Queer Design Club

Hello! I'm Shelby & I'm a pan designer based in Northern NJ. I specialize in lettering, illustration, and graphic design.

How does being queer inform your work?

Honestly, I didn't really acknowledge or understand I was queer until my mid-20's. A lot of this journey has been me looking back in life and going, "Ohhh yeah I was hella gay." I love reflecting on that and being part of a larger community, but my work isn't there yet. I struggle to create LGBTQ+ centric work because I feel like when I do it, it needs to be powerful, have a new message, and rally the troops, despite a lot of queer work I enjoy not being like that. I'm so conscious of queer representation being shown as depressing, violent, and inappropriate that I don't want to continue contributing to that culture.

What are your favorite pieces of queer visual culture?

Probably work from Lisa Congdon, literally just point and pick a piece. She is the first out LGBTQ+ designer I found when getting into design years ago. I love that she is herself and shows personal aspects of her life with her art. While the art isn't LGBTQ+ centered, it gives queer joy a space to exsist where it doesn't have to be labeled as such. Also the magazine spread of Taylor Swift & Karlie Kloss together in a caravan since that is the most famous sapphic conspiracy ever.

Which other queer people inspire you?

My wife is my biggest source of inspiration and my biggest role model. She is selfless despite having grown up in some of the worst conditions, and can't help to love on people--whether they deserve it or not. I'd love to be more like that. I also love creators who are here for queer represention in pop culture like Dan Levy, Emily Andras, and Noelle Stevenson so that younger and future LGBTQ+ youth can embrace their true selves early and in safer spaces.