From Fan to Creative: Meet Lucy aka Luc with Luv

Image courtesy of Luc with Luv

K-pop allows fans to delve into their creative sides that end up transcending into their daily lives. With music lovers getting to dive in and write stories on their favourite musicians, podcasters, photographers and artists. The possibilities and avenues are now endless. There are a lot of incredible fans out there that have gone from fan to creative. And successful ones at that. I’ve been able to meet many wonderful people within the K-pop community, passionate, intelligent people who just want to spread the joy that comes from music. As we are in the swing of June and the FESTA schedule is in full swing, the mood is incredibly joyful.

This mini-series continues to tell the stories of those who have found a passion, perhaps one they didn’t know they had in them, because of finding particular inspiration from an artist. With FESTA just a week away, what better way to carry on the 'ARMY Celebrates FESTA' than with today’s artist? For UK ARMYs, you’ve probably met her many times hosting her own cup sleeves or, like myself, have many of her beautifully crafted pins on tote bags or displayed. I sit with Lucy, aka Luc With Luv. To discuss travelling overseas to watch the boys on their ground-breaking tours, the pin process, and, of course, the wonderful community that comes from cup sleeves.

KpopWise: Let's start with your artwork—when did you first begin creating pieces, and had you been interested in art before that?

Lucy: I first began creating pieces back in January of 2021, later opening my shop in March of 2021. I have adored art and creating since a very young age, always taking part in colouring competitions and illustrating my own characters, from when I was younger to taking Art for GCSE & Photography for A Level. I find the process so fun and ideas striking at the most random moments when I’m out and about and then later bringing them to life. It’s such a rewarding feeling knowing you have created something you are proud of.

KpopWise: You’ve brought your pieces to life via well-crafted pins, which are of high quality and beautifully done. What inspired you to launch out into selling pins, and do you remember the first ones you created?

Lucy: My pin journey started back in 2019 when my friend gifted me a ‘Young Forever’ pin inspired by the iconic Wembley moment. Ever since then I was obsessed with collecting pins; it was so much fun supporting small businesses and seeing their concepts & art styles, and I just could not stop buying. Due to my love for collecting pins, I kept having thoughts about designing my own pins and bringing my own creations to life. I wanted to design pins of concepts & songs that hadn’t been brought to reality. I was indecisive for about a year and then took the plunge in January 2021, when I bought my iPad. I then downloaded Procreate, got myself an Apple Pen, and the rest is history. My first designs consisted of BTS & Blackpink, where my first official pin was a ‘DDU-DU DDU’-inspired enamel pin, later getting my ‘Young Forever’ and ‘ON’ pins put into production.

Image courtesy of Luc with Luv

KpopWise: How long does it usually take from coming up with an idea and drawing the design to finally getting the pins ready for sale?

Lucy: It can vary; most of the time with production & pre-orders going live, it can take 2-4 months from designing to then having the physical pin with me. It’s so much fun seeing the production pictures from my manufacturer!

KpopWise: For you, which set of pins has been the most fun to create, and do you have a personal favourite?

Lucy: Oh my goodness, this is so hard to answer (laughs). I, of course, love all the pins I’ve designed, but my favourite set has to be either my Rapline Outro Tear Set or the ‘Me, Myself & I’ Photofolio Set. Both sets really challenged me to go further with my pin designing, for example, including chains and screen printing and making sure that both sets were in accordance with the rest.

Image courtesy of Luc with Luv

The amount of studying & researching for what to include in the pieces is so much fun. For example, when designing my ‘Daechwita' enamel pin, I probably watched the MV about 50 times, making a list of what to feature and picking up key items to include. My favourite of the 'Outro Tear' set would have to be Hoseok’s, as he was the reason why I kickstarted the set with his iconic Dior fit haha. My favourite of the ‘Me, Myself & I’ Photofolio Set would be Jimin’s. I loved how I drew one of his wings coming out of the heart and the blending of the beautiful colours in the background. His piece was iconic.

KpopWise: Your pins are specifically BTS-related; would it be fair to say they’ve motivated or even inspired you to share your work widely? In what ways do they influence and shape your creativity?

Lucy: Yes, definitely! BTS inspires me & my creativity in so many ways, from their lyrics to their outfits to the music videos to just being themselves. Ever since I started supporting them, they have inspired me each and every day with their comforting words, lyrics and existence. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them; posting my designs has given me a new confidence in life. Honestly, if you met me 10 years ago, I would be completely different and so shy.

KpopWise: When the boys announce something new, be it a new single or even a tour, you’re quick to drop a new design and potential pin. Would it be easy to say that your passion and admiration for them make the creative process come easy?

Lucy: Definitely! I feel a lot of inspiration and creativity for BTS, as they are my true ult group who have helped me through so many times in my life; the creative flow & ideas do come easy when they are involved. This is why I focus mainly on BTS, as they are my true inspiration.

KpopWise: Going from fan to running a well-known side business is a huge achievement. Had you always envisioned launching a brand that would become recognised within the fandom?

Lucy: No, never! It still feels surreal saying that I have my own little business. I never thought I would have my own business, let alone reach the sales that I have made or receive the amount of love. I am truly so grateful and appreciative. I remember when I first posted my designs; I was over the moon having 50 followers and a few comments. It was so nerve-wracking posting my first designs and, to be honest, still is to this day, but BTS really helped me find the inspiration, courage and confidence to do so.

