Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren.
Hi Lauren, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! My name is Lauren, I’m a creator based in Orlando and the founder of Doe Creative Collective. Doe is a collective designed to help artists propel themselves towards a sustainable art-based career by connecting with other creators, clients, and by providing opportunity for experience, exposure, and education.
Doe Creative Collective was birthed out of my refusal to choose “just one thing.” Upon my high school graduation and entry into the world, my guidance counselor gave me the well-intentioned recommendation that while I was passionate about many avenues of creativity, I should decide on one track and narrow my focus. This struck a chord in me that I knew I couldn’t ignore.
After debating on whether or not I was delusional (still don’t have an answer for that), I chose to craft a place to house all of my creative endeavors, regardless of the media involved. Doe was born as a very abstract cheat code to convince the world I could do anything I wanted to.
Over the years, bit by bit, Doe continues to evolve. We are currently preparing to release our third issue of The Daily Doe, a recurring newspaper available online and distributed around Orlando featuring creatives of every avenue. A dream made possible by our incredible base of supporters through Patreon and beyond. We’re gearing up to launch some super exciting new factors of the Doe Universe this summer, including a podcast designed to give creatives free resources for strategic communication with clients and beyond.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For a while, it felt more like an outdoor obstacle course. I spent years honing in on what exactly the point of it all was. People always want to know what your dream is, but if you can’t explain it in simple terms – it’s just that. An abstract dream and not much else.
I’ve allowed the definition of Doe Creative Collective to organically marinate and come to an identity through connection with other creatives and forging a foundation by living in the world of “why not.” Our struggles have been the struggles of delay, patience, and now, getting the word out. It’s an exciting challenge to have. My hope and expectation is that this curated environment for opportunity draws people in with magnetic charm.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Finding the balance between learning the ever-growing world of creative output and throwing the rulebook out the window is delicate. Allowing yourself to be without limits is crucial, but not without understanding everything you can about what’s come before you and what is yet to come.
I’ve always been a student, mostly outside the classroom. Soaking in information of new methods, strategy, and ways to push the envelope. The hunger to learn should never die in an artist. You’ll never know everything, and nothing is ever truly finished. If you can release the need to be right, that truth is the most freeing thing I’ve ever learned.
I’m proud of Doe’s intentional growth. I’ve had tons of opportunities to listen to outside voices. Some saying I’m too young, some saying I’m too old, or it’s too big of a dream, or it’s not enough, not profitable, etc. The most important thing I can say about being a creative in this world is to protect the voices you allow to speak into your process. Who knows, you may just be striking magic no one else has seen yet.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Podcasts: Make Art Not Content by Father Bronques
More Than One Thing by Athena Calderone
Say What You Mean by yours truly (coming soon!)
Apps: Streaks for habit building, GoodNotes for searchable handwritten notes, and Pinterest for… obvious reasons.
Books – The Flinch by Julien Smith, Draw Your Weapons by Sarah Sentilles, DO/DESIGN: Why beauty is key to everything by Alan Moore
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@doecreative.co
- Website: www.doecreative.co
- Instagram: @doecreativeco
- Facebook: /doecreativeco
- Patreon: patreon.com/doecreativeco
Image Credits
Dom Potter, SamGold Photos, Makenzie Muehler, C’arrah Gabriel
