Meet Alaya Lee

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alaya Lee. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alaya below.

Hi Alaya, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?

When I hit a creative block, I take it as a signal to shift, not push. I’ve learned that inspiration rarely comes when you chase it directly. Instead, I recalibrate my pace. Coming from a jazz and visual design background, I understand the importance of pauses—of space between notes or between images. Sometimes, I go back to sound—listen to ambient noise, or even just walk without music. Other times, I turn to something tactile: printing by hand, dancing, cooking. Movement clears mental noise.
I no longer try to “beat” the block. I let it slow me down, so I can hear what’s quietly asking to be noticed. That’s when something honest usually emerges.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Hi, I’m Alaya Lee — a visual artist and designer originally trained as a jazz musician. My work lives at the intersection of sound, image, and narrative. Whether I’m designing a record cover, curating an exhibition, or building brand identities, I’m always exploring how intangible ideas—like rhythm, memory, or silence—can be translated into visual form.
What excites me most is bridging abstract concepts with practical design outcomes. I often collaborate with musicians, artists, and emerging brands to develop visual systems that are both concept-driven and functional—whether it’s a logo, packaging, or an exhibition experience. I’m especially interested in early-stage creative ideas, when the language is still forming, and I can help shape both its look and tone.
Right now, I’m working on several album visuals and brand identity projects, while also collaborating on a new interdisciplinary studio project that explores the intersection of textiles and spatial experience. My practice moves fluidly between mediums, but it always begins with listening—visually, musically, and culturally.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three most impactful things have been:
(1) learning to listen deeply
(2) staying comfortable with uncertainty
(3) building intuitive systems

Music taught me to listen—not just to sound, but to space, people, and context.
Uncertainty taught me patience and curiosity.
And intuition became stronger when I gave it just enough structure to grow.

For those starting out: stay curious, and don’t rush to define everything. Let your questions lead your work, not just your answers.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I’m always open to meaningful collaborations—especially with musicians, artists, cultural spaces, and emerging brands. I enjoy working with people who value storytelling, texture, and the invisible layers behind visual work.

Whether it’s developing a visual identity, building a concept for an exhibition, or translating sound into image, I’m excited by projects that cross disciplines and create space for nuance.

If you feel like our practices could resonate, I’d love to connect：）

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alayalee.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alayyalee/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaya-lee-7b4bab200/