Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Dickens.
Hi Lauren, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Dallas, Texas with a pencil in my hand at all times. I was constantly drawing and getting my hands messy, riding my bike around and building forts in dirt lots.
In high school, I ran cross country and played basketball — something I have a deep passion for and still play today. The peace that I find on a basketball court can’t be matched. It’s my meditation. Ultimately though, pursuing a career in the creative field was a no brainer. It’s second nature to me — guttural, visceral. It’s how I process the world and my place in it.
I came to Austin to study design at UT, and to finally actualize my full self. I had begun the process of coming out to a few close friends in high school, but I made a promise to myself that once in Austin, I’d live my life honestly. Austin felt like a place where all the facets of my being could finally coalesce into a whole.
Now as a professional, I bring my unique perspective and journey to the table in the relationships that I build. I believe connection and communication are the most important part of my practice; the design is really secondary. It’s important to me to be a good human first and the rest will follow.
I live in east Austin with my wife Samantha and our two dogs Larry and Barbara, and two chickens named Edith and Britney (after Britney Spears).
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
While I feel I have been extremely lucky, and consider myself very privileged in many ways, my road is not without potholes and detours.
When I was 16, my mom became sick and declined rapidly. From the time of her diagnosis with cancer to her death, we only had about 4 months. To see someone so full of life fade that quickly was confusing and traumatic, especially during such pivotal years in my maturation. It changed me and my family forever, and I still feel the ripples of her loss daily. As hard as it was (and still is) to process, it also lit a fire within me to honor her legacy. Even though she’s not here to see, I want to make her proud in the way I live my life and the choices I make. That’s my guiding light.
Something that could be seen as a challenge, which I actually find an advantage, is how overwhelmingly saturated the industry is with cis-het white men. As a queer woman, I think this gives me a very unique perspective in how I relate to both clients and peers, and create the work that I do. I look forward to embracing dialogue and trying to assert myself as a trailblazer for others to be embraced as their authentic selves.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m the Owner, Creative Director, and Designer of my own practice, Lauren Dickens Studioworks, which focuses on brand identity development. You’ve probably seen my work around town. Some local clients include Independence Brewing, Better Half Bar, Hold Out Brewing, Austin Eastciders, Cosmic Coffee, and Wax Myrtle’s. Larger clients include SXSW, Yeti, Lone Star, Target, Patagonia, and many others.
I’m particularly proud of the work I do locally for small businesses looking to get their foot in the door and build something authentic and inclusive in a town that is rapidly changing. More recently I had the opportunity to create the brand identity and style for the documentary film Deep in the Heart, alongside my studio mate, collaborator, and close friend Keith Davis Young. That film hits on many levels for me. As a native Texan, I want to see our rich and diverse ecosystems thrive for many generations, but without aggressive conservation measures, that reality won’t be possible. Texans are notoriously prideful about their roots, and it’s time for us to walk the walk in order to preserve the land we love. I implore everyone to check the film out, not only for the education and activism, but for the gorgeous cinematography and filmmaking.
Currently, I am really excited about an artist residency project focusing on amplifying BIPOC and queer voices in Smithville, Texas, which is just east of town. The project is in its infancy but they are poised to make a much needed splash in the central Texas and global art community. Their focus is on challenging conventional thinking and facilitating collaboration between visual artists, activists, writers, and change makers, in order to better our relationship to each other and the planet.
What sets my practice apart is my ability to connect first on a human level. It’s important to me to find alignment with clients and collaborators at a base level. If our values aren’t aligned, I’m probably not the best fit. Having that trust and understanding is a crucial foundation to building great work together. I believe the best work comes from openness and vulnerability. I recognize that a lot of times, people are coming to me with their biggest dreams and aspirations at the table. It’s a delicate thing to navigate and needs to be approached with great care. That may sound overly sentimental and idealist but I’d rather my work have a strong emotional response than be sterile and cold. It’s a true joy and honor to help realize these ambitions.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I have a few memories that really stick out, one being our family’s first vacation to New York City. I was around 12, and I remember being completely in awe of the energy and scale of the city. I found myself imagining that I was already an adult — independent, free, and walking the streets with wonder and curiosity. I felt like I had been there before, like I lived a previous life in a parallel dimension. Every time I go back I feel that same spirit.
The other (very Texan) favorite memory I have was visiting my grandparents in Sherman and gathering pecans from their pecan tree. The first time I had a freshly cracked pecan was an epiphany. They’re still my favorite nut, like a good Texan. We have a huge one in our current backyard in east Austin.
Contact Info:
- Website: laurendickens.com
- Instagram: @el_dick
- Twitter: @el__dick
Image Credits
Alison Narro
