Painting Stories on Drippers: How Elaine Lee Turns Coffee Gear into Art

Coffee journey started as a part-time job at Starbucks Singapore back in 2016 gradually unfolded into a deep passion, leading her to a vibrant career in the coffee industry. But Elaine’s story doesn’t stop there. Along the way, she found a way to reconnect with another old love: painting. And somehow, coffee and art intertwined in the most beautiful way—through hand-painted drippers.

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After spending over six years with Starbucks and venturing into independent cafés, Elaine Lee eventually took a bold leap into entrepreneurship. She now runs multiple brands under her company, including Art Nooq, Weddings by Nooq, Nooq Collective, and Itsy Bitsy by Nooq. 

While each brand has its own focus—from private art jamming sessions to wedding live paintings and specialty coffee—at the heart of it all lies her love for creativity and connection.

The idea of painting coffee drippers started quite naturally. Elaine recalled meeting her close friend, Tracia, a fellow coffee professional, during her café days. It was Tracia who first introduced her to the idea of painting on a coffee dripper. Together, they even hosted an intimate workshop in Singapore, blending their love for coffee and art.

In 2023, when Elaine had a small pop-up coffee booth, she decided to create something special to catch people’s attention. She experimented with new painting materials, and the result was a series of unique, hand-painted drippers. Her favorite piece? A dripper adorned with a coffee plant, which she still proudly uses at home today.

Unlike traditional painting on canvas, painting on drippers is a trial-and-error process. Elaine rarely sketches beforehand. Instead, she lets her creativity flow directly onto the ceramic surface, drawing inspiration from references without copying them exactly. 

The medium she uses is forgiving in the early stages—mistakes can be wiped away with water before the paint fully sets. This organic, almost meditative process is what makes each piece so personal and one-of-a-kind.

Some designs are born from customer requests—like a whimsical Totoro—or inspired by industry trends, such as a gold dragon motif inspired by Hario Taiwan’s Year of the Dragon V60. Elaine’s work on drippers is not just about decoration; it’s about telling a story and capturing a moment of inspiration.

Through Nooq Collective, her coffee-focused brand, Elaine often meets customers who are just beginning their journey into filter coffee. Her hand-painted drippers have become a way to bridge conversations, making specialty coffee feel more approachable and personal.

The journey into coffee, for Elaine, was never just about chasing awards or accolades. It was about growth—both personal and professional.

In 2022, she stepped onto the stage of the Singapore National Brewers Cup Championship and took home third place—a moment that still feels surreal to her today. For someone who never saw herself as the brightest student, the achievement was more than just a trophy; it was a personal milestone that reflected years of quiet perseverance.

It wasn’t her first attempt either. Back in 2019, competing under Starbucks Singapore, Elaine had her first taste of the Brewers Cup stage. She finished 12th that year, but what she gained was something far greater than a title. "Sometimes you think you know yourself very well," she reflects, "but through a journey or an experience, you learn even more about your strengths and opportunities."

Elaine holds close a Chinese saying: "Ten minutes of effort on stage takes ten years to build off stage." It’s a reminder that the work behind the scenes—the countless hours of grinding, learning, and refining workflows—is what truly shapes a champion. With each practice session, she wasn't just preparing for competition; she was building a deeper understanding of herself as a coffee professional.

After her memorable 2022 run, Elaine decided to transition from competitor to National Judge. Stepping to the other side of the table opened up a new chapter—evaluating coffee, mentoring competitors, and helping to shape the next generation of Singapore's coffee champions. It’s a role she embraces not just as a duty, but as an opportunity to keep growing and learning.

Looking at the broader coffee scene, Elaine sees an exciting evolution taking place. New expressions, fresh ideologies, and a burst of creativity are making specialty coffee more vibrant and accessible than ever. For her, it’s a chance to bring even more color and life into the community—something she’s naturally drawn to.

Her advice to anyone thinking of stepping into coffee or any creative field? "Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Experiment, connect, find inspiration—and most importantly, slow down and enjoy the moment." (hudes magazine)

All photos by Elaine for Hudes magazine