From Uncertainty to Unbeatable Paper Masterpiece
Cheryl Teo, who once stared blankly at her future after dropping out of grad school, now wields sheets of ordinary paper like a superhero wields a cape. The way she slices, folds, and glues transforms plain stationery into jaw‑dropping art.
Who Is Cheryl, by the Way?
Captain LULO, that name you’ll see scrolling across Instagram feeds, is really just Cheryl. She studied photography at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), but the canvas of her life got a surprising twist when she discovered paper was her true calling.
“I never really thought I could become an artist,” Cheryl admits. “I’d always had a childhood crush on art, but my practical brain didn’t see a future there. Then I stumbled on paper projects, and suddenly I was in the right place at the right time.”
The Paper Love Affair
It all started in her first year of university when she was tasked with a paper-based assignment. The ease of availability and the creative freedom the medium offered sowed the seeds of a lifelong passion.
“Paper is everywhere—kid, teen, college student—you can have a piece right at the kitchen table,” Cheryl says. She was inspired by artists who turned paper into surreal shapes and wanted to see what she could do herself. It gave her a chance to practice small-scale, but wow-worthy, sculptures that could fit in any Singaporean apartment.
Who’s Got Paper?
Notable Collaborations
- POSB: Elegant billboards turned paper stunners.
- Zespri: Fresh fruit meet fresh art—snazzy paper tomatoes and bananas.
- Singtel TV ads: Soap‑operatic villains? No, paper versions with fabulous flair.
- Asian Civilisation Museum & National Library Board: Heritage with a twist—paper carvings that hold stories for a whole day.
Her Instagram account, fished from these moments, is a gold mine of creativity. For the full pinch‑of‑magic, you can check the dedicated posts:
Mastering the Paper Craze
Cheryl’s card‑shaped masterpieces include the iconic Merlion and the historical figure Sang Nila Utama. All crafted from nothing but naturals—paper, scissors, glue and an eye for light.
She says the real trick is finding the correct yarn of use:
- Use sturdy card stock for bold shapes.
- Add translucent layers for ethereal portraits.
- Cut with precision—no splinters allowed.
Creative Routines & “Out of the Box” Exit Strategy
When the creative buzz dies, Cheryl falls back on a simple—yet effective—habit: “I take a random paper, and I give it a life. Once that’s done, the rest of the project mates itself.” Rather than staring at a blank wall, she chuckles, “Imagine if the paper could talk—one line of ink, one heartfelt nod.”
For anyone craving to regain a creative spark, Cheryl throws a little pep‑talk:
- Change your environment: a crayon‑filled desk will spark new ideas.
- Make your creative ritual less intimidating—just have a solo paper afternoon.
- Watch a quirky short and lean in; humor is the great inspiration.
Final Words From the Paper Protagonist
Van D? “It’s about letting the paper sing with light, color, and a pinch of whimsy,” Cheryl explains. Everyone’s creative path is a messy, beautiful mess—dealing with uneven shapes and stained edges are part of the fun.
Her final shot? A final takedown over exactly two paragraphs that waves at you: “There’s plenty of sheets there; use them. The world of paper is endless.”
Who is “Captain LULO”? Is it your superhero identity?
Why Captain LULO Is Just a Paper‑Art Captain
Ever wonder how Captain LULO got its name? I’ll be honest: it’s not a grand revelation from the stars—just a silliness that caught on when I was eight years old and starting to sell homemade goodies.
In the early days, I slapped a handful of quirky crafts together online and shot a brand name down the digital lane. Fast forward six years, that old Instagram handle has stuck like glue. I’ve toyed with changing it a lot, but every attempt has felt like a bad pun.
What Makes Captain LULO Truly Gear‑Up
- It’s a paper wizard who thinks colors are more than just stationery.
- Every art piece is a tiny voyage—imagine a papercraft sea adventure.
- It’s a badge of originality: nobody else can say they’re the own hero of paper.
Fun Fact: How I Shepherded My Own Identity
Picture this: I was a kid with a box of colored paper and a dream. I thought, “Why not put a comic book title on a shrimp?” And that’s how Captain LULO entered the creative scene. No dramatic epiphany—just a creative chaos of glue, scissors, and a sprinkle of imagination.
We’re Just getting Started!
In short, Captain LULO is the artist tag on a DIY paper playa. There’s no epic backstory, just an old handle that survived nine years of creative experiments. Keep those eyes peeled for more one-sheet adventures.
From miniature food to tiny furniture and HDBs, your creations are simply amazing. What inspires you?
How I Get My Creative Juice Flowing
Every day I’m literally on high alert for inspiration—the kind that pops up when I flip a light switch or catch a fleeting thought in the corner of my head.
I don’t just look for ideas; I grab them and mash them together until they feel like the perfect recipe for my art. Think of it like a DIY science experiment: a splash of color, a swirl of emotion, and a dash of whatever feels right at that moment.
What Triggers My Muse?
- Zooming in on a corner of a room that just holds stories—the muted hum of an old piano or the sharp glare of neon lights.
- Feeling a sudden spark in your chest, like a pulse of excitement that you can’t ignore.
