Meet Lauren Echo | Surface Designer, Muralist, & Illustrator

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

Hi Lauren, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
To me, being creative is a way of living. Every day, we make creative decisions as humans, but most people don’t realize they’re being creative. I chose a creative career because I want to surround myself with creativity. Some days, that just looks like admin work—which doesn’t feel inherently creative—but it allows me to spend the rest of my day drawing and getting paid for it. Being a freelancer is hard. Marketing yourself is hard. But at the end of the day, I get to do what I love and structure my life the way I want.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is deeply connected to my experiences with nature and adventure. Growing up riding bikes on trails and spending time outdoors, I developed a strong connection to the environment, and that connection is something I strive to express in my designs. What sets my work apart is my love for creating on unique canvases, like bike frames or climbing helmets. For me, art isn’t just about the visuals—it’s about the relationship between the object, the story, and the person interacting with it.

I’m most proud of the community I’ve built around my art. From working on creative projects with companies like Ventum to collaborating with talented artists like Julianne Mahoney of Wildbrush, these connections bring me strength and joy. As my journey continues, I’m excited to expand my work into new areas, like home decor, and I’m even working on getting my art onto skis and snowboards, pushing the boundaries of where my designs can go.

It hasn’t always been easy, but the journey has been worth every challenge. I’ve always felt the need to create, and choosing a creative career allowed me to fully embrace that passion. But like many artists, I’ve faced moments of doubt. Learning to balance the creative side with the practical demands of running a business, like managing projects and doing admin work, hasn’t always been my favorite part, but it’s been crucial in building a sustainable career as a freelancer.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was believing in the value of my own art. In the beginning, I often felt nervous about sharing my work, wondering how it would be received. Over time, with the encouragement of the people around me, I’ve learned that the more authentic I am, the more my designs resonate with others. I’ve also had to shift my mindset and recognize that creativity isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way of life. That shift has helped me push past doubts and truly commit to building a career from my passion.

The greatest lesson I’ve learned along the way is that creativity is never a solitary process. Surrounding myself with supportive people, collaborating with fellow artists, and staying true to my vision have all been vital to my growth. I’ve learned that it’s important to take risks, trust your instincts, and understand that there’s no one “right” way to be an artist—it’s about finding what works for you and staying true to it.

Ultimately, I want the world to know that my work is about more than just creating pretty designs. It’s about discovering adventure in the everyday, embracing creativity in all its forms, and using art as a way to connect with the world around us. Whether I’m designing for a brand or painting a custom piece, everything I create comes from a place of love for exploration, the outdoors, and the power of creative expression.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d want them to experience the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. We’d kick things off by grabbing coffee at 81301, one of my favorite local spots, and then head to the river for a dip and let the dogs enjoy a swim.

The next day, we’d drive up into the San Juan Mountains for a high country adventure. I’d take them on a hike to Columbine Lake, where the stunning blue water will blow them away, or, if they’re up for it, we might even summit Twilight Peak for some incredible panoramic views. At the end of the day, we’d head to Durango Hot Springs to soak and unwind, easing those sore muscles while soaking in the mountain views.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a huge shoutout to my friend Meghan, who told the world my stickers were for sale and pushed me to start putting my art out there. And a big thank you to the artist community—I wouldn’t be able to do this without the support and collaboration that happens here. I appreciate everyone who takes the time to engage with my work and sends me photos when they spot it out in the wild. Thank you!

Website: https://www.laurenechoart.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echo.lauren/?hl=en

Image Credits
Ri Ganey