Meet Vi Ling Designs
Vivian Au
Where are you from and does that affect your work?
I was born and raised in Kansas City and I am first generation American born of immigrant parents. As teenagers, my parents immigrated to the United States from Hong Kong. Growing up as the only Chinese kid in school, my parents made sure that my brothers and I were exposed to our Chinese culture as much as possible. Every few years we would travel to Hong Kong to visit family, which is how we were mostly exposed to our culture. Hong Kong is known for its extensive chains of jewelry stores shinning with 24 karat gold jewelry of all kinds. On those trips, I remember so clearly everyday going to the main streets of Kowloon going into jewelry stores one after an other. Intricate 24k gold chains, pendants, earrings, bangles, and traditional Chinese wedding jewelry was what fascinated me the most.
These memories were my early love for jewelry.
Melody Lil’ Girls fancy bracelet and matching Mommy bracelet
How did you get your start with your own business?
Seventeen years ago I was creating jewelry for a local jewelry designer. I learned a lot in how to run a business while having the creative freedom in creating her jewelry line. At twenty five years old, I decided to take the leap of faith to become an independent jewelry designer and manufacturer. Thirteen years in creating your Forever Love Story, that is how Vi Ling Designs was created.
What is your biggest artistic influence?
My ethnic culture is my biggest artistic influence. Growing up as the only Chinese girl in grade school really made me appreciate my ethnicity. I love to create pieces with influences of Chinese cultural art combining my love of fashion and minimalism.
How do you define success as an artist?
Success as an artist in my perspective is looking back of all the years prior to and seeing the growth of my business and myself. All the tough times and struggles has built me to who I am today. I didn’t pack up and give up during the hard times. Instead I kept learning different aspects of the jewelry industry to build self growth.
NEW Lil’ girls fancy bracelets for Spring
What is a typical day like in the studio for you?
There are not enough hours in a day! I break my daily tasks by the hour to accomplish roles such as: email marketing, content strategy, website maintenance, photography, CAD designing and much more. Addition to Vi Ling, I am also a consultant for a jewelry insurance company. With that, it requires a lot of economic research of diamonds, color gemstones, gold and all sectors of the jewelry market.
NEW! Popular Vi Ling Front to Back style earrings featuring cultured pearls and rough diamonds set in oxidized silver.
What is the hardest part of your creation process?
At times, the creation process can take longer than expected when a client wants a custom piece giving me the 100% creative freedom. For new clients, it can be challenging to design a piece to their liking or matching their life style. Sometimes clients wants something generic, but I want to put a creative twist to it. Finding that balance can be time consuming and prolongs the process from start to finish of their custom jewelry piece.
How has your style changed over time?
As I’ve gotten older, my style has changed. I’m not scared of incorporating gemstones into my demi-fine jewelry collection which has also evolved my design style. Crafting jewelry with quality metals, accents of natural gemstones, mean while keeping price conscious is my main objective. Earrings has become my best sellers so I have concentrate in adding to the collection.
What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?
My favorite item is the “Front to Back earrings” These earrings can be worn from day to evening and it incorporates all the elements that I follow by in my collections. Modern - Fashion Forward - Classic
Anything new in the works?
Last year I added an in house CAD service for my clients custom creations. This coming month, the addition to one-on-one CAD design services, I will also be providing 3D jewelry mock ups for my clients. This add on service provides extra love and attention to creating their Forever Love Story.
Is there anything else that you would like to share?
I love Hello Kitty, Pomeranians, llamas, character art of asian culture, harajuku street fashion and anything pink and cute. That is where you will see a bit of my sweet and dainty side in my designs especially for the Lil’ Girls jewelry collection.
Catch Vi Ling Designs at Jackalope Pasadena on April 27th & 28th, 2024.