Lauren Marina
From artist residency at Vans London to mural commissions at Pier Approach, Lauren Marina is one of Dorset’s most celebrated illustrators. Here, she shares her thoughts on vulnerability and what it takes to be a successful freelance artist.
Hi Lauren, we'd love to know where it all began. Can you give us a bit of background on your career and some of the milestones so far?
Of course! I’ve always been a creative soul. I gained my BA in Illustration a long time ago in Norwich but didn’t delve straight into freelancing. In reflection, I think I lacked a lot of self belief at that point. I went to work in a more corporate, management orientated environment for about 10 years. I gained a lot of skills and confidence in this time, and although I worked on a number of creative global projects there was always something that lacked in terms of satisfaction. The pandemic led to a departure of that career and I came to sense that it might be time for me to try freelance.
Things started a little tentatively but with the support and encouragement of my community, I began to put out work that I felt great about. Projects have snowballed and one thing has led to another and I’m happy to say that I’m now a full time artist, and more content and excited about life than ever before.
How do you describe your style of work?
My bold black and white drawings are formed with smooth and flowing lines, generating a sense of calm movement. I tend to draw in my identifiable charcoal and oat palette as I love the bold monochrome effect! I also aim to evoke a gentle feeling of fluidity and calm. My work taps into my own inner vulnerability and softness, and I try to reflect that clearly in the work to encourage others to honour those inner depths of themselves.
My work is versatile and can work well in a whole host of commercial applications. My key interests are in creating bold iconography, illustrative branding assets, packaging patterns, fabric designs, decorative murals, and illustration for merchandising. I also offer a range of eco-friendly greetings cards and art prints. I sell online, at markets, and with a curated selection of independent retailers across the UK.
We appreciate how difficult it is to set healthy boundaries as a freelancer. How do you keep a healthy work-life balance?
It’s something I’m working on. I think when you love your work like I do, it’s really rather difficult to switch off from it. My art comes from my heart, I don’t think I ever really stop thinking up designs and pondering concepts, from dawn to dusk and all through the night.
What was your most memorable moment in your freelance career?
A few months ago, during a workshop with fellow creatives and entrepreneurs I had a dawning realisation that I’m living the life I’ve always dreamed of for myself. Creative autonomy, leaning into my natural instincts and making art all week - I’m so grateful for all of this.
My work is versatile and can work well in a whole host of commercial applications. My key interests are in creating bold iconography, illustrative branding assets, packaging patterns, fabric designs, decorative murals, and illustration for merchandising. I also offer a range of eco-friendly greetings cards and art prints. I sell online, at markets, and with a curated selection of independent retailers across the UK.
What is your biggest inspiration?
The abundance of creatives and independent souls that are thriving and supporting around me. My friend Emma designed a phrase called ‘Lift as we rise’, a powerful sentiment built around the thought that there is space for all of us to thrive from our creativity - it’s a competition free zone!
What is your creative vision for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole?
I feel like there are lots of exciting creative opportunities growing around here. Recently, I contributed to ‘Future Stories’ by BCP Future Lab. That project is packed with some amazing creative and regenerative ideas and observations for the future.
I want BCP to be a destination for art - whether that be gallaries, events, music, studios - there’s some amazing spaces emerging that have made a massive impact that shows the thirst for this around here.
I want creatives in the area to feel seen and well supported here, that means opening up funding opportunities that are flexible, and creating spaces for people to get together and empower each other.
Lastly, do you have any advice for people who want to follow in your footsteps?
Consider how you can tell your story. During my mentoring and workshop sessions I teach the need to document you and your process. Allow people to become invested in your, your art and your success. To do this you need to let them in and give them insights. Theres so many opportunities to do this in the digital and physical world this can become overwhelming for some, but designing a strategy for storytelling that can fit comfortably with your practise is ever so important.
This and, lean into your creative companions. Look for opportunities to link up and learn with fellow arty humans wherever possible.
Instagram → @laurenmarina
Website → laurenmarina.com
