Month 7

How I am happy to show you new work! It truly has been a learning experience and an awakening here in Nashville as I get cozy in month seven at C.R. Gibson. My co-workers are amazing, the hail damage to my car annoying, and I have a special someone to make my new chapter even sweeter. Some of you who have been in contact with me know that I'm getting an amazing behind-the-scenes view of surface design, the market focused on art and illustration for products like gift wrap, kitchen goods, fabrics, and paper products (think journals and stationary). I hope to soon post some helpful tips for freelance illustrators looking to submit work for consideration.

On a personal note,  when I moved here I allowed myself a full year to get comfortable with my new city and job (and I'm glad I did). However, I'm slowly creating new personal work that is positively influenced by my new job as a designer at CRG. My color palettes are getting richer and more varied, while I feel comfortable doing subject matter that is more directed by my interests rather than client-driven. In the next 6 months there should be new work (both painted and digital) that should expand upon the world of Lauren. Until then, enjoy this new colorful creation!

art THROB Magazine

A while back I was featured in Salem's Art Throb Magazine again thanks to the awesome Lilly mcCrea, this time a part of my The Giant Fox painting being used to convey the comfiness of home. If you are a local artist near Salem, feel free to contribute to the publication! Another illustration can be seen in the recent ASK magazine again- that image will be posted soon when I get my copy. Big thanks to Pamela Bonesteel for that one.

In other news, things at CR Gibson are going swimmingly. Nashville is starting to slowly get into springish weather, and I'm starting to see my first creations come back from vendors (or as I like to call them, "my children"). My co-workers continue to be great, and the newest of us (one from Alabama, the other two from New York City) are having a good time discovering more of Music City every day.

I'm lame and haven't been posting in regular fashion, but I hope to pick up my blogging pace. Bare with me.

ASK Magazine

Guess what? I can finally show you something! Recently I was published in ASK magazine for kids. I illustrated an article about archeologists using the internet and local citizens to help them find the long lost burial site of Genghis Khan. I'm currently working on a new article for them, this one about a new discovery in space.

BIG NEWS!

Well! I have been very MIA lately because the last several weeks have been dedicated to a big development in both my artistic career and life. I am now a designer at CR Gibson, a company in the gift industry focusing on paper goods and products such as stationary, photo albums, and gift wrap, although we also tackle everything from decorative ipod cases and melamine dish ware to purses and aprons. My first week has been a wonderful learning experience when it comes to art licensing and the gift industry. I've had to move from Rhode Island to Nashville, Tennessee (spent some of my childhood in Nashville), and so far the area has been beautiful and full of wonderful experiences, plus family and old childhood friends.

In other news, I am working on a CD cover for children's music and a new children's product which I am not at liberty to talk about. It's wonderful that I can still pursue these freelance interests on the side when time allows.

Still settling into my room, which is pretty much boxes and more boxes. The two cats that share my house like to hang with me, which I think is funny since I'm more of a dog person (don't get me wrong, they're cool and I love them). They have proved to be everything from breakfast companions to fuzzy alarm clocks.

Looking forward to week number two! FYI, CR GIbson is still looking for about 3 new designers, so if you have some digital savvy and a love for Illustration and/or design, send in your resume!

I promise there is new work!

Whoooooa, summer has gone by so fast, mainly because the 6 week RISD Pre-College program takes over my life (in a good way). I haven't really shared anything lately, but I promise new work exists! In the last few weeks I've done some fun holiday stationary for Paper Culture, as well as a children's editorial about Genghis Khan (insert Kirk's famous "KHHHHAAAAAN!!") for ASK Magazine and a book cover for girls in the YA market.

The truth is, a lot of stuff I just can't show because it hasn't been printed yet. The sneak preview above is all you're gonna get for now, but I promise I will post things as they become available.

In other news, Williams-Sonoma bought five illustrations from me that may be used for spatulas this Halloween season (I say "may" because those companies buy tons of work and just throw it in their "art vault". They may use one of my illos this year, all of them, or none of them. Not sure). I'm hoping at least one got printed this season, because using something that you've illustrated is an awesome feeling.

July 4th

Happy 4th of July!

I'm busy working with two new clients- the wonderful Paper Culture and ASK Magazine through Carus Publishing. Hotdogs and fireworks for all.