- Every rattle, every whisper in your mind that says, “You’ve got this.
When something catches my eye, it’s automatically signaled as the next big project. It’s about feeling that emotion so intensely you can’t keep it in; that’s where the magic happens.
Why It Works
When the piece matters to me, it’ll resonate with anyone else who’s willing to look. That emotional currency is not just art—it’s an invitation to connect, to share a heartbeat with strangers across the canvas. So, next time you see something that sparks joy, your brain fills a recipe for a masterpiece. That’s how I get my creative juice in motion.
Speaking of your creations, can you remember the first thing you ever made with paper?
My First Paper Adventure
Picture this: a first‑grade kid with a stubborn wonder about the world, armed with just a sheet of white paper and a handful of crayon colors. No fancy art supplies, just a raw canvas waiting to be transformed.
The Big Idea
- Take a foot – literally, the big toe that loves to kick around.
- Chose a cockroach, because what’s funnier than a creepy‑crawl that can’t escape the heel?
- And then, in a moment of inspiration, started drawing.
Why It Feels Awesome
It’s the kind of masterpiece that reminds us: your first attempts might look a little rough, but they’re absolutely priceless. The whole world can run at you straight into thedirt on your school’s craft table when you set your art aside.
Being the Boss of a Roach… One Step at a Time
When you see the final product, the foot lands firmly on the cockroach. The little creature looks… actually relieved. And if you feel like that picture was too bold, just remember the real charm lies in the small, almost unnoticed details – the scribbled toes, the misguided outlines of the roach’s legs, the accidental splashes of yellow, the subtle imperfections that make the snippet of paper come alive.
Takeaway
Never underestimate the power of a single sheet of paper. Whether you’re just a kid with crayons or an adult scrolling through mental blocks, give your imagination a chance to riff. You might surprise yourself and, who knows, make a new favorite piece of art.
You have worked on so many commissions and collabs! What are some of your most memorable partnerships and what made them so awesome?
My Most Memorable Partnerships
When a client trusts me with their vision and I feel my creative brain humming at full speed, that’s when the magic happens. The sweetest victories are those that end with a finished project—no sketches held back, no “just a rough idea.”
Why That Trust Matters
- Level of Confidence – It’s rare to feel a client let go and say, “I believe you.” My work isn’t the usual cookie‑cutter; it’s a bit wild, a bit whimsical. When someone keeps faith, I’m not taking it for granted.
- Gratitude – I’m genuinely grateful to meet people who are willing to gamble on my style. It’s like getting a backstage pass to a stadium where only the best are invited.
Projects That Started Without a Single Sketch
Picture this: I jump into a project, know the brief, and then… I just go! No blueprints, no drafts—just pure, untethered design. The client ends up with a final piece that feels like it was born from a dream rather than a design sprint.
Working on My Own Playgrounds
I love gigs that sit squarely within my aesthetic sweet spot but also push me to dive outside my comfort zone. That’s where the real learning lands.
Case Study: Cover for a US Financial Magazine
Who would have thought a financial magazine would want a cover that feels like a Saturday morning comic? When I was handed the brief, the client wanted something whimsical to wrap around a rather somber subject. They were not asking me to strip my style—it was a perfect match for my vibe.
- The Twist – Because I had no doubts that a lively look could land on a finance theme, I stayed true to myself.
- Result – A cover that made readers chuckle right before they dive into the numbers.
Whenever a project celebrates my voice instead of demanding a style rewrite, I feel a surge of excitement. It’s a reminder that I’m capable of doing my own thing and that the world is ready to embrace it.
It’s amazing how you manage to come up with your creations. Which project was your most challenging and, on average, how long does one piece take to complete?
Paper, Pandemonium, and the Perils of a Short Deadline
Every time a new project lands on my desk, I know I’m in for a wild ride—especially when it’s something fresh or the clock is ticking. Most of the time, it’s razor‑thin windows of time, like a week or a month at most.
Working in the 30‑Minute Realm of Paper‑Craft
Paper‑craft isn’t a quick snap‑claim. It demands elbow‑deep effort and a good chunk of trial‑and‑error. I have to
- experiment with shapes that flinch at being folded
- drain the extra time needed to assemble every piece by hand
- keep an eye on the client’s elusive vision—made crystal clear only when the designer literally splashes it onto paper
Monday‑to‑Friday Checklist
1. Client briefing (often garnished with lots of coffee).
Why the Clock Beats Everyone
Ever tried to build a paper sculpture in the afternoon, only to hit a deadline that snakes around the last 20 minutes? The pressure is real, but it’s oddly exhilarating. It’s like playing a fast‑paced game of “Would your paper survive this?”
One Final Thought: Let Creativity Hustle
When the last sprint starts, the difference between a well‑planned masterpiece and a rushed disaster often comes down to swapping a few design tweaks for a crisp, considered plan. It’s a balance—something I’ve learned to master over the years.
And the result? A glorious, hand‑crafted creation that stands the test of time—despite the whirlwind of dates.
You’re a self-described introvert. Does it help/hinder your role as an artist, especially when it comes to collabs?
