Lady Street Studios Brings Whimsical and Playful Art To The Scene

Lady Street Studios is a small, independent art and design studio created by Abby Nuff and Kelsy Boyle. The duo met at VCU Arts where both majored in design — specifically graphic and interior. Working on group projects, they realized how much they loved collaborating together.

That following summer Kelsy asked Abby if she wanted to start the studio named after the street saddled by both of their houses in Richmond’s Randolph neighborhood -- Lady Street.

The two focus mainly on illustrations which allow them to channel all of the fun and exciting things they want to do while also harnessing the “whimsical and playful” art that lives inside of them. Today, they create a lot of prints in addition to stickers and buttons.

Creatively, they note that things have just been a lot of trial and error. With Kelsy still in school and Abby working a 9-to-5, time management has been crucial for them. Most things they make are made by either concept work or illustrations, which really allows their two personalities to come together.

Studio Two-Three’s print fair was their first event together and gave them a deadline to work towards. Since then, they have make their work always has an element of fun which is a key to their success.

Abby and Kelsy find representation in the LGTBQ community to be incredibly important, finding that it “builds a sense of community and offers a sense of encouragement which is equally important for queer people and small businesses alike.”

Abby personally loves the bike riding trails in Richmond, the city’s old architecture, and the vibrant food scene. “Our community spaces throughout the city are amazing.”

Learn more about Lady Street Studios on Instagram @ladystreetstudios.