Meet Lauren Chapluk | Graphic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Chapluk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
This is an interesting question because creative ideas come at the strangest of times. You could be driving to Palm Springs and see the windmills and suddenly realize how you can make a design you’re working on flow better and function better with nature (taken from a real-life experience). I work about 60 hours a week and sometimes very odd hours, so now, when I am off work I keep my phone in my purse and take the time to be away from technology and with loved ones.Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I had a very easy childhood. Upper middle class family, church on Sunday’s, good education, yadda yadda. I got good grades and I excelled in sports. I never really had to work very hard for things. Being a graphic designer is the hardest thing i’ve ever done. Being creative is the easy part. Making different groups of people all happy with the same logo or web banner is not. Speaking to non-creatives and creative work is challenging, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Graphic Design reminds me that good things in life take effort and time and perseverance. You never get it right with the first try but if you’re lucky, you learn from every mistake.If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have lived in Portland for almost ten years. Portland is my one of my favorite cities, secondly only to NOLA. I was born and raised in California so I have actually been in the situation where my friends come to visit for a week. First and foremost, Wahclella Falls in the gorge. Bring a small lunch and picnic just feet away from a beautiful waterfall that changes drastically with each season. You can’t really go wrong eating and drinking anywhere in Portland. However, some of my favorites include Luc Lac, Blue Star donuts and if it’s someones first time, hanging out at the Ace Hotel or Kennedy School is always a crowd pleaser.Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
At Portland State University we had a sophomore portfolio review that only half the kids would pass. After working full-time and going for a post bac, I was the only one of my friends who didn’t pass. I was crushed and swore that I would never go back to design again. My best friends from PSU all came together even with their busy lives and helped me in all of their wonderful ways to help me come back even stronger. I passed my portfolio the second time around, learned not to take anything for granted and have had a very successful career as a designer. None of that would be possible if it weren’t for the love and support from my fellow graphic designers and I am so thankful to have them in my life.

Website: http://www.lauren-chapluk-design.com/

Instagram: lauren___eileen

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-chapluk-548909ab/