Anna Lawrence
Brand Designer / Graphic Designer / Artist
Colorado Springs, CO
www.annalawrence.design
instagram @annalawrence.creative
linkedin
Q What do you do?
“I’m an artist, surfer, solo traveler, and freelance graphic designer. I help my clients discover an authentic expression of their brand through visual identity design, illustration, social media & web design, and print design. ”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I’ve been passionate about art from a young age, so I’ve always been determined to pursue a creative career. I studied Graphic Design at NC State University, but Covid hit during spring break of my freshman year and quickly changed how everyone thought about work & education. As a student, my vision for what I wanted to achieve as a designer evolved with my desire to explore new places and paths in life. During my sophomore year, I landed a role with an international luxury travel company that nurtured my wanderlust and strengthened my self-discipline and design skills. When I graduated, I was equipped with a boldness to establish myself as an independent designer and finally experience the world that had been shut down by the pandemic. I set off on a solo journey to Australia, landed in the town of Byron Bay, and began freelancing to enjoy a lifestyle of travel, adventure, and surfing (because everyone knows that good waves don't always align with the schedule of a 9-5). When I moved back to the US, I settled in Colorado, but the momentum of a long-term travel season kept me inspired to start building my design business full-time. Now I have connections across the US and abroad, and I'm in the process of shaping the next steps for my personal brand. I'm so excited for what's to come!
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I have a background in visual art that echoes in my hand-drawn logos and illustrations. Everything I create is thoughtfully crafted to embody my clients’ unique identity & goals, and it all starts with traditional pen & paper. My experience working with luxury brands has solidified an emphasis for integrity, intentionality, and precise attention-to-detail across every one of my projects.
Q What are you working on right now?
I’m actually in the process of a rebrand for my own studio, which has been so exciting! I’ve been diving deeper into my values and how that inspires the design that I do, and planning the next steps for how I want that insight to shape the next phase of my business. It’s also been so fun to explore the visual side of it all, because it’s rare that I get to use my branding skills to create something uniquely for myself!
Q What’s your style?
I would describe my style as natural, sophisticated, and elegant, with a touch of hand-drawn and retro charm. Most of my design work is inspired by nature, travel, culture, and adventure.
One of my favorite projects that captures this is the brand identity I designed for a Swedish-Japanese restaurant concept, koko-ro. I got to explore many cultural influences and bring them together in the naming, logo design, menu, and architectural setting.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I would love to spend more time making art! Printmaking is one of my favorite mediums, but I also work with conte crayon, gauche, and pen & ink (depending on my mood)
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Making time for my own marketing is such a challenge right now! One of my goals is to grow my presence on social media, but content creation takes so much time out of my schedule (and it feels like a lot of pressure!). If you look at my Instagram right now you’ll mostly see examples of my art...check out my website for my latest design projects ;)
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I would love someone that could just manage my schedule every week. If they could organize all the client messages that come in every day and then schedule time for every design task on my list…ah, I would have peace. A mind-reader would also be helpful but those don’t come cheap.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I wish I could sit down with my high school self and tell her about design as I know it now. I was so determined to be a full-time studio artist when I was a teenager because I really didn’t understand what design was or how it could be my job. I was also very resistant to the technology side because I had such a deep love for traditional art mediums. After a semester in design school, I found that my precise art style actually thrived within the systems, principles, and process of design. Sometimes I wonder where I’d be now if I could have discovered that when I was 16.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
As a remote independent designer, I think it’s much more difficult to connect with more experienced creatives, but I always feel encouraged every time I make the effort to reach out. I’d like to have more conversations with designers that have started their own studios and learn more about what their journey looked like.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’m looking to connect with more clients for branding projects of all shapes and sizes! I love crafting logo designs, color palettes, and typography systems, and my creativity thrives when I get to design how those elements come together! I also really enjoy the process of getting to know my clients and what makes their business unique, because it’s so exciting to discover hidden gems that inspire unexpected ideas. It's great to work with clients that have an open mind to exploration like that.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Having grown up on the coast of North Carolina, and recently spent time living & working in Australia, I have such a deep love for surfing and the ocean lifestyle. I would love to collaborate with a women’s surf brand or any small business that takes inspiration from coastal origins. Much of my art & design is inspired by the nature around me, so really I’m eager to meet anyone that shares an appreciation for the outdoors!
Q: What is your rate?
My typical visual identity packages start at $2200, but I also offer custom project rates according to a client’s needs. Depending on availability, I provide hourly contract services starting at $60/hr.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Visit my website to fill out a project form, or send me an email if you’d prefer to chat about the details over a call! I’ll ask you to describe the project and your goals, and provide an idea of your timeline, budget, and specific deliverables needed.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Ewelina Olechowska, founder of Studio Domka, is such a talented brand strategist! She’s encouraged me so much on my own branding journey and helped me unearth so many valuable insights about design and business.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Explore new places, make art, and surf (as often as I can).
This member profile was originally published in August 2024.