Spread the Word

Looks like we're getting close to summer. I finished a job for Williams Sonoma and will be working on a book cover soon. This year I will also be teaching Illustration at RISD Pre-College, which I'm very excited about. This will be my fifth year- and I've loved teaching Design Foundations- but to teach the subject that I actually...you know, make a living with will be exciting. Plus it's just nice to have a change.

Surtex was great this year, and I left with a lot of inspiration and new ideas. There should be several things to post in the next few months!

Brushing Beauty

I'm really digging this newer painting, which is another adventure into constructing my images through abstracted space, pattern and color rather than thinking of my environments traditionally. People must like it, because I had 28 promotions in one day after it was posted on society6 (I think the highest I've ever gotten so quickly is 12, to put it in context). What is NOT posted is the first version, which was just wrong, wrong, WRONG. The figure, the colors...even the size was just plain wrong. It's bizarre how one day you can try to create something and inspiration doesn't strike, only to have a completely different creative energy the next day. In the end...I win! Take that, painting.

See "Tea Party" at Hive Gallery!

People in the LA area can see my painting at Hive Gallery's Second Annual "Alice in Wonderland Show!" I was so happy to work with Nathan and Romina again and am looking forward to future collaborations. Check out the link above for more details and directions.

"Tea Party" was fun to make. After the past couple of years, I'm starting to realize that I handle my illustrations more from a design point of view. I am especially happy with how the graphic elements combine with the more spacial elements (such as the receding table) and start to create a harmonious marriage between flatness and dimensional space.

Yee Haw!

The Illustration Department at Montserrat College of Art is having a gallery show currently. The theme this year was "Wild Wild West", and I just had to do a saloon girl.

Catch Up...Ketchup...

Looking back at older posts, I realized there is a lot of art I've been meaning to show but wasn't able to at the time due to publishing dates, etc.

So let's do some catch up, shall we?

The first one is a piece I did for a client based on the premise of solar energy and going green. Hopefully you could tell those are solar panels on the plant mixed in with the leaves. When I was looking up reference I wondered what the average person thinks of when they hear "solar panel" and if it's anything like the real thing. On a side note, I have to put more beehive hair do's in my work.

And next is a piece that was in my solo show at Gulu-Gulu Cafe back in November. I'm happy to say that it sold and is now in a permanent home!

Character Game!!!

My boyfriend and I have a friend visiting, and we started doing this exercise where we give each other 10 characters to draw. It was a lot of fun after a long day of work, but also an interesting chance for me to apply my style to different faces. Anyway, here they are! Mine are at the beginning and our friend's doodles follow.

Happy New Year!

The holiday season has come and gone, and it was great to be down in Texas with family for a while. Even with all the craziness, I found it to be a good time to achieve some clarity on issues (and isn't that a great way to start the year- with clarity?).

I'm back in Providence and some gallery appearances await my artwork, including the department show at Montserrat College of Art where I'll be showing as faculty. The theme? Wild Wild West! Around the same time, the RISD Faculty Biennial will be up in the mueseum. I think the piece above is the one I will submit for that show.

Awesomeness all around AKA December is here?!?

Thanksgiving was spent in warm, sunny Florida where my boyfriend and I WENT TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ISLANDS OF ADVENTURES AND SAW THE HARRY POTTER WORLD! Even though my fandom for the series has settled into a comfortable fondness (10 years ago I would have been one of those fans who had to buy the t-shirt....and the scarf...and the hat...etc, etc), I truly enjoyed seeing the series brought to life. Plus, the tiny kids in wizard robes were adorable (note: those robes are $100 each. Mom and Dad's bank account was hurting after that vacation). It was so crowded that we did not get to venture into the stores, just the rides (since we were staying at a hotel on site, our room key got us to the front of the lines, baby!). I hope to post some pictures soon.

Now I'm back in Providence, and it's mind-boggling how much stuff I have to do before I go home for Christmas! My RISD and Montserrat students are finishing up their semester, I have some commissions to take care of, and there is a secret project I'm starting (shh) for a company in NYC. Oh, and let's not forget holiday shopping! Still have to get those gifts...

Respect The Mullet!

Currently I am trying to get a new 5"x7" mailer made. One was just sent out with Sedna on the front (see post below), but I usually try to make two different mailers so that I can attract different clients. I had sketched out "Mullet" a long time ago and shelved it only to come across the sketch again a year or two later. It was something that I found silly and fun (and it also featured a guy- something that I could always use more of in my portfolio), so it's the "other" mailer this time around. I'm hoping the different flavor might attract some new art directors.

