Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Barger.
Hi Lauren, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I attended Herron School of Art and Design and pursued a BFA, focusing on illustration. However, I ultimately left art school and got a Spanish literature and linguistics degree. I worked as an immigration paralegal and translator in Washington, DC, for about five years after college. Still, I never fully gave up on practicing and honing my skills as an artist. In 2018, I moved to Charlotte, NC, and returned to my original passion -art. I opened LB Fine Art in 2019, mainly producing portrait artwork on commission using traditional mediums like watercolor and colored pencil. I also created a few series that garnered recognition in the Charlotte art scene. Most notable was my “Animal Butt” watercolor series, earning me the playful nickname of “The Butt Lady of Charlotte!” I was trained in traditional fine art (at least in high school and one year of art school). But my true love has always been cartoons. I would argue that I never really grew up. I love fart jokes and Disney and have zero shame about it! So, amongst all the acceptable practices of art realism, I experimented with digital art. I want to claim that I went to “YouTube University” to study character design and illustration.
After a few years as the “Butt Lady,” I decided to shy away from serious commissioned art and focus more on my digital art. And that’s when I created my beloved “Coffeedraws” series. This unique and interactive social media series has garnered attention from art enthusiasts and followers alike. For 200 consecutive days, every morning, while sipping my coffee, I randomly selected one of my followers to draw, creating a one-of-a-kind piece of art digitally. This daily ritual was a delightful way to connect with my audience, showcase my artistic skills, and spread joy. The anticipation and excitement of being chosen for a “Coffeedraw” has generated a solid following and has been a highlight of my artistic journey.
I owe a lot to this series. This series was how I was discovered in the animation industry! My first project was for an animated TV series for Sony TV Kids(the series has yet to be released and is protected under NDA), where I was hired to create characters, costumes, and background concepts! After Coffeedraws, I expanded upon the idea and launched a new drawing series at the beginning of 2023 called “Pets to People.” In this series, I randomly selected one of my followers’ pets to “toon,” and then I would design and illustrate the human version! I would consider this series my first “viral” social media venture – gaining me 150K followers between IG and TT.
In the spring of 2023, I was asked to co-host and partner with MerMay, a globally recognized social media sensation and drawing contest founded by Disney animation legend Tom Bancroft. This opportunity has allowed me to connect with fellow artists worldwide and eventually co-host another drawing challenge in December named “DISember”—with Disney-themed drawing prompts each day of the month.
Beyond my social media art ventures, I’ve had the privilege of working with notable companies in the animation and toy industries, including Sony TV Kids, Nathan Love, Pixelle Studio, Ravensburger, Disney, Wattpad Webtoon, and Mattel. I am passionate about visual development and character design and am currently available for hire. I take pride in making my patrons laugh and smile through my artwork, and I am grateful for the opportunities that art has brought into my life. It truly feels like a destiny fulfilled.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road? If not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The act of learning self-promotion/marketing was long and arduous. I worked hard and had some failures. But ultimately, through consistency, I have learned and feel confident in my abilities now. Securing consistent freelance work has proved difficult in the animation industry’s current state. I have pivoted to avoid long periods without work by dipping my toes in toy design, book illustration, private commissions, and social media marketing. I also teach art through an online course with 21 Draw. 2024 has been better for me in terms of securing work in animation. I am proud that I have been involved in many fun projects, and it is only March! I plan to continue this pattern throughout the year, but there is always work out there, even if I have to pivot into other industries.
Networking and finding a mentor can have a positive impact on one’s life and career. Do you have any advice?
Sure! My advice is to be genuine. My rule of thumb is to be kind to everyone, no matter who they are, and make friends with those with whom you feel a true bond. Cold-calling individuals you barely know in your career field and asking them for advice or information out of the blue seems disingenuous. Start by being in the right places. Go to conferences and attend events or classes in your field. Surround yourself with the people you admire or who inspire you. Eventually, you will begin to make connections naturally and almost by accident. Say yes to many opportunities (in the beginning); through them, you will meet more people and make more connections! I use the internet a lot when making connections. I familiarize myself with people in my industry and follow their career journeys and projects. I engage in fun contests and drawing challenges and, through those, meet a lot of amazing people. In addition to my unserious shenanigans on the internet, I attend animation conferences and events to see these people I’ve made connections within the flesh! Honestly, I don’t take things too seriously, and I attribute this to any success I have had.
Pricing:
- I offer many services, including private commissions, but rarely open them. Prices range from $200 to $1000, and they are listed on my website.
- The daily rate for illustration work is $600.
- I am not taking independently published book illustration projects at this time.
Contact Info:
- Website: lbillustrates.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lb.illustrates/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-barger-62661289/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lb.illustrates
Image Credits
Alicia White photography took all of my headshots
