Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lauren Surmann. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Lauren, thanks for joining us today. Any thoughts around creating more inclusive workplaces?

Remain open. That’s to say, open to new ideas, people, policies, and inevitable change. From early in my career to recently, resisting change has slowed progress. When I reflect on change, there’s always good that comes from it. New people bring new perspectives. New ideas can create new perspectives. Change can shake things up, and in the moment feel overwhelming, but with change comes new opportunities. I have been fortunate to work with inclusive peers. The impact of working with an inclusive team is that it provides a safe space for ideas to be said, for people to be open, and the opportunity to problem-solve at a quicker pace. When there hasn’t been inclusion and the space doesn’t feel safe, great ideas are hidden away—it’s harder to be you and share your perspective.

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

I am creative by nature and when I enrolled for a B.F.A. in Graphic Design I didn’t know what I wanted to do, only that I enjoyed creating. So before graduating, I applied and interviewed with Paul Rustand, Creative Leader at Widgets & Stone. He gave helpful advice and connected me with two other design groups to interview with while I was in town. At the time finding a graphic design position seemed daunting. I moved to Chattanooga, TN with my now husband, and no job. A few months into my position as front desk associate at a local hotel, a regular traveler for FujiFilm, Robert Weaver, asked what I went to school for and offered to share my resume with local printing companies. That shared connection put me on my career path as a graphic designer. I worked for Paragon Printing, under the leadership of Keith Loyd, where I learned many skills beyond what we’re taught in school. Billboard design and wide-format printing was a whole new area of design. I had the opportunity to work directly with customers from individuals to local and large companies. I focused on technical skills, efficiency, and design. I also learned that I wanted to expand my skillset. I moved into editorial design as an in-house designer and later to an agency where I was able to use my skills in editorial, digital media, and billboard design. Creative Director, Victoria Carlson, pushed my creativity beyond my conceived limits. Her grace and love of design helped me grow exponentially. She lit that spark of passion that I was struggling to find early in my career. And now as a creative leader myself, it’s something I wish to instill in others and nurture within myself.

As a multidisciplinary designer, I get to provide a variety of design solutions and enjoy the process of problem-solving. Branding is one of my favorite areas to work in, from developing a logo and learning about the mission of the company to expanding into digital campaigns that encompass social channels, tv spots, and printed collateral—there’s so much that can be done. Taking photography as a minor in college gives me an advantage when working on-set or providing materials to film crews. I am agile to challenges that may arise, know when to pivot and always have a plan b.

I am proud to be a creative leader, that has been the goal (even if I didn’t know early on). I get to mentor graphic designers, develop brand creative that involves photo and video shoots, work with developers to redesign websites and am part of a growing company that supports members on their own journeys. It’s easy for us humans to get in the weeds, but taking time to reflect on how I got here makes me ever so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Early on, the goal was to pay my student loans using the degree I graduated with. Now, even while still paying on those student loans, my goal has evolved into full autonomy. I am on this creative journey to learn and experience many ways of working. I believe that with hard work and remaining open, I can one day start my own business—a space that creatives young and old from all areas of art can be a part of.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

The creative journey isn’t always black and white, it can have highs and lows. I think creatives have always been misunderstood and I think our brains operate different—it’s what helps us see what others cannot. The biggest thing that people don’t understand is that creativity is not a switch that can be turned on and off. Some of us get creative at different times of day. Some may need a whole day, more or less, to really let the design-problem sink in and work its way through. We are often expected to keep producing non-stop day-in and day-out, without the proper rest between projects. I believe so many of us are functionally burned out and because we are creative we still produce something. Entertain what it might be like if we were given the space to really hone in and produce excellence. The day-to-day designs might grow into something far better than anyone imagined.

Contact Info:

• Website: laurensurmann.com
• Instagram: @laurensurmanndesign
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-surmann

Image Credits
Screenshots and personal images, myself Lauren Surmann Fitness Equipment images, Cornelius O’Donoghue