You might not know Elisa Wong’s name, but you definitely know her work. In fact, you might have even shared her work; the San Antonio-born, Los Angeles-based artist has had more than a few of her politically-centric designs go viral on Instagram.
But she’s driven by way more than a desire to have her posts about mutual aid, voting, anti-Asian racism, or other hot-topic issues regrammed by Bella Hadid. (Which, yes, has happened.) “I use my creative skills to amplify voices and share knowledge that inspires others to reflect, engage, and create change in their communities,” Elisa explains.
That’s translated into infographics, protest signs, and even zines that are equal parts informative and eye-catching. And now, on the verge of launching her own do-good design studio, Little Wins, Elisa has figured out a way to combine her creative pursuits with her political passions.
Here, she chats with Rally+Rise about the power of good design to change the world, how to balance your politics with your need to pay the bills, and how to keep creative burnout at bay.
“Activist” is such a loaded word; do you consider yourself one?
I don't know if I would necessarily call myself an activist. I, personally, see an activist as someone who is a bit more out on-the-ground organizing and participating. I do consider myself an amplifier, though.
The pivot started for me when the pandemic hit. Pre-pandemic, I was already in a transitionary period, trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my career. I was experimenting a lot with different mediums and applications, but still didn't feel particularly “passionate” about anything. When the pandemic happened, I had friends that worked in medicine, so I started creating designs for them to help get PPE donations.
“when George Floyd was murdered and all the other unrest ensued that summer, I felt like I couldn't just watch from the sidelines and needed to use my skills in a more impactful way.”
Then when George Floyd was murdered and all the other unrest ensued that summer, I felt like I couldn't just watch from the sidelines and needed to use my skills in a more impactful way. Our president wasn't looking after us, so it was, and still is, extremely essential for us to lean on our communities and help each other.
I love the term “amplifier” as a way to describe what you do. What are some of the skills you have as an artist that have made you a better amplifier?
I come from a design agency background. So I learned a lot about design thinking, user interactions, and how to effectively visually communicate ideas through digital mediums—and I use that same knowledge when I design anything today.
One of Elisa’s poster designs—available to download and print out on her website—spotted at a protest.
What role do you believe that art, design, and social media play in movements?
I think they play a critical role in attracting, educating, and influencing the masses to wield collective action that pushes for accountability and progress. Good design is able to simplify complex ideas, effectively communicate messages, and evoke emotional responses.
Disseminating ideas or messages is a key part of growing a movement—especially on social media, which is such a visual medium. Strong design is key in getting a message to travel farther. I try to keep this in mind with anything I create.
What's your process like for creating a political graphic or info guide on Instagram?
My process varies from piece to piece, but typically I'll start by researching and learning as much as I can about the issue I'm creating a design for. Then I'll start writing the copy and figuring out exactly what I want to say.
After I do that, I either start sketching layout ideas on paper or, if I already have an idea, I'll go straight to my computer or iPad to start designing. Once I refine it, I do one last pass for grammar errors and double check for color visibility and text readability. Once that's done, I'll schedule and share it.
“Strong design is key in getting a message to travel farther. I try to keep this in mind with anything I create.”
What's a project you’ve worked on that you’re particularly proud of?
In 2020, I got the chance to contribute to some national campaigns to raise awareness around the importance of the election and raise funds for progressive causes. I'm really proud of that project because I got to see my work shared by influential people like Bella Hadid, Ricky Martin, and Amy Schumer, to name a few; I never imagined my work would have that kind of reach.
Those campaigns were able to raise $7 million for progressive causes, register nearly 25,000 voters, mobilize over 36,000 poll workers, and in some small way help Joe Biden get elected. It was pretty cool to see that impact.
The T-shirt design for Elisa’s 2021 fundraiser supporting Asian-led organizations.
As someone with a design studio, are there some companies you would never work with, because of their politics? Or do you find you need to compromise a bit in order to, you know, pay your bills?
Since we are a value and purpose-driven studio creating in service for a better future, yes, there are definitely some brands and companies that we would never work with—like anyone who is clearly racist, sexist, ableist, etc.
But there's also a big grey area as a business owner. I think it's important to recognize that having the ability to say "no" to a paying client because of their politics or ethics is a privilege in itself. When you don't have a financial cushion, compromises are inevitable. Our rule of thumb is to always ask ourselves, "Would this project still contribute to our greater goals?" If it's a yes, we consider it. If it's a no, we let it go.
I think that’s a conflict that a lot of artists face: surviving as an artist while creating according to their ideals.
Contributing your skills to the betterment of humanity is an incredible selfless act and a form of community care. But how can one give their all to others if they are unable to support themselves?
“It's important to recognize that having the ability to say "no" to a paying client because of their politics or ethics is a privilege in itself.”
Do your best to work with those that align with you, but don't be afraid to take on whatever work you need to in order to properly support yourself. If you're unsure about a well-paying project because of ethics concerns, consider asking yourself: "Do I need this project in order to survive?" Or: "Would doing this project still help me get a step closer to my ultimate goals?"
It's about trying your best to strike a balance between projects related to issues you're passionate about and projects you need to take on to financially support yourself.
Another thing that comes up a lot: activist burnout. How do you balance your advocacy work with your other projects?
Steady pacing, firm boundaries, and commitment to self-care practices have been my key to keeping burnouts at bay. I consume content really intentionally and at my own pace so that it doesn't overwhelm me, and I have strict work/life boundaries that I stick to. I don't work late unless absolutely necessary, I eat dinner with my family every night, and I bake in flexibility to my schedule (I have ADHD, so flexibility helps me manage my health).
I also keep up grounding self-care practices, like personal art projects, gardening, exploring nature, and keeping up with my community; everything is about balance. Since I have a good idea of how long it takes me to do things, I'm able to schedule my time relatively evenly between client, activist-related, and internal projects. That's one of the great pros to being your own boss: You dictate your own schedule.
“Nobody is perfect, we all make mistakes, and I think willingness to learn and improve is the most important thing.”
We all have blindspots; what are some of the ways that you try to be as intersectional in your activism as possible?
I try to stay as informed as possible, do my research, be as mindful as I can, and stay open to criticism and feedback. Nobody is perfect, we all make mistakes, and I think willingness to learn and improve is the most important thing.
One of Elisa’s designs for Instagram.
What upcoming projects of yours can we keep an eye out for?
My creative partner and I started our own creative studio called Little Wins that's dedicated to creating social positive work and expanding equity in creative industries. We're working toward our official launch very soon, so follow me on social, @elisadoesstuff, and keep an eye out for that! I've also been collaborating with Kenneth Mejia lately, who is running for LA City Controller in 2022. I've been really inspired by his campaign to bring more transparency to the LA government. Check him out and pledge to vote for him!
Any other activists inspiring you right now?
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jezz Chung, Sophia Li, Brenna Quinlan, Ashley Lukashevsky, Bree Newsome, and Jazmine Rogers are a few souls I've been inspired by lately.
Last, but not least: What's your advice for someone who wants to use their design skills for good?
Good! You are more than needed. Start experimenting and exploring—find a design skill to focus on improving and some causes you are passionate about and just start making stuff that speaks to you. Try to find some local organizations already doing work near you and see how you can contribute your creative skills to help spread their message. It's never too late to start, and there's always work to be done.
Visit elisawong.com to learn more. To support Elisa’s work, consider making a donation through Buy Me A Coffee or Venmo (@wongstaaa).