Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Mohr

Hi Lauren, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

After graduating from Tyler School of Art at Temple University, I wasn’t exactly sure where I would go with my art career. For a year, I embraced teaching art to High Schoolers, but it was hard to tap into my own creativity while teaching full time. Then I was working a temporary job, nervous about what I would do next, when my manager suggested I sign up to sell my art in the emerging artist tent at the Manayunk Art Festival.

I worked diligently in the time before my temporary job was ending to create hundreds of 4”x4” pen and watercolor animals. They ranged from snakes to lizards, hippos to toucans, rats to elephants, when I finished I couldn’t think of another animal to squeeze onto the impossibly small paper squares. I was extremely busy with the watercolor animals, but in the 5 months prior to the festival, I also completed a collection of 10 whimsical pets painted on woodblock with acrylic. I scanned them to create prints, designed stickers, and collaborated on a 6 artwork 6 poem zine.

Once the Manayunk Art Festival ended, I was eager to find more opportunities to sell my artwork, and I’ve continued to work at art festivals and markets in Philadelphia. I’m so grateful to my friends, family and co-workers during that time. Their belief in my ability to pursue art helped me make my dreams a reality and I wouldn’t be where I am now without them.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

The road hasn’t been smooth because I don’t have a car, but in all seriousness, having to carry your artwork to sell makes you acutely aware of the weight of the art. When I first started, I would haul tote bag after tote bag of inventory across Philadelphia. It wasn’t until months in that I invested in a four wheel collapsible cart. Depending on the market you’re at or the day sales can be good or bad. It’s hard to not get discouraged. I chose to be an artist everyday but it isn’t for the faint of heart.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I specialize in pet portraiture. My deep love for animals started with my childhood cats, Tatertot and Jellybean. Now I have two cats, Powder & Violet, they’re my muses. If you would like to commission a portrait of your pet you can find more information on my website: mohrdoesart.square.site. Primarily I work on woodblock with acrylic paint. In addition to commissioned work, I create original compositions, I’ll scan them and add my designs to prints or other merchandise like stickers, keychains, and notepads.

I’ve learned so much so quickly and found myself constantly pivoting to make it work. Printing is an aspect of art that I learned less about formally. When I started pursuing markets full time, my father who works in printer sales, sent me a printer and taught me how to make my own high quality prints. Whenever I wonder if this is the right choice for me, I think of times my family or friends have shown up to support me or helped me diversify my skills. I’m proud of my growth as an artist throughout my life and for continuing my passion even when it didn’t seem possible.

What are your plans for the future?

In the future, I would love to partner with a pet rescue or other social justice organization. Working with an organization that helps animals aligns with my love of painting them and I think it would be cool to collaborate in that way. I believe in supporting community through art and it can look like many different things. During pride month, I gave a portion of my sales to help with my friend’s medical transition. Art has supported and uplifted me when I’ve been down, and using my art to support others is a fitting way to give back what it has given to me.

Pricing:

• 4×6 $130
• 5×7 $145
• 8×10 $185
• 11×14 $220
• 12×16 $280

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mohrdoesart.square.site
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mohrdoesart/