Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren McLaughlin.
Hi Lauren, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Art was my lifeline out of the corporate world.
At my first art show, I made the same amount of money in two days vs. two weeks at my demanding, “responsible” corporate job. After that, I knew that I had something here.
From there, I started creating more, connected with artists that I admired and soaked up every resource and word of advice that I could find in order to grow.
In less than a year from my start date, I went full-time. I’m now doing fine art festivals across the state and am carried by retail locations across the country. More importantly, I can confidently say that I feel more fulfilled, purposeful, and grateful than ever before.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Even though I am so proud of how far I’ve come, I still make mistakes all the time, and sometimes they can be really expensive ones.
As a one-woman show, I’m the artist, marketing manager, accountant, sales manager, event staff and more all at the same time. When you’re responsible for doing everything, it’s incredibly difficult to do everything well.
With that said, I try my hardest to give myself grace in these moments. Everything is a learning experience, and each barrier and mistake is just another step toward becoming a better artist and small business owner in the long run.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
All of my artwork is inspired by wildflowers and wanderlust. My style can be described as a delicate balance between the minimalist and the intricate, which I feel is my unique point of view.
With all of my art being driven by the never-ending pull that nature has on my heart, I am so grateful that I am able to give back to my source of inspiration by donating a portion of all of my proceeds to The National Park Foundation.
I’m also very proud of my development as an artist — particularly through my illustrations — which have really developed over time from more simplistic line art to extremely detailed pieces that take hours upon hours to make.
What makes you happy?
Waking up every day with absolute freedom, knowing that the day is 100% mine for the taking.
When I was working my 50-60+ hour a week corporate job, I started every day with a giant ball of stress in my chest absolutely dreading the day ahead. That feeling left the day that I logged off from my work computer for the last time.
Today, I wake up with so much gratitude that I no longer have to carry the burden of an unfulfilling life or go against the grain of what I’m truly meant to be doing ever again.
I’m also so incredibly happy to be part of my local community of fellow makers, artists, and small business owners. I am a strong believer in community over competition and that there is absolutely room for each and every one of us. Surrounding myself with like-minded people has been invaluable and one of my greatest privileges as an artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: fernandskye.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fernandskye/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fernandskye
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/fernandskye/
