We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lauren Roth. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lauren below.

Lauren, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s talk about innovation. What’s the most innovative thing you’ve done in your career?

I think the most innovative thing I have done in my business is publishing a sketchbook.

One of my favorite practices in being an artist is carrying a sketchbook. The places I have lived and traveled hold a heavy influence on my work, as does the breathtaking scenery in my everyday surroundings. Keeping a sketchbook with me helps me to remember and visually record all of that inspiration, which then finds its way into my work. From the most magnificent views to normal everyday objects, my sketchbook is there for me to document, scribble, capture and appreciate all of it. I have carried one with me for almost my entire life, it is a place where my artwork and thoughts take shape in such an open, raw and natural way. The pages are a color-filled mess – sprinkled with quotes, writing, ideas, cut paper, inspirations, collections I want to create, people and places I have drawn, expressive brushstrokes from leftover paint, experiments with different textures, line weights, and so much more. They have played such an important part in my development as an artist and creative.

As an artist and gallery owner, I always hear people say that they wish they could draw, and my response is always . . . you can! That was one of the motivations behind bringing this sketchbook to life. I wanted to create a book to be enjoyed by everyone, whether you are an artist in the traditional sense, or not. We are all creatives in one way or another, and a sketchbook is a perfect space to express that side of you freely, without any pressure.

Once I have an idea in mind there is no changing it. It took a lot of research, patience, learning and asking questions to print this book. The pages are sprinkled with my signature whimsical touch – offering soothing imagery, positive quotes, guided drawing tips, rainbow hued paint splatters and good vibes. I really poured my heart into it and I hope that people can connect with it and find happiness through it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Aloha! My name is Lauren Roth, I am a lifelong artist, who has turned that passion into a business. My work is a colorful collection of the beauty that surrounds us. Everything from the blooming flowers to the turquoise ocean, the magnificent mountains and all the colors, textures and emotions that each of them project. I love to capture inspirations with my sketchbook and camera before bringing them to life with a paintbrush.

I have been creating my entire life. It’s what I do to express myself, to relax, for fun, for work, truly whenever, wherever! I’ve always viewed art as an extension of myself, everything I see and touch my brain processes into an art piece and my hands are always moving as if I should be painting.

Originally from New Jersey, I attended the Savannah College of Art and Design and graduated in 2007 with a BFA in Illustration and Art History. I moved to Hawaii in 2009 to work as a Graphic Artist for the Whole Foods Market in Honolulu. While there, I showed my art at galleries, art fairs, coffee shops and restaurants, before pursuing my art career full time in October of 2012. Since then, I’ve expanded into textile design and a full line of apparel, home décor, and accessories. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with companies such as Hermes, Nordstrom, RipCurl, Kate Spade, LeSportsac, ANA Airlines, and many others.

In 2018, my husband and I opened the Lauren Roth Art Gallery in our hometown of Kailua. We wanted to open a place not only to display my work and products, but also to create a space that supports local art and artists in the community. Shortly after we opened, our sister company, Lauren Roth Japan, launched in Tokyo.

Although art is my passion, I find the most joy in connecting with people through my work. Any time I can bring a little bit of joy through bright colors and whimsical creations, it fills my heart.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think what helped the most with this was just staying consistent. Participating in events, as well as showing up to them when I wasn’t participating to get to know the community and show that support to fellow artists. Putting myself out there so people could see my work and get to know me as well. Having a positive, friendly attitude, as well as always showing and delivering work that was 100% up to my standards and quality. A lot of where I am now came from doing that and the word of mouth that spread from it.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I think anytime you put yourself out there to pursue a passion or start a business you know all about resilience! There isn’t one specific story that illustrates that. It’s just showing up time after time, even when the odds are against you or you feel like you can’t do it anymore. It takes determination, focus, dedication and believing in yourself, and that is not something that is always easy to do. Knowing to try again when something didn’t work out and always seeing the lesson in it so you know how to grow and push forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mynameislauren.com
• Instagram: laurenrothart
• Facebook: Lauren Roth Art
• Linkedin: Lauren Roth
• Other: I also have an instagram for my gallery @laurenrothartboutique

Image Credits
The photos are all credit to me.