KpopWise: You don’t just dabble with pins, but your work goes beyond that with mini artworks, keychains, and stickers for cup sleeves. How did you initially get started on those kinds of pieces?

Lucy: I think when I go to events and buy cupsleeves or merchandise online, I love purchasing keychains, mini artworks & stickers, so I thought I would design my own! They are so cute to display on bags or stick on your wall or notebooks. I also love handing them out at cup sleeves, as it really holds memories of that day or event.

KpopWise: From that you’ve also organised and hosted your own cup sleeves events, including past FESTA celebrations. How important is it to you to create such events, and how much time typically goes into planning something like that?

Lucy: It’s so important. Ever since I became an ARMY, I loved going to cup sleeves and events to do with BTS. One of my friends, Tas, hosted a lot of BTS cupsleeve events, & I always remember thanking her for taking the time to host this event and for keeping the UK army community alive by bringing us all together, whether it be for their birthday or anniversary. It’s truly so much fun being surrounded by ARMY and singing our hearts out and meeting up with friends who we haven’t seen in a long time.

Image courtesy of Luc with Luv

That’s one of the main reasons why my friend ‘ChimChimPins’ & I decided to host several cupsleeve events. A lot of time goes into planning these events, for example, finding the venue, designing the tier packs and what we will include in them, designing the cupsleeves, organising the vendors, and choosing what drinks to have as the specials & the names. A lot goes into it and takes a lot of time, but it’s truly so much fun, especially when event day arrives! I’m so proud of the events Chim & I worked on together. We hosted a ’Summer with Bangtan’ event, J-Hope Birthday Cupsleeve, and a ’Spring with Bangtan’ event, with our most recent being an Army Day event!

KpopWise: With the boys' discharge coming up, this year's FESTA is without a doubt extra special. You’ll be a vendor at some of the upcoming UK fan events. How would you describe the experience of being part of the fandom and wonderful community to those on the outside who might have presumptions about BTS and ARMY?

Lucy: It’s truly the best experience to be part of such a lovely, supportive community of UK ARMY! Funnily enough, at the majority of the cupsleeve events, we have non-ARMY visitors wondering what the event is and who we are supporting, and it's truly so much fun explaining and watching their faces in fascination about how dedicated we are to bringing everyone together. It is a different experience for them, but to us it's second nature and so amazing to be part of a Bangtan-filled day!

KpopWise: Let's touch briefly on BTS and your personal journey with them. How did you first discover them, and what was it that drew you in specifically?

Lucy: I first discovered BTS back on YouTube in September 2017 with their DNA performance at the AMAs. I was completely in awe of their stage presence, singing and dancing, and fell instantly down the rabbit hole of Bangtan. I couldn’t stop watching the DNA music video, especially the part where they all jump in sync in the chorus. I am so glad I clicked on that YouTube performance that day.

KpopWise: For those who perhaps are just starting to go down the rabbit hole or are simply intrigued, what album, in your opinion, is the best introduction and p

rovides a small insight into them as artists?

Lucy: I personally think Love Yourself: Tear would be the best introduction. Each song is just impeccable and so versatile, but it’s so hard because I could honestly say that for every BTS album haha. Love Yourself: Tear contains some of my most favourite songs, such as Love Maze, Paradise & Outro Tear.

KpopWise: As the iconic Chapter Two era is seemingly coming to an end, how have you enjoyed this chapter, and which album has been the standout?

Lucy: I have absolutely loved Chapter 2. Of course I have missed my seven and their group music, but this chapter was so important for them as individuals & their solo journey. It’s been so fun hearing each of their solos & how different they are from one another, and I have loved them all. I remember talking to my friends about this a while ago, and I honestly can’t pick a favourite, as I love them all. Each album has a different vibe, so one day I will have Layover on repeat, and then the next I will have D-Day on repeat & so on. Today it has been Echo (laughs). I am obsessed with Background; I really hope he plays it on his tour!

Image courtesy of Luc with Luv

KpopWise: Like many ARMYs, we don't tend to think twice when it comes to waking up in the early hours for comebacks or even flying around the world to see them live. You recently travelled to New York for J-Hope's H.O.T.S. tour. Why do you think it's such an easy decision for so many fans to be so dedicated to travelling and fully committing to the group?

Lucy: I think it’s such an easy decision because of the impact BTS have had on our lives. I have made lifelong friends through this incredible group and had the most amazing experiences, the best concerts, and unforgettable chats and conversations with ARMY about how much we love and value BTS. It’s a feeling like no other loving a group like BTS. One of my main mottos in life (may be quite cheesy, but it's true) is that you only live once; if I can make it happen, I always try my best to travel to see them, as they just mean the world to me. I thank my lucky stars every day that BTS crossed my path when I needed them the most, and I have made the most amazing memories because of them.

KpopWise: Finally, what's next for you, and what would be the ultimate goal?

Lucy: My ultimate goal would be to keep designing pins that I am proud and happy of. The algorithm is really hard and gets me down a lot, but I need to overcome that and keep drawing/designing pins of my seven that make me the happiest. Another goal would be to venture further with my creations, such as designing apparel or photo card holders.

Follow Lucy over on Instagram here and shop all the of her wonderful goodies here.