Why, hello there!
My name is Lauren Stern and I am an Experiential Graphic Designer based in Charlotte, NC with over ten years of experience specializing in the development and creation of immersive environments from abstract ideas to engaging visuals. I thrive with minimal supervision managing multiple projects in a fast-paced work environment with tight deadlines. I have a strong design background with a Master of Arts in Exhibition Design from the Corcoran College of Art + Design and a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Appalachian State University and proven experience creating eye-catching graphics that exude a “wow” factor. My experience is extensive designing wayfinding elements, from conception through implementation, for built environments that range from small storefronts to million-square ft. facilities.
Notable clients that I have worked with: Atrium Health, Bank of America, Bozzuto, Chick-fil-A, collaboration with Anthropologie and Hello Hydrangea, Eagle Hill, Global Partnership for Education, JBG Smith, Lowe’s, Nutramax, United Way, The Washington Post, The World Bank, and The Veterans Administration.
Since June 2021, I have been running my own boutique Experiential Graphic Design consultancy called Studio 618, LLC as the Owner and Principal Consultant. My business has recently been featured on SEGD’s page highlighting women-owned businesses titled, “Women Making History: SEGD’s Women Business Owners”. Please check out the article! Please check out Studio 618’s website and LinkedIn profile to see more. Studio 618 posts weekly on LinkedIn, so connect with us to check out what we are working on!
Studio 618 takes on various projects ranging in size and scope with clients all across the country. Clients include: Design firms, commercial and residential developers, signage fabrication companies, independent creators, and neighborhood communities. Services include: Experiential Graphics, branding, custom interior/exterior signage and wayfinding (analysis and design), digital illustration, signage proofs, production drawings, map design, and presentation creation.
A passion of mine is giving back to the design community whenever possible. I enjoy leading workshops and lectures on Experiential Graphics for Appalachian State University’s Interior Design program so the students learn about this dynamic field. To see my most recent lecture at Appalachian State University, please click here! For the past few years, I have served as a professional mentor to students within their Interior Design program and have served as a guest critic for their schematic design and portfolio reviews. I also participated as a lecturer in 2021 during Little’s Design Distilled monthly forum and presented on the topic of mentorship. My lecture was titled, “The Power of Mentorship”. Check out this link to watch that presentation’s dry-run or by clicking the YouTube icon on this page.
If you want to hear me give advice to new business hopefuls, listen to my interview on the Podcast, “The Bridge: Conversations Between Art and Business” with Alex Morpurgo from his GW School of Business course called, “Entrepreneurship in the Arts”. My interview is at the 9:30 mark.
As a creative outlet, I like to paint with watercolor and create fiber art. I love the process of creating each piece; from the first initial sketch to the final product hanging for everyone to see and enjoy. My work has been featured in several art festivals and over nine gallery exhibitions and has created numerous commissions for people all over the country. One of my favorite pastimes is going out in nature, and exploring new cities with my husband Keith and dog Dewey.
To learn more about my education, employment history and responsibilities within those positions, please check out my LinkedIn profile which has additional work examples, recommendations, and complete employment history as well as my current/completed project list. I post weekly to LinkedIn, so connect with me to check out what I am working on!
FUN NEWS: Lauren has written a children’s book all about the importance of signage and wayfinding called “Signs Have Much to Say”! If you are interested in this book, please visit the book’s website. Get your copy today!