Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Hodge.
Hi Lauren, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I have always enjoyed drawing and being around nature. I took a few art classes in high school but never heavily pursued them. For high school juniors and seniors, had the option to go to the career line tech center for half of the day to focus on a specific career goal. This was something that was of interest to me since they had a graphic design program. Being that graphic design was so popular, usually, only seniors got into it so my junior year, I joined the next best thing, Printing and Imagery Technology. I learned how to use so many printing machines, the history of printing, and even the design process.
We were making customer t-shirts, stickers and so much more. Excelling in the program, I was chosen to participle in an international competition called the phoenix challenge. It was a three-day competition over flexography where we were tested over the history, math problems, and the running of a central impression flexo printing machine. It was a great experience for me and my partner and we had a lot of fun. From there, I went on to do work placement through the career line tech center where I worked for a company doing graphic design and vinyl graphics. After learning as much as I could from that company I moved to the backside of printing to hand bindery.
I then moved away from home to attend Savannah College of Art and Design to pursue a degree in motion graphics. The foundation studies at the college include drawing and design courses that were very hands one. I was drawing and painting more than ever and falling in love with it all over again. In the spring of my freshman year is when COVID hit and everything changed for everyone. During the pandemic, I was using drawing and painting as my outlet again and that is when I knew that I wanted to do this as a career.
Art allows me to be true to myself and accept others for who they are. As a painter, I want my pieces to spark conversation about social issues and other important topics. I use research, nature walks, and mood boards to start my ideation process. Acrylic, oil, and watercolor paint are the main mediums I use on canvas. I combine my passion for graphic design, photography, and painting into each project. I simply love it.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Nothing ever goes as one plans it seems. COVID was a big challenge having to move back home and even taking a break from classes. Also when you tell someone you want to be a painter, there is a heavy stigma behind it of the starving artist. You really have to have confidence in yourself and your art to keep creating and sharing content.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a studio artist that specializes in oil and acrylic paintings. I also do freelance graphic design and photography. I am most known for my paintings and drawings on my Instagram account @lolos_studio. I am most proud of my paintings because color has taken me a while to learn and it is something I have promoted myself.
What sets me apart is my graphic design background shows through in my paintings. I use vivid colors and a mixture of abstract and realistic objects in my work. It makes for intriguing contemporary pieces.
How do you define success?
This is something that has changed for me over time. I always thought success was about making a lot of money, being known, and/ or owning your own business. My values have switched and success to me is making enough money to support myself and help my family when needed.
Success for me is being happy in life and having respect from peers.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://laurenhodgestudio.wixsite.com/website
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lolos_studio/
