Meet Lauren Alane Design

Tell us how you got your start?

I’ve been doodling, drawing, and designing everywhere and anywhere for as long as I can remember. My mom is also very artsy and creative, and she always encouraged my interest in art. When I was little, I loved to take “commissions” from my friends to draw portraits of their pets or favorite toys in exchange for play money. So, it’s really no surprise that I ended up here! In 2017, I graduated with a BA in Graphic Design and Studio Art, and that’s when I started Lauren Alane Design LLC. 

So cute! What is your favorite part of the maker process?

Nothing brings me greater joy than to lose track of time as I work on an art piece. To me, art is an escape from the everyday, similar to the magic you feel when you’re enthralled in a great book or caught up in a favorite movie. I love the moment when an artwork really starts to come together on the page – when the vision I have in my head begins to take shape, and I can tell it’s going to work out. This “ah-ha!” moment doesn’t always happen – I have so many abandoned sketches and half-finished pieces! – but when it does, it’s such a great feeling. 

What inspires you to create?

My inspiration changes pretty often, but some of the constants in my artwork are nature and animals. I’m a huge animal lover – I never get tired of drawing dogs, cats, foxes, and other critters! The unique beauty in every animal inspires me. Besides animals and nature, I also love working with themes of outer space and life on other planets. I enjoy creating a juxtaposition between the everyday and the surreal to create playful, otherworldly scenes. 

Very cool. Do you have a favorite item you have made?

That’s a tough question! I think my favorite series to make so far has been my “Space Life” screen print series, which explores a whimsical, surreal vision of life away from Earth. Within the series, “Astronaut Neighborhood” is my favorite. It’s a quirky piece portraying a lone astronaut in a very ordinary-looking neighborhood on Mars, with the Earth and the moon floating in the distance. I think I like it because it feels playful, surreal, but also a little lonely. Living in an environment where you couldn’t go outside without wearing a full space suit would be very isolating. 

What’s a typical day like for you in the studio?

After I get home from my job as a graphic designer at a publishing house, I hunker down in my home office / studio to reply to emails, check on inventory, manage my webstore, or any other non-art tasks that need to be done. I like to work outdoors when possible, and I often take my laptop out on the deck or to a coffee shop for a change of scenery. Once that’s completed, the fun can begin! I’ll usually turn on some music, an audiobook, or a TV show while I draw or screen print. If artist’s block strikes, I’ll take my dog, Finnick, out on a walk, or do some gardening. Sometimes a short break outdoors is all it takes to see an artwork with fresh eyes and solve any problems I’d been having with it. 

Stepping away is definitely necessary at times. What do you love most about Minnesota?

The lakes! I would spend all day every day at the lake if I could. I’ve lived here in Minnesota my whole life, and despite the brutally cold winters, I couldn’t imagine calling anywhere else my home. 

Lake life is the best! What will you be bringing to Jackalope?

I’m excited to be bringing my hand-pulled screen prints, giclée art prints, and framed prints. Keep an eye out for my Jackalope-themed print as well! 

That is exciting! Anything special you would like to add?

Besides art and design, I have a huge passion for animals and animal rescue. My hairless Chinese Crested dog, Finnick, can usually be found sitting right by my side as I work. I’ve illustrated two children’s books – Don’t Mess with Mama by Don Deline, about a protective mother loon who saves her chicks, and Flying V: The Alphabet Takes Flight by Jane Stavem, about a very innovative baby Canadian goose. I’m also the author of a book called Saving Foxes: Portraits of Rescued Foxes and Their Stories, written to bring awareness and raise funds for foxes rescued from fur farms. The profits from this book go to Save a Fox Rescue in Minnesota. 

That is great! We can’t wait to see you in person this September 10th & 11th for Jackalope Minneapolis!

Where to see more of Lauren Alane Design:

Website | laurenalanedesign.com

Instagram | @lauren.alane.design