Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Lawrence.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been freelancing since college but started running my own small studio in 2016 when I went out on my own as a solo designer. I’d had several jobs I’d loved since graduating, but was looking forward to a chance to chart my own destiny! As my practice grows, I’ve loved diving into the world of small but customized applications for different uses. I think they’re so interesting to dream up, design, and see live that I’m always dreaming about what to make next.
Some examples of this include:
Tallymade : My gamified survey platform that helps you make feedback fun. The user gets a chance to play a fun game, and the organization is still able to gather good, usable data to help them make revenue-driven decisions.
The Tapestry of Travel : A collaboration between MARTA Artbound and the Public Art Futures Lab, we developed an app that lets anyone in the MARTA system co-create artwork using AI based on how they’re feeling.
Taste Bud : An AI-powered recipe collaborator that helps you brainstorm recipes based on what you have on hand or any dietary restrictions you have. Save recipes to your computer, print them out, or send them to a friend. Last I checked, over 6000 people have saved recipes using Taste Bud.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s certainly been a road filled with teachable moments and life lessons, that’s for sure! No one teaches you how to freelance, and everyone’s journey is so different it’s difficult to ask for and get advice that you can apply. I’ve taught the business side to myself and also had to figure out how to guide my work into the areas I really love (community collaboration, technology) in addition to the normal types of work that people expect me to do.
I’ve doubted myself, felt small, thought about quitting, been told I wasn’t any good and believed it, but then I get to see the impact of the work I’ve done and realize that even if I’m not the best designer, I care the most about every single project I’ve ever been trusted to take on. That keeps me going and makes me look forward to every day.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I describe myself as a graphic designer because that’s the easiest way to way what I do at parties, but more specifically I specialize in using technology and design to find creative solutions to sticky problems. This might be a series of life-size infographics to explain complex transit terminology or a custom-built application to make a farmer’s job easier. I’d like to think I’m known for being creative, for being easy to work with, and for creating some truly unique work.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I’m always looking for individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and government organizations to collaborate and dream up innovative solutions with. Some of my favorite projects begin with simply presenting a problem: no one in this organization knows what anyone else does.
We need a way for people to make farm signage without much technical know-how. We want to spread awareness of the 988 mental health crisis hotline to a specific industry in a way that speaks to them. Honestly, even if you’re not sure but just want to chat, I love helping brainstorm new projects and mentoring young designers when I can. Reach out to me! https://www.sarahclawrence.com/hello.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sarahclawrence.com
- Instagram: @sarahclawrence
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahclawrence/
Image Credits
Keenan Litmon
