Kelsey Lauren Design
Kelsey Lauren Design: Meet The Woman Behind HBL's Rebranding
HBL Note: I am honored to introduce you to an old friend of mine from high-school, Kelsey Houston, the woman behind HastyBookList’s new look. I’d been toying around with the idea of giving HBL a little makeover, but was overwhelmed by the idea of it and I wasn’t clear on how I wanted it to look. I reached out to Kelsey and essentially said “HELP!” I sent her a few inspiration photos (which, looking back now, are laughably tacky) and a few key words (sophisticated, gender-neutral, warm, natural, and timeless) and she took that and created a beautiful new brand for me. A brand that feels more like me. A brand inspired by that feeling of how nice it is to settle into a cozy reading nook, and slip away for a little while. Kelsey took that feeling, a simple luxury that is increasingly luxurious as I embark on parenthood, and “interpreted it by using elements with timeless silhouettes like a Tudor archway, rounded corners, a simplistic oval, and an inviting but cool color palette.” I still get chills when I look at my new site. I hope you love it as much as I do. Keep reading to learn more about Kelsey of Kelsey Lauren Design.
Kelsey Lauren Design: Meet The Woman Behind HBL's Rebranding
How did you get into graphic design? Tell us a bit about your background, how you first got interested in it, where you studied/learned graphic design.
I first became aware of graphic design while studying Arts Administration and Design Art at Drury University. It was essentially graphic design 101; I really enjoyed the creative challenges my teacher presented and loved the serenity I felt when I was deep in a designing phase listening to music. However, I didn’t settle on this as a career until much later in life.
I had only had one job directly out of college (in 2010) that was applicable to my degree (at Mid-America Arts Alliance in Kansas City). After that position was cut to part-time due to state budget cuts to the arts, I moved back home to Jefferson City. After nearly a year of applying for arts jobs (literally everywhere in Missouri) I finally found a job where my background of summer employment working for a Governor, and a U.S. Senator, lead me to work for a State Representative.
It wasn’t until I was working as a church secretary at my brother’s church in 2014 that I fell back into graphic design. Using an ancient computer and a trial version of Photoshop, I was designing bulletins, Sunday slides, as well as signage used in the sanctuary and around the church. It was here that I thought, “I want to be better at this, and this is what I want to be doing.”
Although I had a degree in Arts Administration, the technology and software had changed and improved so much that I definitely didn’t feel like I had the adequate knowledge to start a freelance business. So I looked into different programs, made a plan, and moved to St. Louis in 2015 enrolled at the Art Institute of St. Louis to earn my associates in Graphic and Web Design.
After completing the program in the early Summer 2016, I registered my LLC that August.
How would you describe your own design aesthetic/style?
I would describe my own design aesthetic and style as elegant but approachable. I love adding touches of luxury and surprise by putting that extra creative thought and effort into everything I make.
Do you have a favorite thing to design? Such as invitations, business cards, websites, etc? What is it about that thing that you love designing?
Yes, I love to design printed items like invitations and business cards, or promotional takeaways. There are so many fun ways to use texture and finishes that really make printed things feel special; like they are a level above.
What are your favorite businesses/clients to design for? Do you have a dream client?
I love being able to create for a variety of clients. I don’t really pigeonhole myself into a specific niche other than perhaps small business owners and solo-prenuers. I think that reason is that small business ownership can feel like you’re doing everything on your own. So, even though we may not work in the same location, I want my clients to feel as though they have a team member they can rely on.
Tell us a bit about what a new client could expect when working with you.
What a new client can expect when working with me is collaboration. I’m a firm believer in the fact that clients are the experts of their business, and I treat them as such. I ask a lot of questions because I always want to make sure whatever I create is something that is going to serve their needs specifically. My desire is to provide top-quality professional services, but also a personal, one-on-one experience.
What are you doing when you aren't designing?
I am most definitely loving on my two fur babies (golden retrievers) Tripp and Beau. I’m probably cooking or baking because I love to express myself in the kitchen (something I surely got from my mom and paternal grandmother). I love to spend time at the gym working out, not only for my body, but mostly: for my mind.
Birdwatching (even though I live in a subdivision) we basically have a nature ravine in our backyard, so I’m fortunate enough to see (and hear) a wide variety of birds throughout the seasons. Once I see a new bird, I research what they like to eat and put it out for them so they hang around.
Lastly, I’m probably watching Bravo, Impractical Jokers, or UFC with my husband (a trained wrestler/boxer/jiujitsu fighter).
Do you like to read? What's one of your favorite books?
I love to read, but I definitely don’t do it enough! The books I find myself reading these days are for business, such as The Brand Gap by Marty Neimeier. I’ve purchased and am excited to start “The Boundary Boss” by Terri Cole. I also have Clarity and Connection by Yung Pueblo.
I am a very empathetic person and always introspective and found that working from home I can be in my head a lot–– about everything. So, I try to find books that are going to help my mind, my thought process in creativity and business, and my relationships.
Anything else you'd like to add that we haven't covered already?
I have had so much fun working with you, Ashley! Thank you for trusting me with this creative project, it’s been an absolute pleasure!
