Basics

Name: Lauren Jean
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Birthdate: November 11, 1985
Interests: graphic design, typography, tattoo flash, photography, theatrical design, stage management, music, literature

Favorites

Bands: AC/DC, Get Set Go, Saving Jane, Humanwine, The Dresden Dolls, MC Lars
Authors: Laurie Notaro, Hunter S. Thompson, Douglas Adams, Christopher Gutierrez
Artists: Frida Kahlo & Gustav Klimt
Movies: Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Party Monster
Quotes:

“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.” -Jack Kerouac

Work Experience/Story

In 2003 I applied for a job at a local party store and was asked if I would be willing to learn how to paint faces, I had already begun to toy with mehndi (henna) on my own and was excited to learn a new skill. I trained for a month, apprenticing at the store and at various outside events, before I was working on my own it was a very sink or swim experience. I attended the 2004 Face and Body Art International Convention where I met Nick and Brian Wolfe, as well as Pashur. I felt very inexperienced and unskilled compared to these men, but quickly realized I loved painting, and wanted to develop my own skills. I started working harder, pushing myself, and quickly improved.
In early 2006 I apprenticed as an air brush artist, and then took a 2 day body and face painting class. I fell deeply in love with airbrushing.
I am currently majoring in graphic design with a print focus and would like to eventually freelance or work for a small company. I still feel like I have a lot to learn, and hope to continue to hone my skills and eventually teach others to do what I do.

Background

My background is in technical theatre, at heart I am a stage manager. I graduated with a scholarship from one of the top performing arts high schools in my state, and had fantastic teachers there. I have been trained to operate in a very self-sufficient way and love being around people who hold a passion equal to mine for their art. Although I don’t consider myself to be nearly as naturally skilled as many in my field, my determination and stubborn nature have helped me to eke out my own niche locally.
I am a full time student, work part time at a local store as a face painter, and volunteer in the theatre community locally. I have a very strong work ethic and have always held myself to high standards when it comes to the quality of my work.

Mentors/Inspiration: Wendy Reed, Mark Reid