Part of the Project
Lauren Fowler is an illustrator living and working in Cape Town, South Africa. She has a studio at The Woodstock Foundry where she spends her days drawing commissions and designing custom jobs. She sells her art prints to people who are interested in supporting local art and are looking for something a little different. All her artworks are authentic and editions of 100. Here’s what she had to say about being part of the Emerging Creatives programme in 2011.
Did being part of Emerging Creatives help you establish yourself as a fully fledged creative professional?
Being part of the Emerging Creatives programme helped my brand grow immensely. I saw a lot of repeat business as well as wider recognition for my work. It made me rethink the way I packaged my products and presented my brand.
How has the volume of your business increased since the stage of your career when you were part of the Emerging Creatives programme?
Being recognised or having people remember my name from somewhere helped. I think it forms a sense of trust in the consumer’s mind. This alone has grown my business immensely.
What was the most valuable things you got out of the programme?
Affirmation. Being a solo designer and illustrator can be very isolating. While showcasing my work in the public eye for three days, I received many compliments and got to talk to people directly. It also provided useful insight into what people would like to see from me in the future.
Since Emerging Creatives, have you participated in any local or international exhibitions or events, or won any awards?
Since 2009, I've been working in my own studio in Woodstock, Cape Town. With the success of my designs I have now also opened an online shop. I have recently collaborated with other young South African designers to open a pop-up shop, The Shoestring Collective in Gardens Centre, Cape Town.
Lauren Fowler lives and works in Cape Town as a professional illustrator, artist and thing maker. See more of her work at laurenfowler.co.za.
Apply to be an Emerging Creative at Design Indaba Expo 2014 here.
