“Nature has always been able to give my mind the escape it needs from other stressors” - A Q&A with Lauren Spinner
In our Profiles series we'll be featuring inspiring stories and interviews from people of a variety of disciplines. People we have met along the way who, in one way or another, have made an impact on us and the MaliMai journey. From creatives, to entrepreneurs to surf and yoga industry shakers, we'll be digging into their backgrounds, work process, what motivates them to take action and pursue their passions.
I met Lauren 5 years ago at Playa Maderas in Nicaragua when none of us back then could probably tell a difference between a surf board and an iron board. Nevertheless, I remember very well her great desire to be in the ocean, keep trying and having the best time of all of us. Four years fast forward and I met her again last summer in her hometown, Vancouver (Deep Cove to be more precise) when she and her lovely family welcomed me with open arms (and a few bottles of Prosecco) and invited to stay at their place during my short road trip across BC. Totally not planned and random reunion that felt like we were sipping Toña in Nicaragua only yesterday.
With beautiful smile on her face and upbeat personality, Lauren is a genuine magnet to be around. She also happens to be MaliMai Escapes’ logo designer. I’ve been following her amazing work since we’ve met and there was never any doubt that she was the perfect fit to create our visual identity. Enough from me. Enjoy this brief interview with Lauren Spinner.
What do you do and what's your background?
I am a freelance graphic designer! I went to business school and decided it wasn’t creative enough for me, so I ended up going back to school for graphic design. I have always loved art and wanted to be able to put my designs on clothing. I'm also addicted to travel, surf and mountains.
Would you say your practice / creative approach has changed over time? How?
I used to only strictly work in black and white. I’m slowly starting to add some subtle splashes of colour to my work! My creative process always starts with hand-drawings.
What boosts your creativity? Perhaps any real-life situation that inspired you?
Whether it be hiking in Canada’s mountains or surfing Central America’s waves, nature has always been able to give my mind the escape it needs from other stressors so it can tap into that creative part. If you stop and have a closer look at the details in leaves, or the sucking and pulling off the ocean’s waves, your mind will run wild too.
What work do you most enjoying doing? / What themes do you pursue?
I truly love trying new things and learning new artistic techniques. Right now I am learning block printing and pottery. My themes revolve around nature, or things done in nature. It tends to change based on where I’m living! While I am in Central America there is a heavy tropical surf influence, and while I’m in Canada you will see more mountain peaks and PNW trees.
Is the artistic life of an independent freelancer ever lonely? What do you do to counteract it?
I feel like I have two very contradicting personas: I can be the reclusive artist who spends days alone blasting Bon Iver and getting lost in art, and I can be the outgoing social friend who is constantly juggling multiple close friendships. It’s all about balance. You need a bit of both, and when one is lacking, you’re out of whack. I have always been an active person so I tend to always meet friends through surfing, hiking, snowboarding, etc.
Most fun project you've worked on?
I can’t pick one specific project. There are so many and they are all so different. I love designing for cool companies who’s brand lifestyles align with my own—Like Mali Mai! I met Aggy while travelling in Nicaragua. The world is small and I’m super fortunate to work with some unreal people all over the world!
What's your greatest success so far?
Learning to surf! Let’s be real, IT’S HARD.
Any regrets / learnings?
I wish I went to art school!
What's your advice to young creatives who dream about travelling and working remotely?
Don’t hesitate, commit. If you don’t throw yourself into that zone of discomfort you won’t see yourself grow. It is scary, but you will never feel more alive.
Your top 3 travel places you recommend everyone to put on their bucket list.
Italian Dolomites
Indonesia
Turkey
Your next adventure will be.. ?
Morocco or Sri Lanka!
Your brief ode to the ocean and surfing.
Salt water cures all.