome?

The biggest roadblock is figuring out how to have a positive work/life balance where I can allow myself to create art for fun and not always have to have it be about work. Because I love what I do, I can end up working on my business for over 10 hours each day and forget to take a break. I've been able to overcome this by setting aside time to meditate and turn off all electronics to just completely relax and work on fun activities without any expectation of needing to put it on Instagram or turn it into a product.

How has your business had to adapt amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic? What are you doing to navigate the situation?

2020 was originally supposed to be my year of attending more fairs and events and being able to showcase all of the art and products I've created. Since all of the events were cancelled, I've had to adapt by putting all of my inventory online and figuring out the best way to market my online shop. I've also participated in several virtual fairs, which have been a wonderful experience! Though I definitely prefer in-person events where I get to chat and connect with fellow artists and art lovers, the virtual fairs have been a great alternative and safer option during the pandemic.

What is your favorite part of what you do?

My favorite part of what I do is being able to create art and products for people to enjoy. I love to craft and make things so being able to turn my artwork into prints, stickers, cards and other products has been the funnest part of what I do.

**What is your must do local activity?**

My *must do* local activity in Tracy, CA is eating at Papa Urbs and Cafe Platano. Papa Urbs is a Filipino Asian fushion restaurant with the best sisig fries and papa noodles. Cafe Platano is a Salvadorian restaurant with incredible tamales and carne desilada.

Where to find Sherry Lou Studio:

Website: sherryloustudio.square.site
Instagram: www.instagram.com/sherryloustudio