Meet Lauren Miller | Graphic Designer, Artist and DIY-er

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have always been creative and drawn to art. Despite that, I majored in history in college. When I should have been studying history books, I would procrastinate and get lost in Photoshop and illustrator. One night I realized that I was pursuing the wrong thing! Graphic design, illustration and art were where my passion and talent was. It felt like the right thing to start design school and it was. Since then, I’ve expanded my creativity.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have a handful of creative endeavors. Professionally, my background is in graphic design. I’ve created everything from brand designs to fun illustrationed stationery. A few years ago I dove headfirst into woodworking. There’s something intriguing about visualizing a piece of furniture or art and building it with your own hands. I love it! I started sharing my projects on instagram and grew a small following. This brings another aspect of creativity- photography, video and editing.

Often times we think we need to fit in a box we set for ourselves at the start of a career. But, I’ve found that my artistic journey has had it’s turns. I think it’s important to embrace change. With little ones at home with me, it’s become harder to get in front of my computer. It’s a lot easier to grab my tools and build something with them by my side. I know as life changes, my career and creativity will look different. My hope is that others can be inspired in their own life by the work that I do; that I can bring about more beauty- whether on a piece of paper, a screen or in a home.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
San Diego has so many cool places to visit- how can I choose! As a family, we enjoy spending time in La Mesa Village. There’s tons of cute shops and good places to eat. Dinner at Mario’s is always a favorite. We also enjoy driving to Julian to get fresh air and feel the comfort of a small town. On the way home, we like to stop in Santa Ysabel at Dudley’s for fresh baked bread. If we are feeling in the mood for the coast, Coronado is our go-to. The city is kid-friendly and walkable. I grew up spending time in Coronado and it always brings back good memories.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, Matt, is my biggest supporter. He has always encouraged me and given me the space to be creative. He praises my efforts and never misses a chance to talk me up to our kids. My dad, being a carpenter and creative in his own ways, has always supported me (even when it meant late nights in his shop). My mom instilled in me from a young age that I could be anything or do anything I set my mind to. I also have a great network of creators that support me online and in person.

Website: Lauren.mllrs.com

Instagram: @laurenmillercreates

Other: Tik Tok @laurenmillercreates