Introverts and the Remote Work Revolution
How I Found My Groove Working From Home
Ironically, the shift to remote work has turned out to be a blessing, not a curse. I’ve managed to sidestep the daily grind of office chatter that used to sap my energy. And frankly, I don’t miss it.
Why the office environment felt like a social minefield
- Constant small talk – If the office room feels like a “five‑day‑a‑week” conversation zone, it’d drive me crazy.
- New‑slug comfort – It took me ages to get comfortable talking to a new face.
- Meeting overload – I’d spend most of my day just nodding to “we’ll talk about that later”.
Now, what’s the secret sauce?
- Business‑first conversations – When someone approaches me, it’s all about projects, deadlines, and creative directions.
- Shared interests spark – Introverts light up when they’re talking about what genuinely interests them.
- Quiet and focused – I can channel my full attention into the work that matters.
Working from home keeps me comfortable and productive. I’ve learned that less “small talk” and more “deep work” is a win-win for my creative flow.
You mentioned recently on Instagram that you were stuck in a creative rut. We’re so sorry to hear that – how’s everything coming along? Do you have any advice for fellow artists who find themselves in the same situation?
Stuck in a Creative Rut? Here’s How to Break Free
1. Let Your Mind Take a “Do Nothing” Day
Sometimes the best thing you can do is do the opposite of what’s clouding your brain. Grab a cup of coffee, watch a sitcom, or just stare at the ceiling and let your thoughts drift.
2. Find a Low‑Pressure Project to Hack Away
- Circle activities you love but haven’t touched in a while.
- Choose one that doesn’t feel like a landmark; just a fun experiment.
- Give yourself permission to be messy and imperfect.
3. Tackle the Thought‑Busters First
When your mind is full of “what if” and “why not,” nothing flows. Take a minute to answer the ‘why’ and ‘what’s bothering you’ questions. Once you’ve cleared that space, creativity can return.
4. It’s OK to Hit Pause
Juggling passion projects and client work is like juggling flaming torches. After a while, you’ll feel the heat. Trust yourself to take a short break; it’ll recharge your creative battery.
Takeaway
Don’t think you’re the only one in this boat. Reaching a creative low point is normal. Flip the script — do the opposite, pick a fun side‑project, clear your mind, and maybe, just maybe, put the pedal down for a bit before you hit the accelerator again.
— Author
We love the mini chair DIY craft kit on LULO Paper Studio! These are a great way for newbies to get into papercraft. What sort of feedback have you received about them?
Why Kits Can Be a Game Changer
Honestly, that whole kit thing has been a real surprise – it’s given me the confidence boost I didn’t even know I needed to start chopping up more papercraft sets.
From DIY Skeptic to Kit Enthusiast
At first I thought, “Why bother with a kit when you can just build it yourself?” Turns out, everyone craves a creative outlet but not always the step‑by‑step guide that turns a simple idea into a masterpiece.
Workshop Bliss
- All plans already sketched out – no need to sort through messy instructions.
- All I have to do is show up and bring my imagination.
- It’s a feel‑good reminder that creativity doesn’t have to be chaotic.
Catch the Fun in Action
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BLdJD4-DVTm/?utmsource=igembed&igrid=ea029472-9f04-4a94-8fae-7105917d0dd6″ target=”blank”>Check out the full workshop on Instagram!
What keeps you going?
What Keeps Me Dragging Through the Grind
Every day I’m on the road to better versions of myself, and guess what? The engine is fueled by a few pretty solid reasons.
1. The Job Still Feels Like an Adventure
It’s not a joke that the work keeps me on my toes. Each task feels like a new puzzle that I actually want to solve. That little spark of “Whoa, this is a brain‑bender!” keeps me smiling even on Monday mornings.
2. Personal Growth That’s Impossible to Ignore
Every year, I see myself level up. New skills pop up, and I become more confident. When I realize I’m a half‑broken robot that’s now cracking code, I can’t help but give myself a high‑five.
3. The Desire to Learn (and Learn Quickly)
Curiosity is my constant sidekick. I’m always chasing fresh knowledge—whether that’s reading the latest industry scoop or watching a YouTube tutorial on how to fold a paper crane. Learning new things is like a buffet and I’m here for every dish.
4. Finding Meaningful Opportunities
Opportunities that align with my values are like golden tickets. When I spot a project that taps into my passions, I’m all in. It’s like spotting a skateboard arena right in the middle of a snowstorm—how could it not excite me?
5. Creativity & Art—The Sweet Spot of Happiness
Having a creative outlet, be it painting, sketching, or doodling while waiting for coffee, is the ultimate mood booster. It doesn’t just keep me entertained; it reminds me that I’m a person who can create something beautiful out of nothing.
Reading Material You’ll Love
- Artist behind the art: A truly delicious approach to drawing
- Wonderwall.sg’s musings on art and design
- Crafty DIY projects that keep the brain active
In short, motivation is a mix of challenge, growth, learning, purpose, and a dash of artistic flair. I keep it flowing by chasing the excitement of each new day—without a dull moment standing in my way.
