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

Lauren , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

I had 2 big risks. My largest risk I think was taking a chance on myself. 8 years later I’m still here. Has it been a bumpy road? Yes! But with that I’ve been rewarded by making so many amazing connections and being able to do what I love everyday. My 2nd risk was to finally have my own booth at Dapper Day. I was so scared but now it’s one of my busiest events twice a year.

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

I started drawing at a very very young age and had a huge interest in cartoons and old animation. In fact my biggest goals as a 10 year old was to be a Disney cartoonist.

As time went on I decided to be a makeup artist for a little over 12 years, and eventually started mixing makeup and art together. I started adding blush to all of my hand drawn portraits and that really caught on fast, and started gaining interest.

As soon as I started doing this full time I switched to digital and offer business logos, merchandise designs, portraits etc for clients.
My proudest accomplishments was working on a cartoon (not out yet) and was hired as a character designer which is a dream of mine.

Something about me that makes me proud is hearing how my work makes people feel happy, or makes them smile. That’s what counts to me.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

For me vending has been a huge source of meeting new people / clients (my goal is to vend more in 2024) I met some amazing new clients at the Anaheim Halloween festival, as well as new clients at Dapper Day. I met a sweet bride and groom who hired me to draw at their wedding last year.

Also Instagram is a great source to not only network but make new artist pals

Have you ever had to pivot?

There was a time I was going through major life changes. I was moving out of my apt after 11 years and all the while taking commissions and working anywhere I could. After 1 more move I stayed focused, and kept working.
That time of my life was the hardest because I really felt like quitting. I was exhausted. Somehow work kept picking up and I decided this is what I want to do. This is what makes me happy, and what I know I can do well. So even with those super hard challenges I kept going, and stayed focused.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.coppertopink.com
• Instagram: @coppertop.ink