The Giant Fox

I'm so happy to announce that I have received my copy of Oh, Comely that includes my Lost & Found piece. The UK magazine is beautifully published, and I love the overall look and feel of it (online mags will never have that satisfying weight to them, ya know?). The current issue of Utne Reader also has an editorial piece from me (Nelson Mandela is on the cover!), so take a peek if you come across it. I produced a spot illustration for them, but I hope in the future to do a nice, meaty big one-page illustration or spread and give them a big dose of Minco.

For now, please enjoy a new piece I have done called The Giant Fox. It s based off of an inside joke/story between my boyfriend and I. At night, The Giant Fox come down from Boston and pokes his head in our apartment window. He has a giant basket which is full of treats (sometimes beer, pizza, or tea depending) and we enjoy the goodies until he returns. We're huge dorks.

Brains!

My favorite piece I painted for the RISD sale!

It's Cocoa Season

I'm so happy I can show something new! Lately I have had several projects finished, but I can't show anything because they haven't been published by the clients, etc. So while I'm waiting for those illustrations to come out to the world, I will treat you to this piece. It is based on an Inuit Creation Story about Sedna, a giantess who grows so large and hungry that her parents are forced to throw her into the sea. According to the myth, she now provides the people with food during the fishing season.

The future projects I hope to post soon include an illo for UK's Oh, Comely Magazine, a piece for a solar energy convention, and a spot illustration for Utne Reader.

On another note, I will be present at the RISD Alumni Art Sale this Saturday, October 9th. It's held in Providence along Benefit Street. If you are in the area please stop by!

Fall is sneaking up on me...

I have been BUSY this past month, but only have one thing to show right now. At least he's peppy (and already has his puffy vest and long sleeves for Fall!).

Just finished an illustration for Utne Reader. I got to work with their awesome Art Director Stephanie Glaros. I will be able to post the image when it comes out (Novemberish).

Today I am finishing up an image for a new magazine in the UK called Oh Comely. I have a lot of freedom with this one, so it should be interesting. The theme is "found things" and is about discovery. Oooooo...

“Did you know that you wanted to go to art school?”

Me with my Basic Design students, RISD PC Illustration Majors

Even though it’s been a while since I last posted, it’s not due to a lack of things to talk about. Five RISD pre-college classes and 71 students brought a lot of great projects, silly moments, and a few heart to heart talks with unsure young artists who are trying to answer that all important question that is dominating their existence at the moment: what do I study in college?? Many assumed the six week program would answer that question crystal clear… and for some that did happen. For others, however, the whirlwind and intensity of the semester just confused them even more. It’s amazing how often I heard the same question thrown my way:

“Did you know that you wanted to go to art school?”

Yes, I did. I didn’t know what major I wanted to choose (odd fact: I thought I was going to go into Apparel), but I knew I wanted to go to art school and later chose RISD. Now, let me stress that I knew I wanted to go to art school. Meaning I wanted to learn…meaning I knew I had potential but still sucked to high heavens when it came to specific areas in art. Whenever you decide to pursue something in higher education, it’s because you usually have a deep interest and passion for it. ‘Nuff said. People who love learning French in high school know more than the average bear (or me), but that doesn't mean they are experts. Twelve-year-olds interested in Medical school aren’t taking small reptiles and performing kidney transplants in the family garage (we hope). However, when it comes to art school I find my students and many others think you have to be already amazing to get in. It’s true that you have to draw more than a stick figure, but obviously if you already knew everything about art than you wouldn’t have to go to an art college in the first place, so don’t stress it if you’re a little rough around the edges.

There was also another important factor with my decision to go to art school. First of all, let me say that I did not think I was amazing at the age of 17. Yes, I thought I had a knack for art and enjoyed making it. Going to art school just “made sense”, but more importantly, I had no doubts about pursuing a higher education in art because I truly felt like I had faith in myself no matter what I pursued. I could have been a chef, a meteorologist, or a DJ and I think I would have approached it with the same positive attitude- that with hard work, time, and patience I could be successful. With something like art, It’s easy to romanticize it into some sort of magical ability…either you have “it” or you don’t, but in the end it’s about those values that Mom and Dad tried to drill into us when we were in elementary school: study, do your homework (well), and apply yourself 100%. No pixie dust needed.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter where you are now…it’s how hard you push to be where you want to be in the future.